Hiorne Tower
A striking Gothic folly in Arundel Park, offering stunning views and access to picturesque walking trails around Swanbourne Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Hiorne Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking Gothic folly in Arundel Park, offering stunning views and access to picturesque walking trails around Swanbourne Lake.
"A fantastic mock castle with really good views and plenty of great walks around."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from gentle to steep; good footwear is essential for exploring the parkland and lake. :athletic_shoe:
Drone Photography Spot
Hiorne Tower is a popular subject for drone enthusiasts, offering unique aerial perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hiorne Tower Exterior
Arundel Park
A striking Gothic folly, this mock castle offers stunning architectural detail and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Swanbourne Lake Walk
Near Hiorne Tower
A picturesque lake with well-maintained footpaths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike with beautiful reflections.
Arundel Park Trails
Surrounding Hiorne Tower
Explore varied terrain from gentle grassland to steep inclines, offering diverse perspectives of the tower and the Arun Valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Hiorne Tower
Exploring the Parkland and Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from gentle to steep; good footwear is essential for exploring the parkland and lake. :athletic_shoe:
Drone Photography Spot
Hiorne Tower is a popular subject for drone enthusiasts, offering unique aerial perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Free Parking Available
Find free parking along the main road at the bottom of the park, convenient for accessing trails. :car:
Combine with Arundel Town
Hiorne Tower is a great addition to a day trip exploring Arundel Castle and the charming town. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from gentle to steep; good footwear is essential for exploring the parkland and lake. :athletic_shoe:
Drone Photography Spot
Hiorne Tower is a popular subject for drone enthusiasts, offering unique aerial perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Free Parking Available
Find free parking along the main road at the bottom of the park, convenient for accessing trails. :car:
Combine with Arundel Town
Hiorne Tower is a great addition to a day trip exploring Arundel Castle and the charming town. :world_map:
Tower is a Folly
Note that Hiorne Tower is an exterior monument and cannot be visited inside. Enjoy its architecture from the grounds. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hiorne Tower for its picturesque setting and the enjoyable walking trails in Arundel Park. The mock castle is a unique architectural feature, and the surrounding landscape, including Swanbourne Lake, offers beautiful views and a pleasant experience. While the tower itself cannot be entered, the overall atmosphere and the opportunity for outdoor exploration are highly valued.
"The tower is a standalone monument away from the castle. Surrounded by vast grassland and valley views, it's a must visit."
Niyoti Tembulkar
"Nice location with some great views. The tower itself can't be visited however the park it's located in and the trails that start from there are fantastic. I recommend going down towards Swanbourne Lake and following the footpath toward Mill Lane road."
Catalin
"A very pleasant walk. Different levels of footpaths from a gentle stroll to challenging inclines to reach the venue."
S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hiorne Tower is located in Arundel Park, West Sussex. You can drive and find free parking along the main road at the bottom of the park. Alternatively, it's accessible via walking trails from Arundel town, which is about 1.5 hours by train from London Victoria.
Yes, Hiorne Tower is situated within the grounds of Arundel Park, near Arundel Castle. While it's a separate structure, it's often visited in conjunction with the castle and town.
Absolutely! There are pleasant walking routes from Arundel town through the park, around Swanbourne Lake, and up to the tower. The trails offer varied difficulty levels.
For unique perspectives, many visitors use drones to capture Hiorne Tower from above. For ground-level photography, explore the surrounding parkland and lake for different angles.
While there isn't direct public transport to Hiorne Tower itself, Arundel town is well-served by trains. From Arundel station, you can walk or take a local taxi to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hiorne Tower is located in Arundel Park, and access to the park and the exterior of the tower is generally free. You do not need a ticket to view the tower from the outside.
No, Hiorne Tower is a folly and cannot be visited inside. It was built as a demonstration of architectural skill and stands as an exterior monument.
Arundel Park is typically open to the public during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local council information for any specific seasonal or event-related access restrictions.
Access to Arundel Park and Hiorne Tower is generally free. However, if you plan to visit Arundel Castle itself, separate admission fees will apply.
Yes, Hiorne Tower and Arundel Park are accessible year-round, though weather conditions can affect trail accessibility, especially during winter months.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The best photo spots are from the surrounding parkland, offering wide shots of the tower against the landscape. Walking down towards Swanbourne Lake also provides beautiful reflections and scenic views.
Yes, Hiorne Tower is a very popular subject for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the folly and its setting.
From the vicinity of Hiorne Tower, you can expect panoramic views of the vast grassland, the Arun Valley, and the surrounding countryside.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require specific permissions, so it's best to check with local authorities if unsure.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. Weekday mornings can also be ideal for fewer people in your shots.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking the trails in Arundel Park, explore the paths around Swanbourne Lake, and take in the views of the mock castle. It's a great spot for a picnic and enjoying nature.
The trails around Hiorne Tower and Swanbourne Lake offer a range of difficulties, from gentle strolls to challenging inclines. Be prepared for some steep sections.
Yes, the parkland is suitable for children, but keep a close eye on them near the lake and on steeper paths. The open space is great for them to explore.
Absolutely! The parkland surrounding Hiorne Tower provides ample space for picnics with beautiful views. Remember to take all your litter with you.
There are no facilities directly at Hiorne Tower. However, Arundel town offers cafes, pubs (like The Black Rabbit pub mentioned for Arundel town ), and restrooms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Hiorne Tower
The tower's design is a testament to the architectural trends of the late 18th century, embracing Gothic revival elements that evoke a sense of romanticism and historical grandeur. Its standalone nature in the landscape, surrounded by rolling grasslands and offering sweeping views, contributes to its allure. Visitors often remark on its castle-like appearance, despite its function as a folly. The surrounding parkland, once part of the larger Arundel Castle estate, provides a fittingly grand setting for this architectural statement.
While the tower itself cannot be entered, its presence enhances the experience of exploring Arundel Park. The trails that lead to and from the tower offer a chance to appreciate the landscape that Francis Hiorne envisioned his work within. The blend of history, architectural ambition, and natural beauty makes Hiorne Tower a unique point of interest for visitors to West Sussex.
Exploring the Parkland and Swanbourne Lake
A particular highlight for many is the walk down to Swanbourne Lake. This picturesque lake offers beautiful reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and a peaceful place to pause. The footpaths around the lake can be steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Following the trails from Swanbourne Lake can lead you further afield, connecting to paths that run along the River Arun and through the charming town of Arundel itself, creating a varied and rewarding circular route.
These walking opportunities make Hiorne Tower more than just a single monument; it's a gateway to exploring a significant portion of the West Sussex countryside. The combination of the folly, the lake, and the varied terrain ensures that a visit can be tailored to individual preferences, whether you're looking for a leisurely amble or a more challenging hike.




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