Arundel is one of the most dramatically beautiful small towns in England — a perfectly preserved medieval and Victorian town in the Arun Valley in West Sussex, dominated by the soaring outline of Arundel Castle and the magnificent Arundel Cathedral, whose Gothic spire is visible for miles across the South Downs. With a population of just 3,697, it is tiny but extraordinarily rich in character, history and architectural distinction.
Arundel Castle, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years, is one of the finest and most complete medieval castles in England — still privately owned and lived in by the same family. Its Great Hall, Barons' Hall, library and private chapel contain extraordinary collections of art, furniture and armour accumulated over centuries. The castle's gardens — including a remarkable Victorian walled garden and a spectacular cut flower garden — are among the finest open to the public in the South East.
The town's streets are steeply hilled, lined with antique shops, independent galleries, excellent restaurants and tea rooms that give Arundel a distinctly Continental character on a sunny day. The Arundel Wetland Centre — operated by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust on the Arun floodplain below the town — is one of the finest urban wetland nature reserves in Britain, home to rare birds, otters and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife within sight of the castle.
Direct trains reach London Victoria in 85 minutes. The South Downs National Park begins immediately north of the town. House prices average £425,000 — high but reflecting the town's extraordinary setting and exceptional quality of life.
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Who is Arundel Good For?
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VisitBritain- Arundel CastleSeat of the Dukes of Norfolk for 850+ years — one of England's finest medieval castles, still privately owned. The Great Hall, chapel, library and formal gardens are open April–October.
- Arundel CathedralA magnificent Victorian Gothic cathedral whose French-inspired spire dominates the skyline for miles. Built 1868–1873 for the Duke of Norfolk — the interior is strikingly beautiful.
- Arundel Wetland Centre (WWT)One of the finest urban wetland nature reserves in Britain — 65 acres of lakes, reedbeds and watermeadows below the castle, home to otters, rare birds and extraordinary wildlife.
- South Downs National ParkArundel sits at the edge of the South Downs — spectacular chalk downland, ancient hill forts and the South Downs Way long distance path. Bignor Roman Villa is just 7 miles north.
- Arundel Antique Shops & Town CentreArundel is one of the antiques capitals of the South East — dozens of dealers line the High Street and surrounding lanes in a beautifully preserved Victorian town centre.
- River Arun & Boat TripsThe River Arun flows through the town — boat trips run downstream to Littlehampton and the sea through beautiful flat water meadows. Canoeing and kayaking also available.
- Arundel FestivalAn annual arts festival held each August in the castle grounds and venues around the town — outdoor theatre, music, street entertainers and the celebrated fireworks finale.
- Arundel MuseumA compact but excellent local museum in the town centre telling the story of Arundel and the Arun Valley from prehistoric times to the present day. Free entry.
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