If coming from the south, many coastal towns have direct trains to Gatwick

https://brookstsgd837.bearsfanteamshop.com/easybus-to-gatwick-budget-transfers-and-how-to-book-2

If coming from the south, many coastal towns have direct trains to Gatwick. Check Southern and Thameslink routes from places like Worthing, Lewes, and Eastbourne.