Library

Crawley's library is one of those places you'd walk past without a second glance if you weren't looking for it - which is exactly why it's worth seeking out when you're camping nearby. It's a proper working library, not some grand Victorian building designed to impress, but that's rather the point. You'll find the usual suspects: books, computers, a quiet reading space that actually feels peaceful, and staff who know their stuff.

The value here depends entirely on what you need. If you're stuck at Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Worth Forest Glamping during a rainy afternoon with restless kids, it's a solid indoor option - free and climate-controlled. Families will find children's sections with books and sometimes activities. Walkers using Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park as a base might need to check their maps or print walking routes here. History types sorting through local records could spend a proper couple of hours.

Don't expect tourist attractions or exhibits. You won't be wowed, and you certainly won't want to make a special journey. It's genuinely useful if you're staying in the area and need shelter or information, but that's the honest limit of it. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on what you're after. Phone ahead to confirm opening hours and whether they charge - most public libraries don't, but it pays to check.