Hiorne Tower - Image 1
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Hiorne Tower

4.6
·177 reviews·Arundel, United Kingdom

A striking Gothic folly in Arundel Park, offering stunning views and access to picturesque walking trails around Swanbourne Lake.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Hiorne Tower - Image 1

Hiorne Tower

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking Gothic folly in Arundel Park, offering stunning views and access to picturesque walking trails around Swanbourne Lake.

4.6
(177 reviews)

"A fantastic mock castle with really good views and plenty of great walks around."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hiorne Tower Exterior

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Hiorne Tower

Hiorne Tower is best enjoyed during daylight hours for its scenic views and surrounding parkland. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, especially if you plan to explore the trails around Swanbourne Lake. The tower itself is a folly and cannot be entered, so focus on the exterior and the landscape.

Exploring the Parkland and Trails

While Hiorne Tower is the focal point, the surrounding parkland offers fantastic walking opportunities. Trails range from gentle strolls to more challenging inclines, leading to Swanbourne Lake and along the River Arun. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varied terrain.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Stunning scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This view from Arundel Castle 🤌🏻 #england #arundel #arundelcastle #castle #travel #fyp #foryoupage #uk #medieval
@shadesofbrenn
337K likes • 2M views

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:

📍arundel castle BN18 9AB #unitedkingdom
@shesmessy26
331.6K likes • 2.6M views
📍Hiorne Tower, Arundel, West Sussex, England #dronephotography #dji #djimini4pro #djimini4 #aerialphotography #droneoftheday #dronestagram #dronesdaily #dronefly #dronelife #djiglobal #dronepilot #aerialview #landscapephotography #historyphotography #travelphotography #exploreengland #adventure #wanderlust #travelgram #fromwhereidrone #beautifuldestinations #west_sussex #visitsussex #hiornetower ...
go.argus
119 likes • 1.3K views

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:

Arundel Town and Hiorne Tower are both located in West Sussex, England, and offer a perfect mix of history, architecture, and scenic beauty — great for a day trip or content creation. 🌿 Arundel Town A charming market town nestled in the South Downs, known for: • Arundel Castle: A stunning medieval castle, still home to the Dukes of Norfolk. You can tour the grounds, lavish interiors, and garden...
olga.layte.uk
87 likes • 1.8K views

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

4.6
(177 reviews)

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

Beautiful parkland setting
Picturesque mock castle
Great walking trails

What People Dislike

Tower cannot be entered

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.Reddit Alternatively, it's accessible via walking trails from Arundel town, which is about 1.5 hours by train from London Victoria.TikTok

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

For unique perspectives, many visitors use drones to capture Hiorne Tower from above.Instagram+1 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.Reddit

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.InstagramReddit

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.Instagram Walking down towards Swanbourne Lake also provides beautiful reflections and scenic views.Reddit

Yes, Hiorne Tower is a very popular subject for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the folly and its setting.Instagram+2

From the vicinity of Hiorne Tower, you can expect panoramic views of the vast grassland, the Arun Valley, and the surrounding countryside.Reddit

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.Instagram 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.Reddit+1

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.Reddit

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 TikTok), and restrooms.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hiorne Tower and its surrounding parkland offer a great outdoor adventure for families. The open spaces are perfect for children to run around, and the walk down to Swanbourne Lake provides an exciting destination. While the trails can have some steep sections, they are generally manageable for active children, especially with supervision.Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic views, making it a cost-effective and enjoyable outing. Remember to bring appropriate footwear for everyone, as the terrain can be uneven.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who love to hike, Arundel Park and the trails around Hiorne Tower are a fantastic choice. You can create a varied route by combining the walk to the tower with a descent to Swanbourne Lake and a stroll along the River Arun.Reddit The park offers a mix of gentle paths and more challenging inclines, providing a good workout with rewarding views. The natural beauty of the area, especially during autumn, is a significant draw for nature enthusiasts.Reddit

📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts

Hiorne Tower is a dream location for photographers, offering a unique Gothic folly set against a beautiful landscape.Instagram+1 Drone pilots will find ample opportunities for stunning aerial shots, capturing the tower's isolation and the vastness of the park.Instagram+2 The surrounding Swanbourne Lake also provides excellent opportunities for landscape and reflection photography. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers particularly magical light for capturing the tower and its surroundings.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Purpose of Hiorne Tower

Hiorne Tower, a striking Gothic folly, was constructed in 1787 by architect Francis Hiorne. Its primary purpose was not defensive or residential, but rather to showcase Hiorne's architectural prowess in a bid to secure a contract to rebuild Arundel Castle for the Duke of Norfolk.Instagram+1 Although Hiorne did not win the coveted contract and died just two years later, his tower achieved a different kind of fame, even appearing in the popular television series Doctor Who.Instagram Today, it stands as a picturesque, albeit purposeless, monument within the expansive grounds of Arundel Park.

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.Instagram 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

The area surrounding Hiorne Tower is part of the expansive Arundel Park, offering a network of walking trails that cater to various fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll through the park's grasslands, taking in the open views and the distant sight of the mock castle.Reddit For those seeking a more invigorating walk, there are steeper inclines that lead to elevated viewpoints, providing a different perspective of the tower and the surrounding Arun Valley.Reddit

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.Reddit The footpaths around the lake can be steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.Reddit 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.Reddit

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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