🚐 Motorhome Parking in Arundel, West Sussex | UK vs Europe Comparison

Returning to the UK with our motorhome has been a bit of a culture shock after months in Europe. We’ve always loved exploring little towns across France and beyond, where motorhome parking (Aires) is simple, affordable, and comes with all the essentials. But back in England, things feel… different.

One of our favourite spots has always been Arundel, West Sussex — a historic market town famous for its castle, riverside walks, and charming streets. In the past, we parked along Mill Road, but that has now changed.

👉 You can also watch our full video review of Arundel motorhome parking on YouTube here: Motorhome Parking in Arundel – UK vs Europe

🅿️ New Motorhome Parking at Arundel

The old Mill Road car park no longer allows overnight motorhome stays. Instead, a new dedicated motorhome car park has opened right next to the Arundel Visitor Centre and opposite Arundel Castle.

• Cost: £10 overnight (6 PM – 8 AM)
• Daytime Parking: £5 (8 AM – 6 PM)
• Total for 24 Hours: £15

The parking area is a large gravel lot, and although there’s plenty of space, the barriers mean you can’t get in or out outside of set hours.

💧 Services: UK vs Europe

Here’s the sticking point. In Calais, France, we paid around €15 (£13–15) for a motorhome Aire that included:

• Fresh water fill-up
• Grey waste disposal
• Toilet emptying
• 16-amp electric hook-up

In Arundel, for the same price, you just get a gravel parking spot. No services. No electric. No water.

It feels a little like the UK has copied the pricing model of European Aires without offering the same facilities — more about profit than service.

🌍 Population & Space

Part of the difference comes down to space. The UK has nearly 10x the population density of Sweden, which means more pressure on land and facilities. While it often looks like we have plenty of countryside, much of it isn’t available for overnight parking.

By contrast, Sweden feels wide open, with plenty of freedom to park. That freedom makes a big difference to the motorhome experience.

🎉 The Social Side

Despite the frustrations, the spirit of motorhoming is alive and well. While staying in Arundel, we met fellow travellers, enjoyed friendly chats, and even got invited to join a barbecue. That sense of community is what makes motorhome travel so special.

✅ Final Thoughts

Would we stay in Arundel’s motorhome car park again? Yes — the location is brilliant, right in the heart of West Sussex, a short walk from Arundel Castle and the town centre.

But compared to France and Europe, it’s hard not to feel the UK has some catching up to do. For the same money, European Aires give travellers everything they need. In the UK, it often feels like you’re just paying for the privilege of being there.

Still, being back in the UK reminds us that every journey has its quirks — and sometimes, the people you meet along the way matter more than the facilities.

👉 Don’t forget to check out our full Arundel motorhome parking video on YouTube: Watch here

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