Arundel is a beautiful market town dating back to the 11th century. It’s best known for the castle built in 1067, and the cathedral, built in 1873. Its rich history and beautiful location on the river Arun make it a fantastic destination for walking and exploring. I find Arundel perfect for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike! Just going around all the old streets made me feel like I stepped into another world with one-off shops, independent eateries, and the remains of the old castle walls. Arundel train station is very well located, and the train takes less than 90 minutes from London and just over an hour to Brighton, making it an extremely convenient and affordable day out or weekend getaway.
Arundel has some great nature trails too. My personal favourite trail is Swanbourne Lake, which is just over 2 miles around the lake and takes about 45 minutes to complete the loop. Just a 25-minute walk from Arundel train station, the lake dates back to being an 11th-century millpond! As I went from the station to the lake, I walked over the river Arun, made a stop off in the town to explore, and then walked down tree-lined streets. You can either walk around the lake, which is my preferred option, or rent a rowing boat and row around it if feeling more adventurous! Another amazing trail is the walk from Arundel to Amberley, which is 11.7 miles and a spectacular mix of history and nature. Go walking through Arundel, then along the South Downs and the river Arun to Amberley. Amberley is a beautiful village with thatched houses, a pub, a church, and a castle, plus a train station which is so convenient! This trail takes about 6 hours, but do allow extra time for pit stops. Get the Southern Railway to Arundel, do the impressive walk, and get the train home from Amberley station. Each of these trails offers such a unique experience in and around Arundel, and it’s free!
Arundel Wetland Centre is also a fantastic family-friendly day out, and it is just a 25-minute walk (approx. 1.3 miles) from the train station! There are so many things for the whole family to enjoy, such as watching a pelican keeper talk, watching a diving duck fish feed, or going on a wetland discovery boat safari. An adult ticket costs £14.50, a junior is £9.27, or a family pass is £44.40 (2 adults and 2 children between 4 and 17 years old). Children under 4 get free entry. There is also the WWT Arundel circular walk which goes alongside the River Arun and beside the Wetland Trust to search for wildlife! It takes about an hour to complete.
I love history, so seeing the Arundel Castle and walking around the gardens was a must. The views of Arundel are second to none from the castle, I highly recommend this! The castle is about 10 minutes walking from the train station and is right in the town. I love the walk around Arundel park too, it is an incredible place to spend the afternoon. The loop goes around the lake, the castle and the wildfowl and wetland centre!
Arundel has a great selection of walks to enjoy, and the train station makes them so accessible and affordable. The trails and walking around Arundel itself is all free too. Between the history and walks around Arundel, it’s impossible to get bored!