I would second all of captain schmidt's ideas.....

Brighton and Lewes can be a nice pairing..... also check out Seven Sisters and Beachy Head south east of Lewes on the coast....

Alternatively... if you are interested in actually visiting a few places and want a break from driving....

the following places are within an easy 1 hour drive of Crawley (mostly to the east) and I am sure you could find out more about them on the net and plan a route to link a few of them up. The scenery is pretty good around there whichever route you choose.... although sticking to the "B" roads (ususally yellow on the map) is usually better !!

Chartwell - Churchills Country Home - near Westerham (but check opening times)

Quebec House in Westerham also has a Canadian connection !!

Hever Castle - connection with Henry 8th - near Edenbridge

Chiddingstone Village - also near Edenbridge

The village of Hartfield - has a connection with Winnie the Pooh

Sheffield Park Garden can be stunning in Autumn

The Bluebell Railway (also at Sheffield Park) operates Steam Trains at weekends

Wakehurst Place - is an annex to Kew gardens