How to spend 8 hours in Arundel
Visit Arundel throughout the year
Start with a day at Arundel Castle, built at the end of the 11th century where at this time of year, usually April, the Tulip Festival is in full swing and can’t be missed. Visitors come from all over the World to see the Castle garden in full bloom. There are some 80 000 tulips with 130 000 varieties on display, plus all their usual attractions like the quirky Stumpery and abundant kitchen garden. With glass houses and water features it is simply a pleasure for all the senses. There is also access to the historical Fitzalan Chapel .
With so much to see and do at Arundel Castle it will literally fill your day and a visit to the Café inside the Castle itself will ensure you don’t go hungry during your day there.
An overnight stay at one of the town centre hotels like The Swan or Norfolk Arms will ensure a relaxing end to your busy day and if you wanted to eat out then try the local restaurants situated right in the town centre – The Parsons Table, Butlers, Indian Royal or China Palace. There is also a carvery – The Knights Table which follows the theme of your day at Arundel Castle with knights in armour watching over you while serving girls dressed in costume look after you while you eat
If the sun is shining, then the outdoor swimming pool at the Lido is a must for a family visit. The children will also love seeing all the ducks and wildfowl at Arundel Wetland Centre. You can go on a boat ride around the lake and look out for water voles – the staff know exactly where to take you to see all the best of the wildlife there. They have pond dipping and hides to watch all the birds coming and going. A lovely café overlooking the lake is a great place to get some refreshments. Why not stay overnight at the quirky and luxurious beach hut accommodation situated literally right on the shore at the Beachcroft Hotel in Felpham? Go to sleep listening to the sound of the sea with views across the English Channel right outside your window.
Look to see if Arundel Castle Cricket Club is hosting matches that are being played on their scenic beautiful ground. Watching a days’ play and having lunch at the ground is a very relaxing way to spend time in Arundel. An overnight stay at the White Swan Hotel, just a short way from the cricket ground, is a lovely venue offering a great and varied menu including a Carvery served on Sundays.
During July the Jousting Tournament is held at Arundel Castle and it won’t be hard to fill your day when you go there. An action-packed display by Knights on horseback takes place in the Castle grounds. In August Arundel Castle hosts another event where you will witness, and be part of, 12,000 years of history, from Stone-Age to Star Wars. Why not have an overnight stay at the Norfolk Arms – an historical old coaching inn right in the centre of town, just a few yards away from the Castle.
A full day during the Arundel Festival can easily be spent in the town and there will be so much to see and do – a few ideas would include the Gallery Trail, Music events and perhaps a Theatre Trip to watch a performance by the local and popular Drip Action Theatre. There is always a varied selection of entertainment during the daytime and evenings in Jubilee Gardens. If you do come later in the day to spend time in the town during the evening make sure you visit the local pubs like the Red Lion who have regular live entertainment and a lovely sheltered garden.
If boating is something you like to do, at the Waterside Café you can hire a boat with an outboard motor and explore the river. Or at Swanbourne Lake rowing boats are available. In Mill Road, a lovely tree lined lane between these two attractions, you will find tennis courts to hire and an 18 hole putting green at Mill Road Leisure Café.
Take a walk around the towns and visit the many antique shops. Nineveh House and Bridge Antiques offer a huge selection of different stalls – just perfect to browse around. If you are in town on a Saturday, the Farmers Market held on the 3rd Saturday of each month is definitely worth a visit. Lunch in the Burger Shop is a great way to try out the amazing variety of burgers they have on offer. A short drive out of town takes you to Denmans Gardens which would be full of Autumn colour and at this time of year. Their tea-room, serving afternoon cream teas would be a great place to visit when you have completed your walk around their gardens.
At the north end of the town, majestically set overlooking Arundel, you will find the magnificent Arundel Cathedral and just a little further along the road is the historic Church of St Nicholas – an outstandingly beautiful 14th Century church building overlooking the town of Arundel in West Sussex.
Opposite the Castle entrance in Mill Road, you will find Arundel Museum. A great place for families with a Children’s Trail. They often hold special events and exhibitions during the weekends and school holidays. There is something of interest to everyone. A small café inside the Museum can provide hot drinks.
If you want to stay overnight, a short drive to the Hilton hotel, set in 89 acres of stunning Sussex parkland, is the perfect location to relax – with Leisure facilities including: indoor and outdoor pools (seasonal opening), gym, golf course and beauty treatment rooms. Or Arden House B&B, set a few yards from the centre of town, would be pleased to welcome you to their warm and friendly guest house.
Visiting the town during the Arundel by Candlelight celebrations is an absolute must. Usually held on a Saturday in early December. The whole day is taken up with entertainment and music. The roads in the town centre are closed to traffic The event provides people with a great opportunity to ‘shop local’ for presents in the many independent shops in the town. Real Christmas trees decorated with simple warm white lights adorn all the shops, restaurants and pubs, plus many private houses. This really creates an enchanting day, full of fun and festive cheer; an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate a memorable day in the run up to Christmas.
Why not take a trip to just outside Arundel and have a day at Fontwell Races? A short drive from Arundel, Fontwell Park is one of the most intimate and friendly racecourses in the country and its unique figure of eight track adds to the excitement of jump racing. Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast or morning coffee before you leave town at one of the many tea rooms and café like the Motte and Bailey, Cockburn’s or the Swan Hotel all to be found in the High Street. An overnight stay at a local B&B, just outside the town like Hanger Down House or a hotel like the Comfort Inn would be a good place to stay. Perhaps your winnings acquired at the races will cover the cost!
A day visiting the Arundel Wetland Centre to see all the visiting wildfowl and then at the other end of Mill Road you will find Arundel Museum. There is so much to see at these attractions you will be kept well entertained!