On the last day of my trip through Europe, I'm flying from Amsterdam into Gatwick for one final night before returning to the States the next day. I'd like to avoid the trip from Gatwick into London for the final night because I'll just have to turn around for my departure the next morning out of Gatwick. Are there any interesting/charming towns that are easily reached around Gatwick airport? I'd like to spend one final, relaxing night in a cool English town close to Gatwick Airport before getting on the plane the next day. I really appreciate the input.

If you want easy & quick transport from Gatwick, with a nice choice of pubs, then East Croydon has reasonable hotels and lots of food/drink options, but it is not charming (though it is only 15 minutes or so from Gatwick by train). You could head an hour south to Brighton, which is far prettier and hipper, but it is an hour. I've looked at other towns in the past that are on the train line, but they sounded too plain or too tricky to navigate. If you rent a car, of course, there may be other options that people can point you toward.

If you want to spend a night near Gatwick there are a lot of B&Bs in Horley which will pick up and drop off at the airport (I stay at http://www.springwoodguesthouse.co.uk/ ) but aside from having a good pub for dinner (http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/yeoldesixbellshorley/ ), it's not charming. However, you could take a train south after checking in and visit either Brighton or Arundel for the afternoon.

If you want easy & quick transport from Gatwick, with a nice choice of pubs, then East Croydon has reasonable hotels and lots of food/drink options, but it is not charming (though it is only 15 minutes or so from Gatwick by train).>>

in fact it's probably the least charming place you could think of!

definitely Brighton - and there are loads of trains back going towards London that stop at Gatwick.

Great hotel by Gatwick is the Arora! It was designed by a British Airways flight attendant and everything is geared to the traveler-newstand/snack shop;coffee bar with snacks in beautiful atrium,super workout room;great restaurant(have the salmon-yum!).
Rooms that have everything from navy blue sheets on the bed with great comforters to teddy bear mugs with a tea bar built in the wall with a ironing board.The staff are wonderful AND you simply go out of the hotel and the Crawley train station is there to take you back to Gatwick.The hotel also has a shuttle to the airport.There is even an AVIS rental car on the property!

There is a huge shopping area with everything from Debenhams to Boots on the other side of the train station in Crawley.
I would recommend a trip to Horsham with lunch at the Little Brown Jug restaurant and hit the charity shops if you have time?

One of my favorite places to eat is Goff Manor which is a marvelous restaurant about a half mile from the Arora hotel.It is right out of central casting and used to be a famous British actor's house-super food and atmosphere and very popular.It is centuries old and is on many acres with outside seating.Try all of their beers and specialities for a delightful dinner!

««You could head an hour south to Brighton, which is far prettier and hipper, but it is an hour.»»

I agree with the recommendation, but journey time by train is not an hour, it is as little as 28 minutes.

The two easiest/best places to visit from LGW are Brighton and London. Both are about 1/2 an hour away. Each is as practical as the other.

Eastbourne is also accessible from Gatwick by train, it's smaller, quieter (unless a hot summers day or holiday) & not as trendy as Brighton, the grand parade along the beach is very nice. Close by is Beachy Head, which is a lovely area for walking.

It depends on how much time you have, what time of day and when you have to be at Gatwick the following morning.

Crawley is certainly not a cool English town. I had lunch at Goffs Manor last week and had an ok lunch, though it is pretty.

The quickest train to Brighton for Gatwick is 23 minutes and the slowest is 40 minutes. Lots to do in Brighton - the Royal Pavilion, the pier, the new Brighton Wheel.

Haywards Heath isn't the most exciting town on the planet but does have quite a lively area with bars and restaurants. It is between Gatwick and Brighton on the train line.

All, thanks so much for the input, you have all been very helpful!

A vote for Brighton - not your small English town but a brash once fading and now reviving seaside resort - famous piers and just a unique feeling all its own. I stayed in a B&b right by the train station.

Another vote for Brighton. But if you prefer a smaller, more historic town, then Arundel. Nice location on the river, quaint antique shops and a castle overlooking the river.