Arun Valley Line train pasing through countryside with Arundel Castle and forest in the background

Family fun

History and heritage

Walking

Arun Valley Line

Gatwick – Bosham

Often overlooked due to the area’s busy international airport, the Arun Valley Line has a lot more to offer than just a gateway to overseas.

Meander with the River Arun along the South Downs Way, past wetlands, thatch cottages and country pubs, to the sunny coastal gem of Littlehampton.

Discover the magic of the Arun Valley Line, where the journey is as beautiful as the destination, as you enjoy the new series of free podcasts and a captivating short film featuring the incredible people and stunning places along this scenic train route. Simply search for ‘Arun Valley Line’ in your favourite podcast streaming site or find out more and listen here. Developed by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership.

History & heritage

A highlight of the route is the charming jewel of the South East, Arundel town with its shops, galleries and gothic cathedral. Be sure to pay a visit to Arundel Castle, it’s well-worth the walk uphill through the town to explore nearly 1,000 years of history and see panoramic views of the area, you can even see the sea.

Model railway enthusiasts will love browsing The Engine Shed, located opposite Ford station.

Head to Horsham and enjoy browsing the quaint shops and exploring the thriving market scene including antiques, arts and crafts and local produce. Discover the area’s rich heritage and local art collections at the Horsham Museum & Art Gallery before taking a picturesque walk along the River Arun, through lush woodlands and rolling fields.

Family fun

Travel back in time at Amberley Museum, located next door to Amberley station. Here you can explore over 40 exhibit areas including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and plenty of interactive fun.

Walking

Walkers will love easy access to South Downs National Park with three stations along the Arun Valley Line offering unparalleled access to the beautiful South Downs walks and wildlife.

Arundel Castle with blue sky and surrounded by lush greenery in the gardens

Arundel Castle | Arun Valley Line

About this line

Route

Gatwick – Bosham

Journey time

1 hr 5

Cost

£16.00

Distance

48 miles | 77 km

This line is supported by:

Stations on this line:

  • Gatwick Airport
  • Three Bridges
  • Crawley
  • Ifield
  • Faygate
  • Littlehaven
  • Horsham
  • Christ's Hospital
Show more

Nearby lines

Great Malvern Station along the Cotswold Line

Oxford – Hereford

Spanning across four counties this charming line passes through beautiful English countryside along its 86 mile route.

Darent Valley train crossing viaduct

Sevenoaks – Swanley

Take the train to see historic houses, a vineyard and a solar system in the pretty Darent Valley countryside.

East Hampshire Line

Liphook – Rowlands Castle

Explore quaint villages, scenic landscapes and a historic market town in the middle of the South Downs National Park.

Rodborough Common

Swindon – Cheltenham Spa

Discover contrasting landscapes from dramatic valleys and canals to industrial and urban heritage along this 42 mile route.

Train travelling past Hovercraft on the Isle of Wight | Island Line

Ryde Pier Head – Shanklin

Visit the picturesque Isle of Wight and travel on the Island Line linking Ryde with the seaside resorts of Sandown and Shanklin.

Rye Station

Ashford International – Eastbourne

Discover the Marshlink Line, scenic rail route passing through picturesque landscapes and historic towns with sea views.

Train travelling through picturesque countryside along the Medway Valley Line. South East UK.

Strood – Tonbridge via Maidstone

Discover riverside walks, medieval bridges and quaint villages.

Boats along the river with colourful trees along the New River Line

Hertford East – Broxbourne

Escape the city and take a relaxing journey through historic towns and villages, along the New River Line, less than an hour from London.

North Downs in the Autumn

Reigate – Guildford

Journey through beautiful countryside that forms the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You may also like

Family waving at train as it approaches the station | Days Out by Rail

Spend quality time with the family as you embark on unforgettable days out by rail. Take a look at our suggestions, curated by community rail, here.

Station sign with rolling hills in the background

We're getting on board for Catch the Bus Month and bring you some suggestions on how you can explore further when you combine your adventure with trains and buses.

Ingleborough in the snow along The Bentham Line

Leeds – Morecambe / Heysham Port via Skipton, Bentham & Lancaster

Explore the beautiful Bentham Line, nestled in scenic Yorkshire & Lancashire countryside.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.