Attractions in Arundel - What to do, see and visit during your stay
With history, priceless works of art, ghosts, a world famous nature reserve - not to mention great food and shopping - a weekend or short break in Arundel really has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Arundel town centre is filled with a truly eclectic mix of shops - and browsing in the secondhand bookshops, arts and craft shops or antiques and collectibles outlets is a very easy and enjoyable way to spend a day. Foodies will also love the independent butchers and bakers, along with the chocolate shops and continental style delicatessens. The walk around this hilly town should work off any indulgencies you may succumb to.
Those preferring a more planned approach to discovering what Arundel has to offer should pick up one of the 2 self-guided walk leaflets produced by the Museum Society. The leaflets cost about £1 each and are available from the Arundel Museum and Information Centre in Crown Yard Mews off River Road.
Two routes are available
- Footsteps Back in Time - a walk around the centre of the town
- Bridge to Bridge Walk - a walk along the north side of the river
NB Arundel's farmers' market usually takes place on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
Also in the town centre is Arundel Jailhouse. The jailhouse is hidden away in Duke's Path at the top of the High Street. Entering the jailhouse through the iron cell gate will give you a feel for what it must have been like to enter a genuine Georgian/Victorian prison.
The jailhouse hosts the infamous candlelit Arundel Ghost Experience tours where you will be regaled with stories of the ghosts that haunt the prison and surrounding area. Unfortunately the tours are not suitable for toddlers, babies or for those of a nervous disposition.
It is impossible to talk about Arundel however without mentioning the castle - Arundel is the castle.
Arundel castle started life as a modest motte and bailey castle built in about 1068 by the Earl of Arundel, Roger de Montgomery. The additions of a shell keep, curtain walls, gardens and a chapel by subsequent occupants over the intervening years has made it into the palatial structure that dominates the skyline of the town today.
The castle has belonged to the Earl's of Arundel and the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries and has welcomed tourists for over 200 years. It contains a treasure trove of history and priceless works of art in one of the most stunning settings in England and is an absolute must visit activity during your stay.
The castle is operates seasonally and it is wise to check dates and times before your visit www.arundelcastle.org.
Founded in the UK in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a very highly respected wetland conservation organisation working globally to safeguard and improve wetlands for wildlife and people. Activities at the WWT in Arundel include the Wetland Boat Safaris and are really the only way to see the amazing array of wildlife, plants insects and fish. The safaris last about 20 minutes and are narrated by a knowledgeable boat driver so you will know what to look out for. Even better, the tours run every day, except Christmas day, in sunshine and in rain and are included in the admission price. (in only very icy conditions are tours sometimes cancelled) Each boat holds between 8-10 people and are wheelchair accessible. Life jackets are provided but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Further afield
Lovers of the Sport of Kings may want to time their visit to Arundel to one of nearby Fontwell Park's 24 annual race days in 2012. Winner of 'Racecourse of the Year' at the Betview Awards in March 2011 - Fontwell holds race meetings midweek, evenings and weekends.
Fans of modern architecture wont want to miss the opportunity to visit the quirky East Beach Café smack bang on the seafront in Littlehampton - just a short drive south of Arundel.
The café has won more than 20 national and international awards for its design based on a piece of driftwood and is an outstanding and unexpected addition to this traditional seaside town.
Just as importantly the café was judged winner of the Best Coastal Café award 2011 by Coast Magazine. The menu is also highly commended in the Good Food guide 2011. The café is incredibly popular and booking ahead is essential.
