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Arundel

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A Fairytale City Break

If exhausting city breaks aren’t your bag, then how about a mini-city-break? The cathedral town of Arundel is just 60 miles from London, and yet seems a world away, with its fairytale castle, gothic cathedral and steep Georgian main street. It has everything you could possibly need for a revitalising and romantic weekend away, but, amazingly, has managed to escape the heaving crowds you might expect.

What to see?

If you were in any doubt over Arundel’s star attraction, you’ll find it taking centre stage well before you actually reach the town. Whether you’re arriving by train (on one of the prettiest lines in the South of England) or by road, the picture-book turrets of Arundel Castle (www.arundelcastle.org Tel: 01903 882173), poking out above the trees, are the first sign that you’re about to arrive somewhere very special. The castle, owned and lived in by the Duke of Norfolk and his family, dominates the town, and is usually the first port of call for sightseers. The foundations are Norman, but bits have been added, destroyed and renovated since then, until the castle eventually gained its distinctive, fairytale silhouette in the late nineteenth century. It’s all open to the public from March until October, with the beautiful gardens, 14th century Fitzalan Chapel, medieval castle keep and some amazing state rooms enough to keep romantic souls happy for hours.

Adjacent to the castle is Arundel Park, 1200 acres of rolling greenery that blends seemlessly into the gorgeous South Downs that surround it. Walkers will love it, while anyone just wanting to sit and chill won’t be disappointed. Lovely Swanbourne Lake offers poetry-reading-in-rowing-boats opportunities, while the Arundel Castle Cricket Club (www.cricketatarundelcastle.co.uk) regularly plays host to some amazing teams (including Sussex CCC and visiting international teams), all within the shadow of the famous turrets. Visit in late summer for brilliant Arundel Festival (www.arundelfestival.co.uk Tel: 0871 472 0414) - 4 days of top-flight concerts in the castle grounds. Picnics and Pimms obligatory.

Back in town, and the rest of the Arundel is a potterer’s paradise, with little boutiques, delis and cafes lining the sloping main street and narrow side lanes, not to mention some top-notch restaurants. The beautiful gothic Catholic cathedral (www.arundelcathedral.org) at the top of the hill almost matches the castle in grandeur, while the banks of the River Arun are the ideal spot for some summer lounging about. Foodies will be in their element, with some brilliant food shops. In particular, Pallant of Arundel (www.pallantofarundel.co.uk Tel: 01903 882288) is great for picnic supplies, with local cheeses, salads, cooked meats and freshly-baked bread, plus bottles of Chichester cider on offer.

Walkers and cyclists will be in their element as Arundel’s position in the heart of the South Downs means there’s lots of glorious countryside to explore, right on your doorstep. Local villages such as pretty medieval Burpham, 2 miles from town, and the riverside South Stoke, just a little further, a great places to aim for - both are home to fantastic pub-grub and real ales. A lovely 3-mile circular walk takes you through the town, then past beautiful Swanbourne Lake to the fantastic, riverside Black Rabbit pub in South Stoke (Tel: 01903 882828), to enjoy some great views of Arundel Castle as you enjoy a pint. Then, it’s back to Arundel along the river - perfect for a summer’s evening. Log on to www.walkinginwestsussex.co.uk for more details and a map. If two wheels are more your bag, the possibilities are endless. M’s Cycle Hire (www.m-cyclehire.co.uk Tel: 07852 986165) will deliver bikes right to your doorstep, and are also a fount of knowledge when it comes to the best local cycling routes.

Or why not try?

Arundel Lido www.arundel-lido.com Tel: 01903 882404

Arundel Ghost Experience www.arundelghostexperience.com Tel: 01903 889821

Around and about

This corner of West Sussex is full of great places to visit. Goodwood (www.goodwood.co.uk Tel: 01243 755000) is only 9 miles away from Arundel, home to Goodwood Racecourse with race meets throughout the year, including ‘Glorious Goodwood’ at the end of July. It also plays host to the brilliant Goodwood Revival, held at the end of September - the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting. There are races around the classic Goodwood circuit, plus everyone dresses up and has a jolly good time. Book well ahead for tickets.

The cathedral city of Chichester is 10 miles from Arundel, and is a great place to get cultured-up. The Cathedral itself (www.chichestercathedral.org.uk Tel: 01243 812482), which dominates the skyline for miles around, has become especially well-known for its association with modern art, with a fascinating collection of twentieth-century paintings, sculptures, tapestries and stained-glass windows on show that blend seamlessly with the ancient interior. One of the most beautiful is a techni-coloured window by Marc Chagall. The city’s passion for modern art continues at Pallant House Gallery (www.pallant.org.uk Tel: 01243 774557), a Queen Anne town house in the centre of the city. The Grade I-listed building has been extended to house one of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the UK, including works by Freud, Sickert, Hodgkin and Blake.

Culture Vultures needn’t stop there, though as Chichester is also home to one of the best regional theatres in the country - Chichester Festival Theatre (www.cft.org.uk Tel: 01243 784437). During Festival season - from April to September each year, the Festival Theatre and its sister theatre, the Minerva, present some stunning productions of classic and new works, often featuring huge names in British acting. Outdoor performances and an impressive series of talks and Q&A sessions also feature throughout the Festival. Then during the autumn, the CFT plays host to touring productions from around the country.



If all that wasn’t enough excitement, get your buckets and spades ready as the seaside is just a few miles away from Arundel. The long and quiet Climping Beach is a tranquil spot, a world away from the bright lights and bustle at neighbouring resorts Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. It’s very popular with paddlers, surfers and Doctor Who location scouts, apparently, and is perfect for a summer picnic.

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