The charming market town of Arundel, West Sussex, perfectly blends the conservation of its past while providing new visitors with all the conveniences of modern life. Visitors can discover fascinating history at places like Arundel Castle or Arundel Cathedral, while enjoying the ease of dozens of shops, cafes, and walking routes all within easy reach. There’s so much to see in the town that whether you spend a day, a weekend or a week here, there’s something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Arundel:
How to get there
Arundel is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from the surrounding towns. Arundel train station is a short 12 minute walk from the centre of town along paved roads. If you arrive by car, we recommend choosing Mill Road car park which is just opposite the gates to Arundel Castle and has 124 spaces. It’s pay and display here, and there is an overflow car park for busy days. There are also spacious car parks at nearby Fitzalan Pool car park (151 spaces), Crown Yard car park (64 spaces) or Arundel station car park (154 spaces). Check out Arundel’s parking website for up-to-date information about parking charges for each location.
It’s worth noting that car park can fill up quickly on event weekends, such as the Arundel tulip festival, so we recommend arriving as early as possible to secure a parking space.
Getting around
The best way to see Arundel is on foot – the town is fairly small, and all the main sights are within a mile radius of the centre. There are pavements throughout the centre and characterful, narrow streets to explore, plus public footpaths that run alongside the River Arun. We’ve plotted a walking route that takes you to the most popular sights in Arundel – you can download the route and find more information here.
What to see in Arundel
Arundel Castle. This restored medieval castle is one of the largest inhabited and most complete castles in England. Visitors are able to explore the Castle Keep and bedrooms, as well as the Fitzalan Chapel and award-winning gardens. There are 38 acres of gardens and landscape, with precisely-planted, diverse floral displays throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn. The Castle is simply breathtaking at any time of year, but we highly recommend a visit during the annual tulip festival – find out more on our Arundel Tulip Festival post.
Arundel Cathedral. The Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard sits high on the hill overlooking the town. Its striking French-Gothic exterior is best viewed from a distance – from lower in the town or while walking along the River Arun – before you journey up to take a peek inside at the equally stunning interior. There are beautiful details to be discovered everywhere you look, from the intricately carved murals to the rose stained glass window. If you can time your visit to coincide with the annual celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi, you’ll be treated to the sight of Arundel Cathedral’s world famous carpet of flowers in the central aisle of the Cathedral, along with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Find out more about the celebration and upcoming dates here.
Hiorne Tower. Heading off the paved streets around the centre of town and onto quieter paths, walking up through Arundel Park you’ll find The Grade II listed Hiorne Tower. Standing in the grounds since 1797, the tower was built at the request of the Duke of Norfolk, who commissioned architect Francis Hiorne to construct the tower in order to view an example of his architectural style, as he was hoping to commission Hiorne to undertake the reconstruction of Arundel Castle. Today the Tower is empty, but provides an interesting stopping point on your way through the Park.
Swanbourne Lake. Descending the hillside from the North side of Hiorne Tower, sweeping footpaths lead you back on yourself as you make your way down to Swanbourne Lake. The Lake makes a picturesque reward for the long walk from the Park, and there is a cafe here from which to sit and enjoy a cup of tea in the peaceful surroundings. Boats are available to hire on the lake from March-October – find out more here.
WWT Arundel. This nature reserve is managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust – a nature conservation charity. The 60 acre reserve is home to an array of wildlife, from kingfishers and sand pipers to pelicans and sparrowhawks, and there’s the opportunity to go on a water safari in a quiet, electric boat lead by a knowledgable on-board guide. Find out more and book your tickets here.
The Old Printworks, Tarrant Street. This Victorian-style shopping arcade used to be home to printing rooms where The West Sussex Gazette, Sussex’s oldest regional newspaper, was published for over 150 years. These days it’s crammed with quaint shops stocking everything from retro clothing and hats, to bespoke picture frames and vinyl records. Definitely worth a peek if you’re looking for something unusual and, when you’re done, Tarrant Street is full of more cute shops and cafes perfect for a pick-me-up.
Where to eat
Finding a good pitstop to enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch is very easy in Arundel, as you’re absolutely spoilt for choice with so many charming cafes serving high quality dishes. Each one is completely different, so here’s just a few of the best:
Motte & Bailey. A beautiful cafe with an elegant blue and white interior, Motte & Bailey serve a selection of breakfasts, brunches and lunches, as well as a variety of hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and cream teas. Their scones are freshly made every morning for the lightest, fluffiest, most delicious cream tea you can find and the majority of their ingredients are locally sourced. On select evenings throughout the week, the space transforms into a tapas restaurant, with a selection of dishes created by a highly trained chef ready to eat in or takeaway. Motte & Bailey is also dog-friendly, so your pup can enjoy the cafe too. Find out more here.
Cockburn’s Tea Rooms. For a traditional English tea room experience, the quaint cafe at Cockburn’s is decorated in a quintessentially British style that makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into their home for a cuppa – and dogs are welcome too! The exposed beams and floral decor might not be to everyone’s taste, but the atmosphere is a cosy one and the staff take pride in delivering a friendly service. There’s a wide range of homemade cakes to choose from as well as savoury treats and hot drinks. A sweet little gem in the heart of town. Find out more here.
LG Cafe. A quirky stop where the decor seems to divide opinion, the interior of LG Cafe is plastered in punk memorabilia, photos and newspaper clippings, resulting in a dizzying but thoughtfully curated nostalgic vibe. The menu, laid out in a music magazine style to continue the theme, has mostly cakes on offer, with other treats available like pancakes, cannolis, crumpets and bagels. The owners clearly have a passion for their business and enjoy putting twists into everyday treats (think Biscoff hot chocolates!) which makes the cafe an interesting stop-off if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Find out more here.
Juniper. The minimal interior at Juniper complements the simple approach to the food served here: “Taking quality ingredients and making good food”. Don’t underestimate them though – the small team at Juniper work hard to serve an array of expertly-cooked, mouth-watering dishes, on a menu that changes to work in tune with the seasons. Dishes include delicately plated mortadella, mozzarella, tomato and basil focaccia, and smoked trout and eggs on rye toast. As well as their show-stopping larger dishes, you can also pop in for a light bite, with hot and cold drinks (equally unique – think elderflower kombucha) and an array of sweet treats and cakes baked fresh each day. Plus they’re dog-friendly! Find out more here.
Seasonal events in Arundel
Some of the many unique and characterful events that we recommend in Arundel include:
Arundel Castle tulip festival. Arundel’s famous tulip festival takes place throughout April-May at the Castle, and we’re not exaggerating when we say it’s one of the most spectacular events we’ve visited on our travels! Exact dates of the festival depend on how weather has affected the tulips blooming from year to year, but once open, visitors are treated to the sight of 70,000 tulips in over 130 different varieties! Find out more on this post.
International Medieval jousting festival. Another specular event at Arundel Castle, the festival takes place over 6 jam-packed days in the Summer, with jousting teams from all around the world competing for individual and team honours. There are hunting skill competitions as well as falconry displays and have-a-go activities, including archery, warrior training and axe throwing. The Knights’ Table serves a mouth-watering feast, and Medieval-style musicians provide an authentic musical backdrop to the whole event. Find out more about the jousting festival here.
Corpus Christi celebrations. A tradition for over 140 years, Arundel Cathedral celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi each June with a festival of flowers and a procession from the Cathedral to the courtyard of Arundel Castle. The world famous carpet of flowers stretches down the entire centre aisle of the Cathedral in a fresh, beautifully-crafted design that changes each year. Find out more about Corpus Christi here.
Arundel Farmers Market. Every third Saturday of the month, Arundel’s High Street transforms for a morning of shopping local! You can find everything from locally grown food, sweet treats and freshly baked bread, to homewares, jewellery and flowers. There really is something for everyone and the diverse range of stalls provide a feast for the eyes and belly! Over on Tarrant Street, the new market in Tarrant Square is an extension of the monthly market but on a weekly basis so, no matter which Saturday in the month you make your trip to Arundel, you’ll be able to shop from local businesses in the heart of town. Find out more about the farmers market here.
Christmas events in Arundel. Over the festive period, Arundel plays host to a range of creative events from artisan fairs and carols by candlelight, to an illuminated tractor run right along the main road in town! Find all the important dates for this year’s Christmas events here.
Where to stay
If you’re looking to spend more than one day exploring Arundel, here are our top picks for accommodation in town:
The Swan Hotel. This Grade II listed Victorian building dates back to 1759 and sits on the corner of the High Street, with all the popular spots in the centre of Arundel in walkable distance. The room interiors combine traditional comfort with modern facilities, and dogs are welcome in select rooms for a charge of £20 per dog up to 2 dogs. There is a restaurant on site that serves breakfast daily, as well as a hotel bar with a large selection of real ales that makes it a popular spot for locals and guests. Find out more and book your stay here.
Longmace. Just off the High Street, Longmace is a 3 bedroom holiday home featuring carefully curated furnishings amongst the characterful interior of the cottage. The cosy lounge, with original wooden ceiling beams, has a working fireplace that’s perfect for snuggly evenings in after a day of exploring the town. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, plus a washing machine and other modern amenities that provide everything you’ll need for your stay. Find out more and book your stay here.
The Norfolk Arms Hotel. Located under the battlements of Arundel Castle, The Norfolk Arms is another historic hotel in Arundel that’s perfectly situated for all the popular sights. Set in a Georgian coaching inn, the rooms are light and airy and have been individually designed to work with the unique period features. The in-house Norfolk Tap bar serves local ales and a variety of light lunches and snacks, and guests can also enjoy the spacious lounge area with a hot drink or afternoon tea. There is parking available on site for an additional fee. Find out more and book your stay here.
Dove Cottage. Just one road over from the shops and cafes on Tarrant Street, Dove Cottage sits on the River Arun and features bright, welcoming decor inside as well as a peaceful terraced area at the back of the property overlooking the river. This 2 bedroom historic cottage has been fitted out with all modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen and a TV with streaming services. There is car parking available in a nearby reserved space for an additional fee. Find out more and book your stay here.
Papillon Cottage. Papillon Cottage is situated over the bridge from the High Street, providing guests with a little more privacy but still within easy reach of the main sights in town. Papillon Cottage has 3 bedrooms and is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dogs along for your trip. You’ll have your own peaceful, secluded garden which is ideal for those with four-legged friends, and there is a fully equipped kitchen for easy meal preparation. There is no parking included, however it is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Fitzalan Pool car park for easy arrival and departure. Find out more and book your stay here.
Find more accommodation in Arundel here.
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