Arun Valley 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, this route 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.

History & heritage

A highlight of the route is the charming town of Arundel 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

A train to London running alongside the New River Path near Hertford East

Hertford East – Broxbourne

Escape the city and take a relaxing journey through historic towns and villages, passing picturesque meadows and grassland, less than an hour from London.

Garden in full bloom in front of WIndsor Castle along the Windsor to Reading line

Windsor – Reading via Ashford

The Windsor to Reading line is bursting with a world of possibilities and exploration.

Southampton Walls

Southampton Central – Winchester via Eastleigh

Take the train as it follows the River Itchen and meanders from Southampton to Winchester.

Station connection to Mottisfont Abbey

Southampton Central – Salisbury

From maritime to medieval, explore the picturesque Southampton to Salisbury line.

Southend Pier

Wickford – Southend

Journey through Essex market towns as you travel along the Southend Line ending at this traditional seaside town.

Train travelling along the Sunshine Coast line. East UK.

Colchester – Clacton

Travelling through quaint villages, bustling towns and picturesque fishing ports you’ll soon see why this line is called the Sunshine Coast Line.

Explore Surrey Hills to South Downs

Haslemere – Farncombe

Explore historic towns and charming villages along the Surrey Hills to South Downs line.

Cuckmere Haven and Seven Sisters

Brighton – Seaford

Travel through the beautiful South Downs National Park as you explore the Sussex Downs Line.

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 days out by rail

Experience new adventures when you enjoy greener days out by rail this autumn. Take a look at our suggestions 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.

Train travelling along the Bentham Line through lush countryside

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

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