London is undoubtedly a treasure, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can become too much. Every so often, Londoners need an escape from the city's non-stop energy. You'll be pleased to discover that just a 90-minute train ride away sits a town once crowned Europe's most peaceful destination. Not too shabby, is it?
Arundel: Europe's Most Relaxing Place
TravelSupermarket put together a ranking, with commuter town Arundel in West Sussex topping the list thanks to its beautiful South Downs setting and relaxed vibe. It's only three miles from the coastline and is a genuine feast for the eyes. The high street could quite possibly be the nation's best, the cathedral towering over the skyline is breathtaking, and the River Arun lends a distinctly Oxbridge-style character to the whole area.
Things to Do in Arundel
There are some delightful rambles beginning from the town centre, none finer than the walk alongside the River Arun to the Black Rabbit pub situated on the water's edge. If you fancy a tougher outing, you could attempt something more strenuous, such as the six-mile trek across the South Downs to the charming village of Amberley.
The town centre is packed with independent boutiques, art galleries, pubs, eateries and coffee shops, making it a brilliant starting point for cycling and canoeing. It's a stunning destination to explore throughout the year. If you go later in the year, at Christmas, shortly after nightfall, with the festive lights twinkling, the town appears particularly enchanting.
How to Get to Arundel
Arundel station is ideally situated just a 15-minute stroll or a short taxi ride from the town centre, with the journey from London Victoria taking roughly 90 minutes. For those driving from South London, the travel time is comparable via the M23, A23 and A27.
Extend Your Day Trip
Fancy making a full day of it? West Wittering is close by and is regarded by many as the finest beach in West Sussex. Just make sure to plan ahead to steer clear of congestion at the car parks, local roads and the beach itself. After all, the last thing you'd want is for your relaxing day trip to descend into a stressful nightmare, wouldn't you?
