Arundel
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Arundel is the Historic Heart of the South Downs and your first view of the town is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Dominated by the 11th Century Norman Castle and Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral which sit side-by-side, high on a hillside, Arundel has quaint narrow streets, specialist shops and a good mix of restaurants.
Arundel Castle has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk & their ancestors for over 850 years and is well worth a visit.
So too is the Cathedral of Our Lady & St Philip Howard - a Victorian Gothic Catholic Cathedral designed by Joseph Hansom, who is probably more famous for being the creator of the original victorian Hansom Cab.
A short walk up the hill is St Nicholas Church and the Fitzalan Chapel. This unique building accommodates both a Church of England and a Catholic section. Entrance to the Church of England church is on London Road and the Catholic chapel is accessed through the Castle grounds.
You can find out more about the town’s colourful and lively past at Arundel Museum History Store, located in Mill Road Coach and Car Park.
For active visitors, there are great walks around the town, including the Arundel Audio Tour which you can hire from the Visitor Information Centre. This takes you through Arundel’s cobbled streets at your own pace on your very own historical tour!
Nearby walks include the River Arun, Arundel Park and South Downs - contact the Visitor Information Centre for details.
If you're feeling adventurous, frighten yourself with spooky local stories at Arundel Ghost Experience, half way up the hill and down a dark creepy alleyway!
The River Arun winds its way around the town and is a magnet for wildlife. With more than 60 acres of ponds, lakes and reedbeds, Arundel Wetlands Centre attracts some of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese and swans.
The best way to enjoy the river is on a River Arun Cruise heading for the Black Rabbit pub or further north to Amberley. Or, you can hire motor boats on the river or rowing boats on Swanbourne Lake in Arundel Park - 1,000 acres of largely open downland.
For the more energetic, Mill Road Leisure & Sports Park has putting greens and tennis courts. Or take a dip in the fabulous Arundel Lido – the most scenic open air heated swimming pool in Britain (open summer only).
For fishing enthusiasts, there’s river fishing on the River Arun and Trout fishing on four spring-fed lakes at Chalk Springs Fishery. Arundel Farm Riding & Driving Centre offers riding in the countryside for experienced accompanied riders or lessons for the inexperienced.
After all that activity, relax in the Town Centre with a cream tea or a leisurely stroll around the many galleries, antiques and specialist shops.
Contact Arundel Visitor Information Centre +44 01903 882268 for more information
