Highlight • Viewpoint
Tilgate Lake
Hiking
4.8
(42)
Tilgate Lake is a prominent natural landmark nestled within Tilgate Park in Crawley, West Sussex, England. As the largest of three lakes in the park, it serves as a popular hub for outdoor activities and a tranquil escape, offering a diverse landscape of freshwater, woodlands, and open spaces. Situated at an elevation of approximately 90 meters, this accessible viewpoint provides a refreshing perspective on the surrounding natural beauty of the region.
Visitors consistently praise Tilgate Lake for its vibrant atmosphere and wide array of activities. It's renowned as a watersports center, attracting enthusiasts for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Beyond the water, the park's well-maintained paths and scenic circular walking trail through lush woodland are a major draw, making it a favorite for leisurely strolls, invigorating runs, and family-friendly outings. The abundant wildlife, including various bird species and fish, adds to the natural charm that people love.
Before heading out, it's helpful to know that Tilgate Park is designed for accessibility. The paths around Tilgate Lake are well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, ensuring a welcoming experience for all. Ample accessible parking is available, along with disabled toilets. The park also features a lakeside café, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the surroundings. For those looking for more adventure, the Go Ape course and Tilgate Nature Centre are popular attractions.
The lake is an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits throughout the year, with many finding it a perfect spot for a "reset button" from daily life. Activities range from archery and mountain biking to raft building and zip trekking. Whether you're looking to rent a boat, cycle the trails, or simply enjoy a relaxing picnic by the water, Tilgate Lake offers something for every interest. The park also hosts various events, adding to its appeal during different seasons.
The area around Tilgate Lake is rich in history and natural wonders. Historically, it was part of the ancient Worth Forest and later a royal deer park. It even gained local fame as "Campbell's Lake" after Sir Malcolm Campbell used it for flotation trials of his famous boat, "Bluebird." Today, hikers and nature lovers can spot diverse wildlife, from ducks and herons to kingfishers and deer, while enjoying the clean waters and picturesque views of forests and a golf park.
Discover the many ways to explore this beautiful area. Whether you're interested in a gentle stroll around the lake, a more challenging trail run, or an exciting watersports adventure, there are numerous routes to choose from. You can find detailed walking routes, distances, and elevation profiles on komoot to help plan your perfect visit to Tilgate Lake, ensuring you make the most of this popular West Sussex destination.
Tips
September 22, 2024
Hiking
Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
November 20, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Tilgate Lake
5.0
(1)
176
hikers
4.78km
01:17
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
29
hikers
5.75km
01:32
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
hikers
3.91km
01:01
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 90 m
Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
14°C
7°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular walking routes around Tilgate Lake, and what are their distances?
Tilgate Lake offers a scenic circular walking trail that winds through lush woodland. While specific distances for individual routes aren't detailed, the main path around the lake is well-maintained and suitable for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run. For detailed walking routes, distances, and elevation profiles, hikers can explore options on komoot to plan their visit.
Is Tilgate Lake accessible for visitors with wheelchairs or buggies?
Yes, Tilgate Lake is designed for accessibility. The paths around the lake are well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. Accessible parking and disabled toilets are also available within Tilgate Park.
Are dogs allowed on the trails around Tilgate Lake?
Tilgate Park, including the areas around Tilgate Lake, is generally dog-friendly. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs on the trails. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and to clean up after them.
What amenities are available at Tilgate Lake and Tilgate Park?
Tilgate Park offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. These include a lakeside café, picnic areas, and playgrounds. For more adventure, there's the Tilgate Nature Centre, a Go Ape adventure course, and the Smith & Western restaurant. The park also features a historic Walled Garden and a tranquil Peace Garden.
How crowded does Tilgate Lake get, especially on weekends or during peak seasons?
Tilgate Lake is a popular destination, especially for watersports and outdoor activities. It can get quite busy on weekends, public holidays, and during warmer months. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended to secure parking and enjoy a more tranquil experience before the crowds gather.
Are there any entry fees or permits required for walking or accessing Tilgate Lake?
No, there are no entry fees or walking permits required to access Tilgate Lake or the general areas of Tilgate Park. It is open to the public for enjoyment.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted at Tilgate Lake?
Tilgate Lake and the surrounding park are rich in wildlife. Visitors can spot various fish species in the lake, including carp, bream, tench, pike, perch, crucian carp, roach, and rudd. The wider park ecosystem supports over 100 bird species, such as ducks, herons, and kingfishers, and deer are also present.
What activities are available at Tilgate Lake besides walking?
Tilgate Lake is a hub for a wide variety of outdoor activities. These include archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, rowing, running, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, team building, navigational challenges, tree climbing, and zip trekking. Visitors can also rent boats and bikes.
Are there cafes or pubs near Tilgate Lake for refreshments?
Yes, within Tilgate Park, there is a lakeside café for refreshments. Additionally, the Smith & Western restaurant is located within the park. For more options, the town of Crawley is nearby and offers a wider selection of cafes and pubs.
What is the history behind Tilgate Lake?
Tilgate Lake is part of the historic Tilgate Estate, originally a section of the ancient Worth Forest. It has a rich history, dating back to the Mesolithic period. More recently, in the late 1930s and 1940s, it gained local recognition as "Campbell's Lake" when Sir Malcolm Campbell used it for flotation trials of his famous boat, "Bluebird." The lake's dam was also significantly raised in 2011 as part of a flood alleviation scheme.
What are the parking options available at Tilgate Lake?
Tilgate Park offers ample parking facilities for visitors, including accessible parking spaces. While parking is generally available, it can fill up quickly during peak times such as sunny weekends or public holidays, so arriving earlier is advisable.