Horley: Gatwick, rail and local history

Horley is right next to Gatwick Airport and on the railway line between London and Brighton. These two connections offer different points of reference when choosing a destination. Horley is also home to historic buildings, traces of the town’s history and green spaces.

Horley between the airport, rail and bus

In addition to its location by the airport and railway line, Horley is served by bus routes such as Fastway 100 and Fastway 20. The town’s transport connections can therefore be considered separately: its immediate proximity to Gatwick, the railway line between London and Brighton, and the named bus routes. Bus routes can change, so check the route for your travel date before making a specific journey.

Local history in buildings and places

Horley’s architectural history spans several periods. The Church of St Bartholomew is a 14th-century church, restored by A.W. Blomfield in 1881. Buildings in a range of architectural styles line Horley High Street; most were built in the second half of the 19th century. Horley’s history thus encompasses both the long architectural history of a single church building and a streetscape whose buildings mostly date from a later period.

Horley railway station, built in 1905, also has a historic detail: logos are carved into the ends of the station buildings, showing the year of construction and the initials of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway. The date and railway initials can therefore be read on the buildings themselves.

The Boer War Memorial Lychgate commemorates three local servicemen who died in the Boer War. Some of Horley’s oldest buildings can still be seen in Horley Row. The Archway Theatre dates back to 1939. Together, these places offer different ways to explore Horley’s history: remembrance, older buildings and theatre history.

For a guided overview, the Horley Town Tour offers a walking tour of Horley’s history and sights. Check locally whether the route is available before planning your visit.

Green spaces and seasonal highlights

The Riverside Green Chain runs around the entire town, protects the river landscape and offers opportunities for organised and independent leisure activities. Some sections may be subject to change, so check local guidance if you are planning a specific activity.

At Church Meadows, you can walk through the church grounds in summer and enjoy the wildflowers; flowering is seasonal. The green spaces therefore have different focuses: the Riverside Green Chain connects the whole town with the river landscape and leisure opportunities, while Church Meadows combines a specifically summer walk with wildflowers.

Discover more destinations: Thorpe, Frensham, Hindhead, Mickleham, Milford, Reigate, Copthorne, Camberley.

For the main travel overview: Surrey.