A stunning location just over an hour from London offers a 'real-life fairytale' experience with breathtaking castle views and idyllic gardens. If you are seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this walk through magnificent castle grounds might be exactly what you need.
A Scenic Escape from London
Getting out into nature can greatly benefit both physical and mental health, and the UK boasts countless beautiful walking spots. One particularly idyllic walk, recently shared on social media, features gorgeous gardens and stunning castle views, and it takes just over an hour to reach from central London.
A Sussex couple named Cat and Nathan posted the walk on TikTok, describing it as a 'real-life fairytale' that had been 'on their doorstep' for years without their knowledge.
Arundel Castle: A Historic Gem
The location is Arundel Castle, a restored and remodelled medieval castle in Arundel, West Sussex. Visitors can wander through its beautiful gardens at their leisure, explore the interior of the castle, or simply admire the stunning view from outside. The castle is the current holder of the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, which it won in November last year.
The gardens span 38 acres and are divided into distinct sections, including a tropical garden, a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a kitchen garden full of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the flowers, there are landscape features such as the Earl's garden, which includes Italianate terraces, pergolas, and the recently refurbished Antler's Temple.
Visitor Experiences
In the caption of their video, Cat and Nathan wrote: 'Cannot believe this has been on our doorstep for years. Honestly, this was the most beautiful day, seeing the castle up close and walking around the grounds, just wow. I would definitely recommend bringing a picnic on a nice summer's day, too!'
Commenters on the video were amazed by the stunning scenery, with many asking for directions. Others who already knew about the castle jokingly urged the couple to delete their video to keep the peaceful getaway undisturbed. One person said: 'I went last week, and I try to go every year for the tulip festival. It is just so beautifully stunning.' Another added: 'Absolutely amazing, just peace all the way through.' A third posted: 'Wow it looks so beautiful and peaceful! I have to add it to my list of places to visit.'
How to Get There
To visit Arundel Castle from London, take a Southern service from Victoria station to Bognor Regis and alight at Arundel. The journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, followed by a short 15-minute walk from the station to the castle.
Ticket Prices and Opening Times
Entry to Arundel Castle is not free, and ticket prices depend on your visit preferences. For access to both the castle and gardens, tickets cost £29 for adults and £13 for children. If you prefer to visit only the gardens, tickets are £17 per adult and £8 per child. The gardens are open from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. They are closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays and during August, when they are open every day of the week.
