Arundel and local attractions
Arundel is a small market town with a population of some 3,000. Steeped in history, it is well placed for easy access to both the South Coast and the countryside. There is a wide range of activities on offer in the area, from the leisurely to the more energetic.
Established originally for its strategic position in a gap in the South Downs, Arundel was already an established river port by the time of the Doomsday Book in 1086. It continued to operate as a port right into the 20th century and, in its time, the River Arun has been used by smugglers to land their contraband from the continent.
The town's two most significant landmarks, the castle and the cathedral, are separated by 800 years of history but sit side by side, high on a hillside. The castle was established at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1067 and since the 1500s has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk. Whilst still a private home, visits are possible between April and October.
Despite its appearance, the Roman Catholic cathedral was only opened in 1873. It was designed by Joseph Hansom, who also designed the Hansom cab, in a style that is based on the French Gothic style of the 15th century. Arundel is the second smallest town in Britain to have a Cathedral (the smallest being St David's in Wales). Each year the Feast Day of Corpus Christi takes place 60 days after Easter, and the famous Carpet of Flowers is laid down in the centre aisle by the ladies of the Parish.
The town itself is built on a hill, and has quaint narrow streets with Georgian and Victorian houses and a range of small independent shops - craft and antique shops, art galleries and specialist shops. Maintaining market tradition, there is also a farmers’ market every third Saturday of the month.
If all of this leaves you in need of refreshment then there is a wide choice of tearooms, restaurants and pubs and, once refreshed, the Arundel Museum and Heritage centre is a good place to start to discover what else the town has to offer.
The cottages are within walking distance of the major sights, as well as the numerous shops and restaurants.
Local attractions
There is plenty happening in and around Arundel, throughout the year. If you want to stay close, there is the town itself, the castle, the Wetlands, or even the beach – just down the road in Littlehampton. If you want to travel a bit further, Brighton is about half an hour away to the East, or you could go west to visit the historic naval base of Portsmouth.
If you are after some strenuous exercise, the South Downs are just behind the cottages, and you can stretch your legs for miles and miles in open countryside. Arundel is truly a location that can offer a wide variety of things to do.
The calendar starts in March, with racing at Fontwell and Goodwood, then moves on to Chichester for the Theatre Festival in April (through to October) or the Brighton Festival, which begins on Saturday, 5th May, through to 27th May.
Meanwhile, those with a love of fast and historic cars are meeting in Goodwood during the Festival of Speed – 22nd to 24th June. July is dedicated to the Chichester Arts Festival (29th June to 15th July) and August is back to Bond Street for a ringside view of the Arundel Festival (25th August to 1st September). And if you are serious about planning ahead, there is always Christmas to look forward to – we take bookings throughout the year!
We can only give a flavour of the attractions within easy distance of Arundel and have added some links to websites that give much more detail. If you are interested in something specific but cannot find it, please let us know and we will investigate.
We are proud of our cottages and the service we offer, as we want all our guests to enjoy their stay, but we are always keen to have feedback to improve our facilities and would welcome your suggestions.