Arundel castle Swanbourne Lake and River Arun

October is one of the best times to visit Arundel, as the ancient parkland and surrounding countryside are transformed into a stunning display of gold, amber and crimson, making this one of the most picturesque autumn walks in the South Downs.

Starting from Arundel Station, we make our way to the banks of the River Arun, where magnificent views of the iconic Arundel Castle rise above the surrounding countryside. One of England's finest medieval castles, it has been the principal seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years and remains one of the country's most impressive historic landmarks.

Leaving the town behind, we follow peaceful riverside paths through the beautiful Arun Valley towards the picturesque village of Burpham. Here, we'll pass the charming St Mary's Church before continuing south alongside the tranquil River Arun, surrounded by sweeping meadows, wetlands and abundant wildlife.

The route then takes us past the picturesque Swanbourne Lake before a gentle climb into the landscaped parkland of Arundel Park. In mid-October, this section is at its finest, featuring vibrant autumn leaves, peaceful lakeside paths and crisp, fresh air. From the high ground, enjoy panoramic views across the South Downs and the Arun Valley before descending back into the attractive hilltop town of Arundel. The town's skyline is unmistakable, dominated by the magnificent Arundel Castle and the striking Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral, providing a spectacular finale to one of the South Downs' most scenic walks.

We finish by strolling along Arundel's delightful High Street, lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, cosy cafés and traditional pubs. It's the perfect place to relax after the hike, browse the local shops or enjoy a well-earned drink while soaking up the character and historic charm of this beautiful Sussex market town.

📍⏰Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Victoria Rail Station next to main ticket office
Depart: Meet us 09:05 am, we leave 09:20 am for 09:35 am train
Return: 06:15 pm Back in London (commitment required until then)

✅ Return train tickets from London
✅ Guided hike led by an experienced Outdoorly hike leader
✅ Pre-Planned Route & Navigation: Enjoy the trails stress-free. We have mapped out the entire route, including rest stops and points of interest.

• Food and drinks,
• Personal insurance, and
• Any personal expenses.