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The Town House - Arundel

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Classy Arundel restaurant-with-rooms

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 Georgian main street. It has everything you could possibly need for a revitalising and romantic weekend away, including this - The Town House, a beautiful restaurant-with-rooms.

Sitting in the heart of the town, on the steep main street, the cosily splendid Georgian townhouse that contains both an award-winning restaurant and four lovely en-suite bedrooms, is inviting to say the least. A large bay window overlooks the bustling High Street and the castle is just a few minutes’ stroll away. Inside, the decor is just as elegant - the little restaurant is cosy and intimate, but with the most jaw-dropping ceiling we’ve ever seen - originally constructed and installed in Florence in the late 16th century, its gilded designs are a stunning example of late renaissance architecture. If you can drag your attention away from the ceiling to the table, you’ll be treated with a mouthwatering, fine-dining menu using loads of local ingredients. Decliciously comforting British-led dishes are lovingly thought-out and presented, with puddings that will have you begging for more.

Upstairs, the suite has to be the place to be for romantic couples - with a four-poster bed and its own private balcony overlooking the turrets of Arundel Castle. But the other three rooms are also light, airy and stylishly furnished, with period features, shiny en-suites, sash windows and DVD players.

Where is it?

The stunning town of Arundel really is the star attraction in these parts, and Arundel’s star attraction? Well, you can see it for miles. Arundel Castle (www.arundelcastle.org Tel: 01903 882173) is the stuff of picture books, its turrets peeking out amongst the trees. The foundations are Norman, but bits have been added, destroyed and renovated since then to give it its distinctive silhouette. The 14th century Fitzalan Chapel, castle keep and stunning gardens are perfect for quick blast of history. Open to the public from March until October, the castle is still home to the (very lucky) Duke of Norfolk and his family. The rest of the town is a potterer’s paradise, with little shops, delis and cafes lining Arundel’s sloping main street and narrow side alleys. The beautiful gothic 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. 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.

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. 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 and Hiorne Tower, with great views of Arundel Castle ever-present - 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.

Apart from Arundel, 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.

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, get your buckets and spades ready as the seaside is less than twenty minutes’ drive away. The very long and very wide Climping Beach is a quiet spot, a world away from the noise at neighbouring resorts Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. It’s popular with paddlers, surfers and Doctor Who location scouts, apparently.

Where can I eat?

The Town House really is a no-brainer of an eating option. Not only is the food fantastic, but there’s nothing better than enjoying an amazing meal and a bottle (or two) of vino, knowing that you’re within stumbling distance of your bed.

If you are looking for alternatives, however, there are plenty of great places to eat in the area. Arundel House (www.arundelhouseonline.co.uk Tel: 01903 882136) also on the High Street, serves a vibrant British/French menu, with puddings to die for and an exciting list of champagnes-by-the-glass as an optional side dish! While the exterior is decidedly Georgian, the dining room is contemporary and colourful.

The village of Burpham, a walk or a taxi ride from The Town House, is home to two great places to eat. Burpham Country House (www.burphamcountryhouse.com Tel: 01903 882160), a lovely little hotel with spectacular views across the South Downs, has a light and airy restaurant, with a simple and elegant menu. The freshest local, seasonal and most mouthwatering produce available is used and all accompanied by those ever-present vistas. Otherwise, The George and Dragon (Tel: 01903 883131) is a charming country gastro-pub, serving way-above-average pub grub. British dishes, often with a gallic twist, real ale and a great wine list make for a relaxed and cosy night out in the country.

For a great gastro-pub that’s perfect as a walking destination, The Black Rabbit at South Stoke (Tel: 01903 882828) is fantastic. Right on the banks of the River Arun, it’s peace and tranquility itself, with benches to sit on outside and a roaring fire and cosy nooks and crannies inside. The food is pub grub at its best, with a brilliant roast on Sundays, and of course, the ale flows like the river outside.

One last thing... if you’re heading off onto the Downs or on a trip to the beach, you could do a lot worse than popping into Pallant of Arundel (www.pallantofarundel.co.uk Tel: 01903 882288) for supplies. Local cheeses, salads, cooked meats and freshly-baked bread, plus bottles of Chichester cider are perfect hamper-fodder.

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Sitting in the heart of the town, on the steep main street, the cosily splendid Georgian townhouse that contains both an award-winning restaurant and four lovely en-suite bedrooms, is inviting to say the least