10 Best Things To Do In Arundel: Top Attraction Choices For 2023

East of Chichester and west of Eastbourne and Brighton, Arundel is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Sussex coastline. As the seat of the Duke of Norfolk since the 11th century, this little town is steeped in thousands of years of history. On top of the historical sights, there’s also an overabundance of scenic spots, fun activities and achingly pretty streets to meander through.

To help you plan your Sussex holiday, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best things to do in Arundel. It isn’t big, so you may think that a day’s walk through the town’s centre is enough. But really, you’ll want to set aside a few days to get stuck into this south coast town and experience all its delights!

Table Of Contents

1 10 Best Things To Do In Arundel
2 Frequently Asked Questions
3 Conclusion

10 Best Things To Do In Arundel

These are our top 10 picks for what to include in your next trip to this historic town. You’ll soon see why this Sussex town is worth visiting! And if you’re wondering where is West Sussex anyway, find out by clicking the link.

1. Arundel Castle Is A Must-See

One of England’s longest inhabited country houses, Arundel Castle has belonged to the Howard family since its construction in 1067 – less than a year after the Norman Conquest!

Once you’ve admired the exterior of this magnificent building, step inside to marvel at its vast banqueting hall, Norman Keep and Medieval gatehouse. You’ll also discover elaborate tapestries and a rare collection of paintings by renowned artists like Van Dyck and Canaletto.

The castle was almost ruined in the Civil War but was restored in the 18th century and then almost totally rebuilt during the Gothic Revival of the 19th century. Today, it also houses a restaurant in the former servant’s hall and a coffee shop in what was once the pantry!

2. Check Out Arundel Cathedral

Elevated above the town centre, the magnificent Arundel Cathedral has a shorter but no less illustrious history. Construction began in the late 17th century but was not completed until 1873, and it is now considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in England.

In the first part of its life, Arundel Cathedral was merely a church and was only designated as a cathedral when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brighton was set up in 1965. But with its soaring rib vaults and the exquisite stained glass and tracery in the rose window, it fits the title perfectly!

Tip: Take some time to stroll around the grounds and admire the flowers and the magnificent view of the valley stretching out onto the Arundel West Sussex coast.

3. Visit St Nicholas’ Church

While you’re visiting the castle, don’t forget to drop by St Nicholas’ Church on its western grounds – it’s well worth the extra time. This unusual Gothic church offers separate worship areas for Anglicans and Catholics, but this wasn’t always the case.

The (Catholic) church was first established as the Fitzalan Chapel in 1380 by the 11th Earl of Arundel. However, it was badly damaged during the civil war and fell into a period of decline. In the 18th century, the less damaged west side became an Anglican place of worship. The other side was finally restored in the 1830s and established as a Catholic chapel.

As well as its unique history, the church and chapel are both full of fascinating artefacts, beautiful pieces of art and exquisite craftsmanship.

4. Explore Swanbourne Lake

If you’ve had enough of old stone buildings, get some fresh air at the evocative Swanbourne Lake. Located just beyond the castle park, it was constructed in the 11th century, making it one of England’s oldest man-made bodies of water!

You’ll find it wreathed in ancient woodland and the rolling South Downs, with towering chalk cliffs on one side. In summer, you can hire a rowboat and explore all its enchanting nooks and crannies.

While some parts of the lake feel positively wild, the east bank is home to Swanbourne Lodge, a beautiful Jacobean flintstone building. Today, it houses a charming cafe offering cream teas and light meals.

5. Swim In Arundel Lido

Fancy a dip? You can work up an appetite for all the tasty food Arundel has on offer with a few laps around the Arundel Lido. Featuring a 25m pool with a 5m entry area, it is the last remaining lido in the west of Sussex.

The Lido also has a paddling pool for the little ones and a lovely grassy area where you can enjoy a picnic. And if it’s a chilly day – no need to worry as the pool is heated!

6. Bond With Nature In Arundel Wetland Centre

The Arundel Wetland Centre is a short walk from Swanbourne Lake and connects to the South Downs National Park and the river. Somewhere between the zoo and nature reserve, the Arundel Wetland Centre has a captive collection of birds to admire, including Hawaiian geese, Australian wood ducks and Mediterranean marbled ducks.

However, the wetlands also form the natural habitat of many indigenous wildlife species, including warblers, kingfishers, ducks and beavers. Visitors can walk around the wetlands boardwalk or hunker down in one of the hides to spot wildlife.

Tip: Take boat trip safaris in the reedbed channels or have fun feeding geese and exploring the surrounding playground!

7. Visit Arundel Museum

As it is located right next to the town’s main car park and the River Arun, Arundel Museum is the perfect way to kick off a day of exploring. The museum is run by volunteers, but you’d never know it as it is bright, well laid out and packed with fascinating exhibits.

You’ll learn all about Arundel’s past, from the preserved remains of a local man from 500,000 years ago to a Roman stylus to tools that characterised the Industrial Revolution. Although the museum is small, you’ll be amazed at how many stories about this charming town it holds!

In fact, Sussex is home to an abundance of quaint towns that are both charming and fascinating. A short drive from Arundel, you’ll find Chichester and Worthing, which are worth the visit as well.

8. Collector Earl’s Garden For Scenic Sunset

If you plan your day well, you can hit the castle in the afternoon and follow that with a scenic sunset stroll through Collector Earl’s Garden, as it’s included in your entrance fee!

This Jacobean-style garden was built in 2008 on a piece of the old grounds turned into a car park. The gardens are dedicated to Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, who was one of England’s pre-eminent art collectors in the 1600s. Many of the pieces in the castle’s collection, including the Van Dyck portraits, are thanks to him.

The garden consists of a series of courts, featuring neatly pruned lawns and hedges, Baroque-style stonework and many more wonders to discover.

9. Shop At Arundel Farmers’ Market

If you happen to be in town on the third Saturday of the month, you can’t miss Arundel Farmers Market. Set up in the town’s centre, you’ll find an abundance of Arundel’s finest offerings, including meat, dairy, preserves, delicious bakes and local crafts.

Tip: Pick up a jar of South Downs honey before you go!

10. Cricket Time At Arundel Castle Cricket Club

If you fancy seeing some balls batted about, you can pay a visit to the Cricket Club. Built in 1895 by the 15th Duke of Norfolk, this 3.5-acre amphitheatre is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world!

Check the website to see if your visit falls on a match day. The club has hosted many prestigious events over the years, so you may be lucky enough to watch some high-profile teams battle it out on the green!

SDVH’s 7-seater minibus options are just perfect for small groups looking for a comfortable way to explore Arundel. You can also hire one of our 9-seater minibuses for larger room.

Bonus: Arundel Festival

If you’re visiting Arundel in August, you’re in luck. Running up till Bank Holiday Monday in August, Arundel Festival promises 10 days of music, drama, street theatre performances, river races and delicious food and drink.

During the festival, art lovers can also enjoy the Gallery Trail, in which local artists and connoisseurs open their studios and art galleries to the public. With 65 locations taking part, you’ll soon see why Arundel is considered an art hub of Sussex!

Another great time to make your trip is April, when the yearly Tulip Festival takes place. The spectacular tulip festival starts spring off with a bang on the castle grounds, with thousands of colourful flowers representing hundreds of tulip varieties.

Rounding out your Arundel West Sussex holiday with a visit to Bognor Regis? Check out these things to do in Bognor Regis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arundel Worth A Visit?

Arundel is definitely worth a visit! There is so much to enjoy and discover in this beautiful Sussex town. History buffins will love learning about the region’s fascinating past at the Arundel Museum and Cathedral, while nature lovers can enjoy a walk in the South Downs, the Arundel Wetland Centre and even the scenic Arundel Park. Of course, hedonists are also well catered for with a wealth of shops and restaurants!

What’s Arundel Famous For?

Arundel is mostly famous for its castle and cathedral. Built in the 11th and 17th-18th centuries respectively, these are both magnificent structures with so much to discover inside too. To learn even more about the region’s fascinating past, make sure to visit the Arundel Museum and the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre!

What Are Free Things To Do In Arundel?

Free things to do in Arundel include visiting Arundel Cathedral, picnicking by Swanbourne Lake or at Arundel Park and exploring St. Nicholas Church. You can of course browse Arundel Farmers Market for free too, but chances are you’ll end up spending a little money on some of the mouthwatering goods on offer! Ditto for exploring Arundel’s excellent fantique and craft shops on Tarrant Street.

Is Arundel A Nice Place To Live?

Arundel is a very nice place to live, especially for those who enjoy small-town life. Its close proximity to the South Downs countryside and several seaside towns is a real boon, as is its wealth of galleries and festivals. It ticks all the boxes for a charming Sussex town while having no shortage of modern amenities, from a cosy cafe to an upscale eatery. In fact, the town has been named one of the top 10 towns in England to live in!

How Long Does It Take To Go Around Arundel Castle?

It takes around two hours to go around Arundel Castle, including its surroundings. To make sure you have enough time, it’s best to set aside an hour to explore the grounds and an hour to see the interior. From the historic staterooms to the tapestry and painting collection, there’s a lot to see, so you don’t want to feel rushed!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of things to do in Arundel, and you’re starting to get excited about your Sussex holiday! Whether you’re going with friends, family or by yourself, you’ll find a wealth of things to do and see in this pretty little Sussex town. From stunning natural beauty to fascinating history to a vibrant arts culture, it’s a real gem on England’s south coast.

10 Best Things To Do In Arundel: From Castle To Wetland And Lido