Look, as far as we’re concerned, London will always reign supreme as the best place to visit. But if it’s the most relaxing spot you’re after, we’ll admit that our chaotic capital city probably doesn’t stand a chance of topping the list. That’s okay, though – because a charming town near London has recently done exactly that.
The stunning and serene Sussex town of Arundel was named the most relaxing place in Europe by TravelSupermarket last year. But after doing a little bit of digging, it turns out that rest and relaxation aren’t the only things that this picture perfect pocket of the country has to offer. Grab your rucksack and your railcard, folks; we’re off on another adventure.
Visiting Arundel
The medieval market town of Arundel dates all the way back to the Roman times, and it’s bursting at the seams with history, character, and old-school charm. Its scenic South Downs location, quaint cobbled streets, and the fact that it looks like it’s been plucked straight from the front of a postcard all certainly contribute towards Arundel’s undeniable allure. But there are two particularly legendary local landmarks that may just be the shiniest of all the gems in Arundel’s treasure trove.
Arundel Castle is a fortress fit for the pages of a fairytale. With parts of it dating back to 1068, it’s one of the countries oldest inhabited castles -and it’s absolutely enchanting. Meanwhile, the nearby Arundel Cathedral was built in 1868 and sits at the town’s highest point; towering over Arundel in all its gorgeous glory.
Other things to do in Arundel
Arundel is a delightfully mooch-able town, with an abundance of beautiful listed buildings to gawp at, and plenty of things to do. It has a bustling high street, crammed with antique stores and independent shops. And there’s a whole host of art galleries, museums, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops to while away the hours in. Perched on the River Arun, there are many wonderful walking and cycling routes for the more active among us to embark on. And for the nature lovers, there’s Arundel Wetland Centre and Swanbourne Lake – both of which are home to a plethora of wildlife.
Getting to Arundel from London
Arundel is very easy to get to from the capital city, with regular and direct trains heading there from both London Bridge and Victoria. The former is slightly speedier, taking just an hour and 15 minutes. But the latter will also get you there relatively quickly, taking roughly an hour and a half. Arundel town centre is then just a short walk from the station. By car, Londoners can reach Arundel in approximately two hours – and there is pay-and-display parking dotted around the town once you get down there.
