Facts for Kids

Crawley is a fun town located in West Sussex, England. 🌍

It has a mix of old and new buildings, with a rich history. The town is famous for its shopping centers, parks, and friendly people. Crawley covers about 2,689 acres (1,090 hectares)! It’s a great place to live, play, and learn. The town has a population of over 112,000 residents, making it a bustling community. 🌆

Crawley is also close to London, just about 28 miles (45 kilometers) away! This makes it an easy spot for people visiting the big city.

Crawley has a history that goes back to the Stone Age! ⌛

The name "Crawley" comes from “Crawleah,” meaning "the place of the crow." By the 1800s, it was a small village until the railway came in 1841, which helped people visit. 🚂

Crawley grew quickly and became a town in 1945. During World War II, it even assisted in the war effort! Today, you can spot some old buildings that show its fascinating past, like St. John the Baptist Church built in 1235.

Crawley has several exciting places to explore! 🌟

One popular spot is Tilgate Park, where you can enjoy playgrounds, wildlife, and beautiful gardens. 🦢

The Crawley Museum also teaches visitors about the town's history and fun facts! Kids love going to the Cineworld cinema for movies and shows! 🎬

Another cool area is the County Mall, which is perfect for shopping and dining. For sports lovers, there's also K2 Crawley, a big sports center with swimming pools and gyms! 🏊

Crawley is dedicated to education! 🏫

There are many schools offering great learning opportunities for children. Some popular schools are Maidenbower Junior School and St. Wilfrid’s Catholic School. These schools provide fun activities, including sports, arts, and music. 🎨

Crawley also has colleges for older students like Crawley College, which helps prepare them for careers or further studies. The town's focus on education helps children gain the knowledge they need to succeed and grow into responsible adults. 📚

Crawley is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is near the stunning South Downs National Park. 🌳

The town has many parks and green spaces like Tilgate Park, which is perfect for picnics! 📸

The climate in Crawley is temperate, which means summers are warm, and winters can be chilly. 🌦

️ In July, temperatures can reach around 22°C (72°F), while in January, it can drop to about 3°C (37°F)! This makes it a lovely place to enjoy different seasons!

Crawley is a fantastic place for sports and play! 🏅

There are local football clubs, like Crawley Town FC, where you can cheer for the home team! ⚽

Kids love playing sports at parks, including basketball, tennis, and cricket. 🎾

The town has several leisure centers, such as K2 Crawley, where you can swim, climb, or have fun at the gym! With beautiful parks and green spaces, there are plenty of spots for picnics, biking, and outdoor fun. Crawley encourages everyone to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌳

Crawley has a strong economy! 💼

Many people work in shops, restaurants, and offices. The well-known Gatwick Airport is nearby, providing many jobs. ✈

️ The airport helps the town thrive by attracting visitors. Many businesses, like tech companies, also operate in Crawley, making it easier for residents to find jobs. Small businesses add charm and create a friendly shopping experience! 💖

Crawley works hard to support its residents with numerous job opportunities in various sectors, making it a buzzing place to live.

Crawley is home to diverse groups of people! 👫

About 112,000 folks call it home, including families from various backgrounds. This town has residents from England, as well as from countries like Poland, India, and Pakistan. 🌍

Children make up a large part of the population, so there are lots of friends to make! Crawley also has many activities for everyone, making the community vibrant and exciting. With such diversity, it’s a place where people learn from each other and celebrate different cultures.

Crawley has excellent transport, making it easy for people to travel! 🚍

There are buses that connect to nearby towns and cities. Travelers can also use the train services at Crawley Railway Station to reach London in just about 30 minutes! 🚆

For those flying, Gatwick Airport is only a short drive away, allowing easy access to many parts of the world. The town is well-planned, with roads that help everyone get around smoothly. 🚗

This makes Crawley a convenient place to explore!

Crawley loves celebrating! 🎉

The Crawley Festival happens every summer, featuring fun activities, music, and performances. It makes everyone come together to enjoy the community spirit! 🎶

The town also hosts the popular Christmas Light Switch-On, where people gather to see the town sparkle with lights. 🎄

Local fairs and markets take place throughout the year, showcasing amazing crafts and delicious food! Crawley is a place filled with joy and exciting events that bring people closer together!