Arundel is a small town in West Sussex, UK, situated in the beautiful South Downs National Park. With its picturesque streets, historic buildings and vibrant culture, Arundel is a great place to explore and discover.

Indeed in 2017 the West Sussex town of Arundel was voted the most relaxing place in Europe.

In addition to its historic sites, Arundel has plenty of things to do. You could take a stroll down Tarrant Street to browse the independent stores and cafes, enjoy a picnic in the park or visit one of the many galleries, museums and attractions. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed, such as walks through the countryside and along the river, cycling and horse riding.

So the following is a short guide to what to do in this lovely town, including how to get there:

ARUNDEL CASTLE

We’ll start with the number one attraction to Arundel: its castle.

It was one of the many castles near the south coast of England built by the Normans after their victory at the Battle of Hastings in nearby Kent.

Originally built of wood – they were built for speed rather than longevity – it is now one of the best preserved of the Norman Castles in England.

It’s also still a working castle. It’s been the seat of the Howard family, who hold the Duchy of Norfolk, since medieval times.

You may recognize the name from Tudor times: Catherine Howard, daughter of the powerful then Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, was briefly one of Henry VIII’s wives.

(This month’s ‘Great British Historical Figure’ is Thomas Howard due to his Arundel connection).

The Dukes of Norfolk have continued to be important members of the British aristocracy. Indeed the current Duke is in charge of the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III.

You could easily spend the day vising the castle and its sumptuous gardens. They are open to visitors every Spring & Summer (from 1 April 2023 this year) – details of exact opening times and ticket prices can be found at https://www.arundelcastle.org/ opening-times/.

ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL

Arundel Cathedral, which looms over the town and the surrounding South Downs, is both magnificent and unusual.

It’s one of England’s few Roman Catholic Cathedrals. Henry VIII destroyed most of them, or converted them to his new Church of England, in Tudor times.

Those that remain – just over twenty in England – are often modern in style (Liverpool is a great example) whereas Arundel looks like many of its Anglican brethren. That’s thanks to the fifteenth Duke of Norfolk who commissioned a new French Gothic style building in the late nineteenth century.

As the Cathedral isn’t part of the Church of England , Arundel is only English non-city with a cathedral.

ARUNDEL CRICKET GROUND

Arundel is also home to one of the worlds most lovely cricket grounds.

Even if you’re not a cricket lover, watching a game on a summer’s day with the castle as a backdrop, is such a lovely – and very English – pastime.

The ground plays host to local teams and also the Sussex County Cricket team several times a year.

TARRANT STREET

Tarrant Street is a bustling, historic street with plenty to see and do. It is lined with independent shops and cafés.

The small, independent shops are the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs.

For those looking for a bite to eat, you can find a variety of restaurants, pubs and bars, from traditional British pubs to family-run Italian eateries.

The street also hosts a number of annual events, from art and music festivals to traditional food markets.

There is something to suit all tastes, making Tarrant Street a great place to spend a day exploring.

RIVER ARUN

The River Arun which winds round the town is a lovely place for quiet riverside stroll or a visit to one of the many pubs that line its banks. You may be lucky enough to spot deer, otters, herons and other wildlife, as well as a variety of waterfowl.

Even better a leisurely boat trip on the river is a great way to unwond, and take in the sites. It’s a particularly lovely way to see the castle from a distance.

Tours typically start from the Arundel Wharf near the centre of town.

HOW TO GET TO ARUNDEL

Arundel is about 100km south of London in between Brighton and Portsmouth, a few miles inland. It can most easily be reached by car or train:

By Car:

1. Take the M25 motorway from Central London to the A24.

2. Take the A24 to the A27.

3. Follow the A27 to Arundel.

By rail:

1. Take a train from London Victoria to Littlehampton.

2. Change at Littlehampton for Arundel.