Broadfield Park - A little hidden treasure - But where is it ?

Up until the mid 80s, Broadfield Park, Crawley, West Sussex was a splendid venue for picnics and a spot of fishing in the lake. The White House (as it was referred to in the 70s) was a grand building overlooking the flowered gardens. In later years (early 80s) it was the home of Radio Mercury.

Across the A23 from Tilgate Park, Broadfield Park is set in the grounds of Broadfield House, a Grade II Listed Building dating back to 1830. The parkland around the house comprises an attractive mix of landscaped lawns and a variety of ponds and meadows.

Broadfield Park is part of The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, operated by Fields in Trust, a campaign to protect outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country as a permanent living legacy of The Queens Diamond Jubilee. Six outdoor spaces in Crawley were chosen to become part of the scheme, one for each decade of the Queens reign.

Whats there ?

• Lakes
• Woodland
• Lawns
• Parkland
• Nature Trails
• Free Parking

The site includes a small stream which spreads to form a series of shallow pools. Further downstream the valley has been dammed to form a small lake. Broadfield Park is managed as a Nature Reserve. A marked nature trail leads from the lawns past the ponds along a boardwalk and through the woodland.

Where is it ?

How do I get there ?

• The park can be accessed either via the A23 (opposite the K2 Leisure Centre), or on foot via Vulcan Close
• There are also footpaths directly into the park from Woodmans Hill
• Nearest Bus Stop : Numbers 271, 273 (Broadfield Park stop), or number 2 stops in the K2 car park
• The Park, now a nature reserve, is accessible from the adjacent Broadfield House car park. The Park is rather undulating with few proper pathways, mainly grass areas. The path around the lake is not suitable for wheelchair access.

Please note . . . .

• We welcome dogs, but please ensure you clear up after your pet responsibly
• Camping is not permitted
• Fires are not permitted
• Quad bikes and other types of motorcycle are not permitted anywhere in the park
• We do not have the facilities or expertise to deal with wildfowl in distress (injured, caught in fishing line etc), you need to report this to the Tilgate RSPCA on 0300 1234999 giving as much detail as possible. Or try the Swan Sanctuary 07712 753919. The council Parks Dept don't deal with these incidents. Thank you.

Fishing . . . .

North Sussex Piscatorials have taken over the management of the lake. See their Facebook page, search North Sussex Piscatorials. Or Email them Here. We are hoping that you have enjoyed fishing at Broadfield Park lake and hope you continue with the NSP.

North Sussex Piscatorials have several lakes on their books, New Pond, Broadfield Park and Barn Court, Crawley Down. To have exclusive fishing to all these lakes, they would ask that you join their Clubmate page by firstly liking their Facebook page and then messenger them giving your email address, then they will add you on. Or Email them, so they can discuss the membership plans that will suit you best.

And finally . . . .

• Respect the surroundings and consider others
• Do not drop litter, use the bins or better still take it home
• Thank you - enjoy the park and leave only footprints.
• We would always urge anyone who sees any undesirable activity going on in the park to contact one or the other of these services.
  CBC Community Wardens : (7.30am to 10pm) 07884 492324
  Police non emergency number : 101, more details here.

If you have any enquiries or concerns about the park, please contact Crawley Borough Council directly here.Their contact centre is open from 8.30am to 5pm for calls, on 01293 438000. Or visit the Councils parks and gardens page here.