Arundel Castle and the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William
0615 Considering the late night, I thought I would sleep more solidly but I didn’t. If I didn’t need to check out this morning and also do something worthwhile with the day, I would try harder to snooze some more. But I decide to get some caffeine in me and get started.
I check the procedure at Euston when I go on the sleeper tonight and discover that they had been disruptions due to flooding. Luckily, they are resolved but that does explain the slight delay I was notified of. Feels like I dodged a bullet.
0652 Just as I check BBC weather I hear thunder. There’s rain coming through but it should clear by the time I head out.
0700 I head to breakfast.
0900 I think repacking my suitcase goes well, with expansion unzipped. Then I discover an entire cube I missed on my final inspection! Still fitted, but tight. Don’t understand why, because I haven’t bought much yet.
I transfer more AUD to my money card. Feels like I’m burning through the money quicker than expected. Maybe London was just expensive.
I’ve used the Trainline app to buy my ticket today. Let’s see how this works.
0910 Check-out. Rain has stopped.
0915 Central line from Tottenham Court Road to Oxford Circus then Victoria line to Victoria.
0935 Arrive Victoria station
The rain and hot trains have made me sweaty again.
1005 Train to Arundel (line to Bognor Regis).
1136 Arrives.
10 min walk to castle. Very impressive view of the castle overlooking the town.
1200 I’m hungry so I start with some lunch.
1215 I start my way around the castle and keep. It’s cold and almost drizzly outside, so being inside is perfect. The castle is a mix of very old and much more recent (1700s) but all done extremely well with heaps of very friendly and informed guides. The newer part is a current residence of the Earl of Norfolk.
1430 I walk around the grounds and gardens. The sun is trying hard to come out and it’s warmer again. Very beautiful gardens with so many little corners and sitting spaces. Lots of birds and bees.
1525 I sit for a bit. My legs are actually quite sore.
1530 It’s time to make my way back to the station as I might want some more external photos of the castle now the sun is out.
1600 Back at the station. Feeling very sore.
1613 Train departs.
Tickets via the Trainline app worked really well.
1745 Arrive Victoria.
Get Victoria line back to Oxford Circus. I think about walking rest of way to avoid Central line cause I figure it will be busy and hot. But my legs are so sore I figure that’s not a smart idea. And the Central line was really quiet.
1826 I get a salad for dinner.
1835 I pick up my bags and start the walk to Euston. I take it slow and it’s not too bad.
1910 Arrive Euston. I wait outside for 10 min to cool off before heading to the lounge.
1925 Wine time!
2030 It’s time to get to the platform and check-in. That all goes smoothly.
2115 We depart on time.
The train movement is smooth and a little bumpy but in a nice way. Unlike The Canadian, the bed is across the direction of travel which means you don’t feel knocked about. I drift off quickly though not that deeply. But it’s a really lovely experience.