Queer Theatre Walk & Talk: Arundel Park, Hiorne Tower & Arundel Castle

A full, feel-good day out with your queer community and allies in West Sussex. We’ll take the train down to Arundel, then hike a gorgeous circular route through Arundel Park to Hiorne Tower, on through open countryside to the quiet village of South Stoke, and back along the River Arun with iconic views of Arundel Castle as we return to town. This is a social, supportive hike for LGBTQIA+ theatre people (and friends). Chatty pace, breaks, and a brilliant boost for your mental and physical health. Please note, this is a full day out.

Arundel Park and Hiorne Tower: A proper landmark moment as we climb into the park and pass the striking Hiorne Tower. 

South Downs countryside: Big skies, rolling fields, and that “we’ve escaped London” energy without needing a car.

South Stoke village: A peaceful, picture-perfect stop as we pass through this quiet Sussex village.

Riverside return along the River Arun: A beautiful finishing stretch along the river as Arundel comes back into view.

Arundel Castle views: The castle pops up again and again as we loop back towards town.

Route: Arundel Park via Hiorne Tower, South Stoke & Arundel Castle (Circular) 

Distance: approx. 10–11 km (route varies slightly depending on conditions/footpath choices) 

Estimated walking time: 3–3.5 hrs+ (not including stops, breaks, lunch, and photos)

Difficulty: Moderate (steady climbs, uneven ground, stiles and gates) 

Terrain: Park tracks, grassy sections, footpaths, stiles/gates, and riverside paths. Mud is likely if it’s been wet.

Meet: 10:00am at London Victoria Station, outside the big Boots inside the station.

Look for: Queer Theatre Walk & Talk Hikes. Someone will have a Queer Theatre sign and will be dressed in hiking gear. Please aim to arrive a little early so we can gather as a group, grab a coffee if you want, and allow for any travel delays before we head to the platform together.

Meet: 10:00am at London Victoria Station, outside the big Boots inside the station.

Look for: Queer Theatre Walk & Talk Hikes. Someone will have a Queer Theatre sign and will be dressed in hiking gear. Please aim to arrive a little early so we can gather as a group, grab a coffee if you want, and allow for any travel delays before we head to the platform together.

Ticket to buy: Off-Peak Day Return

Outbound train: London Victoria → Arundel

• 10:35 depart London Victoria
• 11:59 arrive at Arundel Station 

Return trains (we’re aiming for, depending on pace, conditions): Arundel → London Victoria

• Return train: 18:14 depart Arundel→ London Victoria
• 19:45 arrive arrive at London Victoria

If you do even a few train journeys a year, a National Railcard usually pays for itself quickly. Most railcards give up to 1/3 off rail fares, so it’s worth checking what you’re eligible for before you buy your ticket. 

Once we finish, we can head to a nearby pub for a celebratory drink and/or food for anyone who fancies staying. Totally optional, and always sober-friendly. Or those who wish to get back to London can do so without the rest of the group.

This route includes woodland mud, uneven ground, roots, hills, and slippery sections if it’s wet.

• NO TRAINERS.
• You must wear waterproof walking boots with a proper grippy tread.
• If you arrive in trainers or unsuitable footwear, you may be asked not to join for your safety.

• No jeans. Wear walking trousers, tracksuit bottoms, leggings or shorts (quick-drying, flexible).
• Layers you can add/remove. For example, an undershirt, fleece/jumper, wind-breaker/waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers etc.
• Recommended: walking socks (reduce blisters).

• Water: 2 litres recommended for a full day
• Packed lunch + snacks.
• Sunscreen/Insect Repellent
• Charged phone (portable charger recommended
• Any Medic*tion you might need (inhaler, epi-pen, etc.)
• Recommended: blister plasters or blister tape

• We walk together. Nobody gets left behind.
• We have a lead walker and a tail walker.
• You must follow the instructions of the hike leader when crossing roads.
• We regroup at junctions and checkpoints.
• If you need to stop, tell the tail walker immediately.
• You may not leave the group at any point during the hike unless you let us know.
• We’ll use toilets at/near the station at the start where possible, then take breaks when needed on the route.

We will continue to do the hike, even if it rains. Make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear.

By booking, you understand and confirm you are responsible for your own wellbeing on the hike, and that you will wear suitable kit (especially boots). The organisers reserve the right to refuse participation if footwear or kit is unsafe. Queer Theatre is not responsible for any losses or injuries during the hike.

£20 per person.
Spaces are limited so the group stays genuinely social, manageable, and properly looked after.

This event forms part of Queer Theatre’s commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ theatre-makers always have somewhere to go each week to connect, create, and be inspired, alongside our 2B: Acting Classes, OutCast showcases, Queer Play Reading Club, theatre trips, parties, social events, masterclasses, and original productions.

Find out more at www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on

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Host or Publisher Queer Theatre Ltd