If you are drawn to castles, antiques and riverside walks, Arundel is your stop. Trains from London Victoria to Arundel usually take around an hour and a half and deliver you to a town that feels like it has stepped out of a storybook.
From the moment you leave the station and walk towards the town centre, Arundel Castle dominates the skyline, with its turrets, towers and sweeping views. Below it, steep streets are lined with independent shops, galleries and antique emporiums that invite a slow, curious wander.
In episode one of this season our hosts chat to Katrina at Greening Arundel about nature recovery in the area, spend time bird watching at the Wetland Centre as well as chatting to both a fellow train traveller and a local historian, Mark Phillips. You'll also find out why the Duke of Norfolk lives in Arundel!
There are many things to do in Arundel for culture lovers and relaxed explorers - including the Arundel Lido - a heated outdoor pool! Stroll along the River Arun, hire a boat on Swanbourne Lake, or follow footpaths out towards the surrounding countryside. Pause in a tearoom, browse for vintage treasures or visit one of the town’s historic landmarks.
If you are looking for a proper British seaside day out, Bognor Regis is an easy win.
Step out of the station and you are only a short stroll from the seafront. Think wide shingle beaches, traditional amusements including a Punch & Judy festival each September, fish and chips on a bench and long, easy walks with sea air and big skies. It is perfect for a relaxed date day or a solo wander with a camera.
In the final episode of this season find what Hotham Park has to offer, and learn about how the Victorians got into the sea without being seen. You'll also learn about Mary Wheatland (see if you can find the blue plaque on Bognor Pier!) who was key local historical figure from Ken at the Bognor Regis Museum.
You will find plenty of things to do in Bognor Regis. The pier and promenade offer classic seaside views, (including the iconic white peaks of Butlins) while side streets reveal independent cafés, friendly pubs and local shops where you can pause for coffee, ice cream or a lazy lunch between walks.
If you want a mix of beach, art, architecture and food, Littlehampton makes a brilliant day trip from London Victoria. The journey takes roughly one hour forty minutes and rewards you with river views, sandy stretches and a very photogenic seafront.
From the station it is a short walk to the River Arun, where fishing boats, colourful houses and waterside pubs create a laid-back harbourside atmosphere. Follow the riverside path towards the sea and you will reach the beaches, the striking modern architecture of the East Beach Café, and long lines of weathered groynes and dunes that are perfect for photographs. Don't miss the three wayfinding routes, each with a mascot - seagull, crab and octopus!
Luna and Annalees delve into Kelp, Art, the history of the Littlehampton Museum and the towns shipbuilding history and much more in epsiode four.
Littlehampton has plenty of things to do whether you are travelling as a couple or exploring solo. Wander along the promenade, seek out local art, discover independent shops, or head over the footbridge towards the wilder sands and nature-rich dunes on the opposite bank.
Three more stops to add to your Arun Valley Line adventure
Once you have explored Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Arundel, it is easy to add another stop or two on the same line. Break your journey and discover smaller stations with big character.
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Angmering
For the adventurous don't miss Out of Bounds, with climbing, bowling and more. Or for a more sedate experience you can walk up to the downs with birds-eye views across the coast.
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Ford
Ideal if you fancy a riverside beer garden at the Ship & Anchor, or some local coffee at Edgcumbes.
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Barnham
Visit the Aldingbourne Country centre that's close by, or try the circular walk taking in Barnham Rifes and the quant St Marys church.
Ready to explore Sussex by train?
Exploring the Arun Valley Line from London, or anywhere in the South East is about as low-effort as a day out gets. No satnav, no car park tickets, just a comfortable seat, changing views from the window and a choice of coastal towns and riverside stops waiting at the other end.
Whether you are planning a date day by the sea, a solo culture trip with castle views, or a relaxed wander through independent streets, there is always more to discover along this line. Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Arundel are only the beginning.
Start planning your trip and dive deeper into the stories behind each station:
- Visit the Arun Valley Line podcast hub: whistlestoparts.org/arunvalley
- Listen on Spotify, Apple and Amazon. search for Beyond the Rails
- Explore more Sussex destinations that are easy to get to by rail
Let the train do the work, press play on the podcast, and enjoy discovering Sussex by train, one stop at a time.
