Amberley Museum

The working steam railway and industrial museum sit in a proper converted chalk pit just outside Arundel, and it's the sort of place that'll keep you occupied for a solid afternoon without breaking the bank. You're wandering through restored workshops and engines, vintage lorries, old printing presses - the kind of stuff that makes industrial history tangible rather than dusty. There's a narrow-gauge railway you can ride, which kids genuinely enjoy, and the volunteers who run the place actually know what they're talking about.

It works best if you're into industrial heritage or you've got children aged 5 to 12. Adults without a mechanical bent might find three hours enough. The chalk pit setting is lovely, honestly - it's not all concrete and car parks. Go on a weekday if you can; weekends draw families and it gets properly rammed.

You'll want to check their website for admission prices and current opening hours before setting off from Arundel, as museums like this operate seasonally. Allow at least two to three hours if you're riding the railway and having a proper look round.

If you're based at South Downs Caravan Park, it's barely a fifteen-minute drive away, making it an easy morning or afternoon slot without committing your whole day. Pair it with a walk round Arundel itself - the castle and riverside are worth an hour or two. The museum doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, which is refreshing.