Arundel is one of those places that feels like it should not exist in modern Sussex. A hilltop castle nearly a thousand years old. A French Gothic cathedral that would not look out of place in Normandy. A wetland centre with boat safaris. And a high street packed with antique shops, independent bookshops and proper restaurants, not chains. All of this in a town of just 3,475 people.
If you have lived in West Sussex for any length of time, you have probably driven through Arundel on the A27 and caught that famous silhouette of the castle above the river. But there is a real difference between passing through and actually spending a day here. This guide covers what is genuinely worth your time, what you can skip, and how to make the most of a visit.
Arundel Castle
The castle is the main draw and it deserves to be. Established by Roger de Montgomery around 1067, it has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for nearly a thousand years. It is a Grade I listed building and one of the finest medieval castles in England that is still lived in.
The castle was damaged during the English Civil War in 1643, when 800 royalists surrendered after an 18-day siege. It was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries by the 11th Duke of Norfolk, and further embellished in the 1890s. What you see today is a mix of genuine medieval structure (the motte, the keep, the barbican) and lavish Victorian Gothic restoration.
What to see inside: The highlight is the Library, which is 122 feet long, entirely fitted out in carved Honduras mahogany, and holds around 10,000 books. It is one of the most important Gothic rooms of its era in the country. The collection includes portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Canaletto and Reynolds, plus personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots. The Fitzalan Chapel is also worth your time, though it can close for private services.
The gardens are award-winning and worth the visit on their own if the weather is decent. The Collector Earl's Garden is a standout.
Practical info:
- 📍 Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
- 🕐 2026 season: 1st April to 1st November. Gardens 10am to 5pm. Castle rooms noon to 5pm. Last admission 4pm.
- 🚫 Closed Mondays (except bank holidays and August)
- 💷 Multiple ticket types available (gardens only, keep, full castle). Check arundelcastle.org for current prices.
- ⏱️ Allow 2 to 3 hours for the full castle, gardens and grounds
- 📞 01903 882173
Local tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for fewer crowds. Arrive when the gardens open at 10am, explore those first, then head into the castle rooms at noon. The keep is worth the climb for the views alone.
Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard
Arundel's Roman Catholic cathedral sits just below the castle and is genuinely stunning. Built in the French Gothic style by Joseph Hansom (yes, the man who designed the Hansom cab) and completed in 1873, it punches well above what you would expect for a small Sussex town.
The interior is beautiful, with fine stained glass and the Shrine of St Philip Howard in the north transept. Philip Howard, 13th Earl of Arundel, died in the Tower of London in 1595 for his Catholic faith and was canonised in 1970.
Entry is free. It is an active place of worship, so be respectful during services. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.
: London Road, Arundel, **BN18 9AY** | 🔗 arundelcathedral.uk
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre on the edge of town is a world away from the medieval stuff up the hill. Spread across the Arun Valley, it is home to rare birds, otters, and some of the best reed beds in southern England. The boat safaris through the reed beds are particularly good, and the hides give you a real chance of spotting kingfishers.
It is an excellent family attraction. The adventure play areas and pond dipping sessions keep younger children engaged, while the wildlife watching appeals to all ages. It is also open 364 days a year (only closed Christmas Day), which makes it one of the most reliable attractions in the area.
Practical info:
- 📍 Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PB
- 🕐 Open daily 10am to 4.30pm (last admission one hour before closing)
- 💷 Adult from £13.30, Child (4-16) from £7.15, Family (2+2) from £34.75, under 4 free (online advance prices, 10% cheaper than on the day). Book online at wwt.org.uk
- ⏱️ Allow 2 to 3 hours, longer if you do a boat safari
Local tip: If you are choosing between the castle and WWT and can only do one, the castle is the must-see for a first visit. But WWT is arguably better value for families with young children, and it is open year-round while the castle is seasonal.
Swanbourne Lake
The lake sits just below the castle and is a lovely spot for a gentle walk. It is free, it is pretty, and it takes about 20 minutes to loop around. There is a small cafe and you can hire rowing boats in summer. The folly on the hill above the lake was commissioned by the 11th Duke of Norfolk.
Dogs on leads are welcome. It is a nice pre-lunch or post-castle stroll.
: Just off Mill Road, **BN18 9PB** (same area as WWT) | ⏱️ Allow 20 to 30 minutes
The Riverside Walk
Follow the River Arun south from the town centre towards the coast. The path is flat, easy, and gives you lovely views back up to the castle. You can walk as far as you like and turn back, or if you are feeling ambitious, continue all the way to Littlehampton (about 4 miles one way). The route is also part of some excellent South Downs family walks.
This is a good option if you want some fresh air after browsing the shops, and it is free.
High Street: Antique Shops and Independent Stores
Arundel's High Street is the real deal. It is one of the last high streets in West Sussex where independent shops outnumber chains. You will find:
- Antique shops and galleries clustered along the High Street and Tarrant Street. Arundel is known as one of the best antique towns in the South East, and the quality is generally high.
- Kim's Bookshop on the High Street, an excellent independent bookshop.
- Arundel Markets run throughout the year with local produce, crafts and vintage finds. See our guide to the best markets in West Sussex for dates and details.
- A good mix of gift shops, galleries and craft shops. Not touristy tat, genuine quality.
Allow at least 30 minutes to browse, longer if you are an antique hunter.
Arundel Museum
A small but well-presented local museum that tells the story of the town from prehistoric flint hand axes through to the Civil War. The introductory film is a good watch and covers the main themes.
- 📍 Mill Road, Arundel, BN18 9PA
- 🕐 Open daily 10am to 4pm
- 💷 Adults £5.75, Seniors/Students £5.25, Family (2 adults + children) £11.50, Under 6 free
- ⏱️ Allow 30 to 45 minutes
Worth popping into if you have time, especially on a rainy day.
Where to Eat
Arundel has a surprisingly good food scene for its size. Here are honest picks:
The Town House (High Street) is the fine dining option. A small, intimate restaurant with a reputation that extends well beyond Sussex. Not cheap, but the cooking is excellent. Book ahead.
Poppins on Tarrant Street does proper fish and chips, fresh and well-executed. The fish is always cooked to order. Nothing fancy, just done right.
The Eagle on Tarrant Street is a proper pub with decent food. Good beer selection, friendly atmosphere, and a solid Sunday roast. Dog friendly too.
Motte & Bailey Cafe on the High Street is a reliable choice for coffee and cake. Good scones, pleasant setting. You will not be blown away, but you will not be disappointed either.
For a more detailed look at food options across the county, our dog-friendly days out guide covers pubs and cafes that welcome four-legged visitors.
Quick Comparison: Arundel Attractions
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Time Needed | Best For | |---|---|---|---| | Arundel Castle | Check website | 2-3 hours | History, architecture, gardens | | Cathedral | Free | 20-30 mins | Architecture, quiet reflection | | WWT Arundel | From £13.30 | 2-3 hours | Families, wildlife, bird watching | | Swanbourne Lake | Free | 20-30 mins | Gentle walk, dogs, children | | Riverside Walk | Free | 30-90 mins | Walking, views, fresh air | | High Street Shops | Free to browse | 30-60 mins | Antiques, books, gifts | | Arundel Museum | £5.75 | 30-45 mins | Local history, rainy days |
Getting There
By car: Arundel is just off the A27 between Chichester and Worthing. Parking can be tricky in summer. The main car park is at Mill Road (BN18 9PA), and there is additional parking at Crown Yard and on-street. Arrive before 11am on weekends and holidays to guarantee a space.
By train: Arundel station is on the Arun Valley line. Direct trains from London Victoria (around 90 minutes), Gatwick Airport, Horsham, and along the coast from Brighton, Worthing and Chichester. The station is a 5-minute walk from the High Street.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day (3-4 hours)
- Start at the castle (arrive at 10am, explore gardens and keep)
- Walk down through town to the cathedral (20 minutes)
- Browse the High Street shops
- Lunch at The Eagle or Poppins
Full Day (6-7 hours)
- Castle from 10am (2-3 hours)
- Lunch on the High Street
- Cathedral (20 minutes)
- Walk down to Swanbourne Lake (20 minutes)
- WWT Arundel or the riverside walk (2 hours)
- Coffee and cake at Motte & Bailey before heading home
Arundel is one of the best days out in West Sussex. It is compact enough to cover on foot, varied enough to fill a whole day, and has that rare combination of genuine history and a living, breathing town that has not been hollowed out by tourism. Just avoid Mondays if you want to see the castle.