Buchan Country Park
Buchan Country Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Buchan Country Park is 170 acres of countryside on Crawley's doorstep and a Green Flag Award winning Country Park. Owned and managed by West Sussex County Council, it is a haven for quiet recreation and a variety of wildlife. The waters at Buchan are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the variety of dragonfly species. The park is an ideal place for walking, wildlife watching or enjoying a picnic. We have a permanent orienteering course, 2 way-marked trails and sculpture dotted around the park. The Rangers and the Friends of Buchan Country Park run a variety of events throughout the year. Lose yourself amongst the birch trees, wander around the heath and linger in the meadow, Buchan Park has plenty to offer.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
131 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
40
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Juliette G
London, UK300 contributions
Mar 2020
Wonderful place to wonder walking around the lake lots of wild life and a sculpture park great for wonderful photos. There are quite a lot of dog walkers so better go at a time when not so many . Lots of photography of nature and wildlife to keep active as you wonderaround the grounds. Very well looked after and a nice retreat for peace and quite.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danny20142014
Crawley, UK19 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Few lakes and it takes around 45-60 mins to circle the park. Dogs love it as there is a part of the lake just for them!!!
Car place has ample free parking place. The park is almost level so it easy to stroll. Note, half of the park paths may not so suitable fro strollers but they are many choices. Try to walk on the Narrow paths near the lake. Lovely picture spots.
Car place has ample free parking place. The park is almost level so it easy to stroll. Note, half of the park paths may not so suitable fro strollers but they are many choices. Try to walk on the Narrow paths near the lake. Lovely picture spots.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul B
Brighton, UK1,507 contributions
Jan 2021
Very busy car park during lockdown, with a lot of people walking from the town. Fairly busy on the paths but they're wide enough for everyone to keep their distance. Hard pathing all round and great mix of lakes, woodland, open countryside, all on a loop and joining up, so easy walking. Recommended.
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charley Francis
Walton-On-Thames, UK14 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Beautiful country park - I am lucky enough to live a mile away so visit several times a week with my partner and dog.
Great to visit at all times of year with multiple walking routes available. Lovely staff and volunteers.
Great to visit at all times of year with multiple walking routes available. Lovely staff and volunteers.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neil R
Cheltenham, UK6 contributions
Oct 2022
Came here after Tilgate brought in their effective dog ban. Lovely park. Nice trails. Dog friendly and quiet with free parking (or a small donation which we were happy to make). What’s not to like. We’ll be back.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leetemum
Worthing, UK60 contributions
Aug 2020
Beautiful Park. Pleased to see that the toilets are now reopen and they have also added a coffee mobile unit just past the car park. Had a lovely walk with the children and dogs plus had a picnic. Plenty of picnic tables and bins around. Very little dog poo been left too due to loads of bins and the poo fairy posters. My kids love it here and we visited here several times since June.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Al B
Banstead, UK19 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Lovely park for families, dog-walkers and runners. Donation-only parking, a simple cafe with wonderful bird-viewing and some fun dens. Saw loads of common garden birds as well as a few nuthatches. Charming place.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debbie K
Horsham, UK30 contributions
May 2018 • Family
I've lived in Horsham all my life but until I became a dog owner had only ever visited Buchan once .....now we are regulars . Parking is free and as long as you love dogs this is a great place to go . The lake is beautiful all year round and the coffee barista there at weekends an extra bonus . We often meet here in our monthly cavachon walks
Written June 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
matt s
6 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
I visited the park with my young daughter and cycled round the lake along the trails which was pleasant enough. Fairly flat around the lake and some inclines as you wonder further from the lake itself.
Unfortunately during our most recent visit I was attacked by a dog and bitten on the afternoon of 02/04/17. Dog ran towards me barking then jumped up at me whilst I was on bicycle and bit my leg puncturing skin through a pair of jeans.
Message to all dog owners: It is your responsibility to have your dog under control at all times there are no excuses.
If my daughter happened to be in front of me, she could have been knocked off her bike and bitten, luckily it was myself who took the hit.
Difficult to police but I believe the rangers could put up signs advising dog owners that they can be fined etc if their dog is dangerous or out of control.
Unfortunately I will not be bringing my children to this park again, its just too risky bearing in mind the shear number of dogs that frequent on a sunny day, a real shame because its a decent park that can be ruined by human negligence, get your dogs under control.
Unfortunately during our most recent visit I was attacked by a dog and bitten on the afternoon of 02/04/17. Dog ran towards me barking then jumped up at me whilst I was on bicycle and bit my leg puncturing skin through a pair of jeans.
Message to all dog owners: It is your responsibility to have your dog under control at all times there are no excuses.
If my daughter happened to be in front of me, she could have been knocked off her bike and bitten, luckily it was myself who took the hit.
Difficult to police but I believe the rangers could put up signs advising dog owners that they can be fined etc if their dog is dangerous or out of control.
Unfortunately I will not be bringing my children to this park again, its just too risky bearing in mind the shear number of dogs that frequent on a sunny day, a real shame because its a decent park that can be ruined by human negligence, get your dogs under control.
Written April 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cfc4ever10
Crawley, UK42 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Beautiful park and lake, very well looked after with paths and trails for a healthy walk for adults, children and dogs
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I have just moved to Ifield, are there any dog walking local areas nearby, how far is Buchan Park, I don't drive. Thank you
Simon R
Crawley, UK
Hi. Buchan park is very popular with dog walkers. it is just under 2 miles from Ifield station, and would take about 40 minutes to walk from there. for more info visit the West Sussex County Council website and search "Buchan"
There are also walks around Ifield Mill pond which would be closer to you. Hope that helps
CaribbeanLove86
London, UK167 contributions
Would this park be ideal to bring my anxious dog to build his confidence? We love walking but he's nervous around new dogs and people, such a stunning boy. Would people mind?
Susan B
Crawley, UK167 contributions
It’s a great place for dogs... loads of space to walk around in the woods. Although it’s a Dog walkers paradise there’s lots of different paths to take
Pamela244
Colorado Springs, CO20 contributions
I am here for just the day tomorrow, April 5. Are there swans in this parks lake? I read somewhere in a link about Crawley's parks that there were swans. Thanks.
Susan B
Crawley, UK167 contributions
Only seen ducks and moorhens. In Bewbush Crawley there is a lovely lake.. Waterfield Lake.. there is a boardwalk which goes across the lake and you can feed the ducks and swans, geese... also seen cormorants, herons and kingfishers.
Buchan Country Park (Crawley) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Buchan Country Park
- Buchan Country Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Buchan Country Park:
- (1.74 mi) Fastlet - Carylls Country House
- (3.97 mi) Windfalls Boutique Hotel
- (4.33 mi) Trumbles - Gatwick B&B
- (1.88 mi) Arora Hotel Gatwick / Crawley
- (1.11 mi) Premier Inn Gatwick Crawley Town West hotel
- Restaurants near Buchan Country Park:
- (0.34 mi) Al Naseeb
- (1.74 mi) Sage
- (1.87 mi) Old Punch Bowl
- (1.86 mi) Turtle Bay - Crawley
- (1.78 mi) Royal Thai Taste