With its medieval castle, Gothic cathedral and pretty streets of antique shops and cafés, Arundel regularly stands out as one of West Sussex’s most distinctive towns. Set on the River Arun between the South Downs and the Sussex coast, this historic market town has plenty of character – yet somehow manages to avoid feeling overly polished or built around tourism, instead holding on to its unique authenticity that in turn attracts visitors from all over the UK and beyond.
An important settlement for centuries, the town was first recorded in the year 877 and even makes an appearance in the Domesday Book. Since then, it’s grown as both a market town and an inland port, with the River Arun providing a trade route that thrived for centuries. Its fortunes changed with the arrival of the railway and resulting decline of the river trade in the 19th century, but it wasn’t long until tourism took its place. Arundel Castle first opened to visitors in 1856, while the railway’s arrival soon after in 1864 made it considerably easier for people to visit. Today, it takes around an hour and a half to arrive here from London Victoria, making it an excellent option for day trips and longer stays alike.
Whether you’re visiting for the day, a weekend, or using the town as a base for exploring the wider West Sussex region, read on to discover our list of the best things to do while you’re here.
1. Step 1,000 years back in time at Arundel Castle
Founded in 1067, Arundel Castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for almost a thousand years. Visits here are an incredible step into history, as guests may wander the castle’s grand rooms, historic collections, armour, paintings and tapestries, as well as many medieval characteristics including the Norman Keep, Barbican and Gatehouse.
Outside, the gardens offer yet more reason to allow plenty of time on your visit. The Collector Earl’s Garden, Tropical Garden, Stumpery and rose displays each have a different character, while the gardens’ elevated position gives you some of the best views across the South Downs in the area.
2. Gaze in awe at Arundel Cathedral
Considered one of the best examples of French Gothic Revival architecture in the country, Arundel Cathedral is well-worth a trip – and even better, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Take a moment to appreciate its tall spire and intricate stonework before stepping inside where the experience is considerably quieter. Still an active place of worship today, this incredible building was built in the 19th century as the Catholic parish church of Arundel, becoming a cathedral in 1965.
3. Switch off at Swanbourne Lake
A favourite among families, groups, and couples, romantic Swanbourne Lake is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Arundel. Surrounded by trees and wooded paths, this pretty lake sits just beyond the centre of town and is easily walkable, but there’s also free road parking along the approach. Once you’ve arrived, the circular trail around the lake is gentle and mostly flat, and takes walkers through valleys, by sheep fields, and past abandoned huts, with occasional glimpses through the clearing towards the castle.
Don’t fancy the walk? There’s still plenty to do here – especially in the summer, when the lake opens up for boating and a kiosk opens up for ice cream season (and food for the resident ducks and geese). You’ll also find Swanbourne Lodge Tearoom here, where you can sit inside for something a bit more substantial, their cream teas and Ploughman’s lunches being a particular delight.
4. Spend a few hours at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Covering around 65 acres of wetland habitat, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Arundel is a fantastic spot for families, photographers, and nature-lovers alike. Boardwalks make much of the wetlands accessible, but the really stellar experience comes in the form of a guided boat safari, which takes you out across the meandering waterways and closer to wildlife such as kingfishers, reed warblers and fish – along with native plants such as sedges and bulrushes.
5. Go antique shopping
Arundel’s high street may be small, but the town is home to an exceptionally high concentration of independent businesses – many of them selling lovely little trinkets and treasures from times past. Start on Tarrant Street, where antique shops, galleries, bookshops, cafés and specialist stores occupy the town’s historic buildings, before extending your search into the High Street and the small lanes that surround it – who knows what you might find!
6. Take a walk in the South Downs
One of Arundel’s biggest draws is its location. Set directly beside the South Downs National Park, the town has several local parks and trails that place you within the beauty of the Arun Valley. Climbing away from the centre, Arundel Park is set within a 5-mile loop starting from Swanbourne Lake, rewarding explorers with wide open parkland and views of the castle. Then there’s Burpham to the north east of the town, where a combination of chalk grassland, wooded valleys and expansive views make for another excellent walk in the countryside.
