Step back in time and explore the ramparts and ruins of Medieval castles, climb chalky cliffs for moments of wow, and amble down cobbled back streets and hidden twittens on this Sussex by Rail Castle to Coast itinerary.
Your four-day Sussex by Rail Castle to Coast itinerary
Visit some of the most important castles in the 1066 story, from Pevensey and Hastings where William the Conqueror first put down roots, to Lewes and Arundel where he consolidated his power and control.
Day 1.
Trains from London Victoria to Arundel: There is a direct service to Arundel and the journey time is 1.15 to 1.5 hrs. There are regular trains throughout the day. Catch the train to Arundel, a historic town caught between the South Downs and the sea in West Sussex. The train station is a short walk from the town and you’ll see the castle ahead of you.
Arundel Castle
A Medieval castle was first established here in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. He was one of William the Conqueror’s principal counsellors. The castle was significantly restored and improved in the 18th and early 19th centuries. These days, you can explore the Norman Keep, the Medieval Gatehouse and the Barbican as well as visit some of the sumptuous state rooms, chapel and bedrooms.
The castle is open from 1 April to 2 November 2025 and entry to castle, gardens and bedrooms is £30.00 per adult. This is the most expensive of the venues you will visit.
Arundel town
Arundel town sits aside the river Arun while to the north are the heady slopes of the South Downs. There is plenty to see and do from trying local produce at the Farmers Market (every third Saturday of the month), to wine tasting at the high street wine cellar and a visit to the local wetlands. There is also a cathedral here as well as antique shops, bookshops and artisans a plenty if you just want a good potter. Finish your visit with a walk in Arundel Park, visiting the unusual Hiorne Tower and walking back to the town via Swanbourne Lake.
Stay overnight at The Norfolk Arms and dine at The Parsons Table.
Day 2.
Hop back on the train, and journey on to Brighton. You’ll need to change here to catch the train to Pevensey. If you want to explore Brighton, add an extra day to your itinerary and stay overnight before catching the onward train. Alternatively, you can travel to Three Bridges and change there for trains to Pevensey.
Arundel to Pevensey and Westham: Journey times are 2 to 2.45 hours. There are regular trains for either route running throughout the day. When you do arrive at Pevensey and Westham train station, the castle is roughly a 15-minute walk and you’ll soon see the gate and the castle ahead.
Pevensey Castle
This castle was established as a fort during the Roman period in about AD 290 and known as Anderida. When William the Conqueror landed on Sussex shores in 1066, this was his first point of call, and he established what is now known as Pevensey Castle as a fort and a place where his soldiers rested before they marched onwards inland.
Although now in ruins, it’s still an impressive site and you can walk around the outer walls and visit the gatehouse and dungeon. Information boards help you get a sense of how the landscape has changed and what life was like here over the centuries.
Pevensey Castle is an English Heritage site which is free to visit for members and £8 per adult for non-members. It is open most days (apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
Pevensey village
Pevensey is a small and pretty village and has a couple of other points of interest. Pevensey Court House and Goal dates back to Tudor times and you can visit the Court Room, the Robing Room and the cells as you learn more about the area. It is open from April to October 2025 and from May, it opens Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4 pm. The Mint House is on the corner opposite the north east gate of the castle wall. It has a long and rich history, and the oldest parts were built between 1480 and 1580. They do open for special events but check before travel.
If you want to walk down to the seafront, it’s about 2 km via the footpath along the river and across the flats where there were once saltworks. If you look carefully, there are three Martello towers in Pevensey Bay and one more a little further south at Sovereign Harbour. When you’re ready, jump back on the train and make your way to Hastings for your overnight stay. It’s less than a 1 km from the station to Hastings Castle but that’s for tomorrow. Stay in the Old Town which is about 1.5 km from the station.
Day 3.
Pevensey and Westham to Hastings: This direct service takes between 20 and 25 minutes. There are normally a couple of trains per hour.
Hastings Castle
Standing proud, if in ruins, on the cliffs above Hastings, this castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1067 as the first Norman castle in Sussex. It has fabulous views and echoes of Sussex / Norman history. You can walk there via the steep and narrow back streets of the Old Town which wiggle and wind their way up the cliff. Or you can catch the Victorian West Cliff funicular. The ruins are very charismatic, and you can see the east gate and east wall, wander through the castle grounds, and explore the dungeons and the remains of the chapel.
Hastings Castle is open daily throughout the summer from 10 am to 4 pm. A standard ticket is £6.90 or you could opt for a Super Saver that also gives you admission to the Smugglers’ Caves and the Aquarium for £26.14.
Hastings town
There is lots to explore in Hastings, so much so that you could spend a couple of days here. If your time is limited, “must visits” include the Smugglers’ Caves, close to the castle, and then head back down into the Old Town. Stroll along quirky George Street (looking out for an octopus playing chess) and the Hight Street, and then head to The Stade (an area on the seafront and the old fishing quarter). There are a number of museums and galleries here and along Rock-a-Nore Road, including the Hastings Contemporary, The Fishermen’s Museum and the Shipwreck Museum.
Grab some fresh fish and chips and eat them on the beach before heading back to the station and catching the train to Lewes. It’s a really short walk into Lewes town centre from the station. Stay at the White Hart, a 16th century coaching inn in the heart of the town.
Day 4.
Hastings to Lewes: The last stop on your Sussex by Rail itinerary is Lewes. The train from Hastings takes about an hour. There is a direct service although some services require a change at Hampden Park. Trains run regularly throughout the day.
Lewes Castle
Built by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey following the Norman conquest and subsequently expanded, Lewes Castle is unusual in that it is a motte and bailey castle with two mottes. William de Warenne fought at the Battle of Hastings and the castle is another of the iconic castles of the county.
The castle and associated museums are owned by Sussex Past (The Sussex Archaeological Society) and you enter the castle via the museum. Once inside the castle grounds, you can climb the keep for incredible views across the town and the South Downs.
Tickets are £10. It is open from February to December Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Lewes town
There is lots to explore in the historic town of Lewes. A visit to the impressive Medieval priory ruins is a must. It’s free and was founded by William de Warenne and his wife Gundrada in about 1081.
Anne of Cleves’ house is a Tudor property given to her as part of her divorce settlement and open to the public. For lovers of beer, you might want to do a Harvey’s Brewery Tour and do visit the Southover Grange Gardens. Then perhaps have one last bite to eat at The Rights of Man pub in the High Street named in honour of the seminal work written by Lewes resident Thomas Paine.
Then it’s time to catch the train back to London.
Lewes to London: The journey time back to London Victoria is approximately 1.15 hours and concludes your Sussex by rail itinerary. There are direct services running regularly throughout the day.
*Checking opening times and prices of all venues and destinations before travel.
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