Swim the River Arun — Arundel

Arriving in Littlehampton, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of the River Arun as it meets the sea. The salt air and the sight of the local lifeboats at the RNLI station set the tone for a weekend defined by the power of the tide. As you make your way to the registration point near the harbour, the skyline is dominated by the historic Arundel Castle, established in the 11th century. It is easy to imagine the tension of October 1651, when King Charles II, deep in retreat after his defeat, navigated these same riverbanks to evade capture. Today, your journey follows a more calculated path, beginning with a coach trip to the starting point at Ford Marina, allowing you to trace the river's winding course before you ever touch the water.

The power of the current

The River Arun is notorious for its speed, flowing at a staggering 4 to 6 knots during the ebb. This is not a casual swim; it is a rapid descent towards the coast that requires total focus. You will be riding a tidal range that reaches up to 17 feet at spring tides, a force of nature that necessitates the compulsory use of wetsuits for buoyancy and thermal protection. As you move downstream, you are effectively traveling over history. Near the A29 crossing, the riverbed still hides the timber piles of an ancient Roman bridge, marking the route of Stane Street, a silent foundation beneath your strokes.

A landscape in transition

As you approach the final kilometers, the vista shifts. The restored towers of the castle recede, and you pass the grounds of the 14th-century Fitzalan Chapel. This site is a rare architectural curiosity, split between a Catholic chancel and an Anglican nave, standing as a quiet observer to the downstream surge. The 3.8km event, now in its 18th year, utilizes this massive tidal movement to deliver a swift, intense experience. With a 58 GBP entry fee that covers essential safety logistics—including the Harbour Master’s launch and a dedicated team of kayaks—the focus remains squarely on navigating the river's natural rhythm. You finish at the RNLI station, exactly where the river finally surrenders to the English Channel.