Arundel in West Sussex is the perfect place if you’re looking for a holiday that includes history, wonderful countryside, and a good serving of great food and culture.
You get a sense of the town’s incredible history as soon as you arrive, whether you’ve driven down across the ridge of the South Downs or arrived from the beaches of the south coast. The Medieval castle looks down on Arundel town from behind its wall, and the stunning Gothic cathedral can be seen from miles around. Independent shops and boutiques tumble down the High Street, stopped only by the monthly Farmers Market, and you’ll find a number of outstanding restaurants tucked away in the back streets.
When you’ve finished exploring the town, a short drive or walk will take you into the heart of the South Downs National Park, where endless views and miles of footpaths are the order of the day, or you could head south to the coast for a day on the beach and some traditional Sussex fish and chips.
Whatever you’re looking for when you visit Arundel, here’s our insider guide to exploring Arundel.
Arundel Castle
You can’t visit Arundel and not visit the castle. It dates back to 1067 and was built in the wake of the Norman invasion. You can climb the 11th century Keep from where you get views across the county to the sea and as you descend, you’ll also get a glimpse of the other half of the castle which is now a stately home. Even though the Duke of Norfolk and his family still live there, you can visit the vast state rooms, intimate day rooms and bedrooms and then lose yourself in a library that feels like its straight out of a Harry Potter film.
Top tip. Plan your visit for early spring and catch the incredible tulip festival in the castle grounds. 120,000 blooms create a carpet of colour behind the wall of the Collector Earl’s Garden. Look out for ‘Oberon’s Palace’, designed by Inigo Jones for Prince Henry’s Masque on New Year’s Day 1611 and flanked by two green oak obelisks. It contains a shell-lined interior with a stalagmite fountain and gilded coronet ‘dancing’ on a jet of water. Or if tulips aren’t your thing, what about a Medieval jousting tournament which are held in the castle grounds across the summer months.
Exploring the town
Opposite the gates to the castle is a little museum which is a good place to learn about the history of the town before you set off exploring. The cathedral requires a bit of a hike up the hill, but it’s worth it, and as you walk back down, stop at the Arundel Jailhouse. Apart from being a beautiful venue and a real prison bult in 1836, it’s also a live music venue so you might want to see what’s on and head back there later!
From there, walk back down to the main square (which you might recognise from the film Wicked Little Letters, some of which was filmed here). Kim’s Bookshop (watch out for the tiny doorway because it’s easy to miss) at the bottom of the High Street is a book lover and collector’s heaven. There are also lots of antique and art emporiums to browse but if it’s quirky collectibles, then next stop is Nineveh House on Tarrant Street which houses an assortment of local crafts and unusual Bric a Brac.
Top tip. If you really want to get under the hood of the town, join one of the Arundel postman’s tours (AKA Martin Tourman). What he doesn’t know about the history, people and ghosts of the town isn’t worth knowing! You’ll find him on Instagram.
Best places to eat and drink
There are some top-notch restaurants in Arundel but if you want Michelin Guide quality head to The Parsons Table in Tarrant Mews. They major on local ingredients so you can really enjoy the flavours of Sussex. Alternatively, if you want riverside seating and views across the wetlands back to the castle, try The Black Rabbit on Mill Road (and don’t forget to ask them about their connection to Harry Potter).
West Sussex has a great reputation for producing award winning wines and if you fancy a little wine tasting (and why wouldn’t you), you’ll find Digby Fine English half way up the High Street. Alternatively, book yourself a taxi and spend a day at Tinwood Estate Vineyard. There, you can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings, eat in their vineyard kitchen and then head off and explore the Medieval remains of Boxgrove Priory on the edge of the estate and climb up through one of the most iconic footpaths in Sussex to Halnaker windmill.
Top tip. If you want to take some great local produce home or fancy a picnic, pop into Pallant of Arundel in the High Street and ask them to make you up a hamper. Or, try the Fauna Brewing Taproom in The Old Engine Shed (part of the Norfolk Estate). The beer is produced under the supervision of Philip Fitzalan Howard, the youngest son of Edward and Georgina, Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.
The best walks
With the South Downs on your doorstep, you’re a little bit spoilt for walks. A popular choice is to walk north out of the town towards the Hiorne Tower and then double back to Swanbourne Lake and the castle gates. It’s about 4.5 km, so perfect if you’re short on time (or energy).
For the super fit, you could walk all the way to Amberely and Houghton where you’ll find riverside tea rooms, one of the oldest pubs in the county, a museum, an historic bridge and Amberely Castle where they do an amazing afternoon tea. It’s about 10 km each way so not for the faint hearted.
Top tip: The surrounding countryside is a haven for bluebells in spring and golden autumn leaves. Most people head to Slindon or Angmering but Houghton Forest (it’s about 6 km walk or a short drive) is a great place for those magical, seasonal colours.
If you are looking for more Sussex ideas and inspiration, visit Sussex Exclusive, an online magazine and website, showcasing the best of Sussex as well as the unusual and the off the beaten track.
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