Grab your rucksacks and your railcards, folks – because I come bearing yet another scenic spot that should be immediately catapulted to the top of your must-visit list this summer. Today’s dreamy day-trip destination comes in the form of Arundel; a serene Sussex market town that boasts both style and substance in spades. Dating all the way back to the Roman times, Arundel is filled to the brim with history, character, and old-school charm – a trio of traits that make for a pretty perfect place to explore, don’t you think?
Situated on the southern edge of the South Downs, Arundel certainly isn’t thin on the ground when it comes to gorgeous things to gawp at. It’s home to an abundance of adorable cobbled streets (each of which look like they’ve been plucked from the front of a postcard), some rather ravishing riverside views, and antique stores and independent shops aplenty. But there are two particularly legendary landmarks that might just be the twinkliest of all the gems in Arundel’s treasure trove.
Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral
First up, you’ve got the utterly enchanting Arundel Castle. Parts of this magical medieval fortress date back to 1068, making it one of the oldest inhabited castles in the entire countries. Mere moments away from the castle sits Arundel Cathedral. Built back in 1868, the cathedral sits at the town’s highest point, and towers over Arundel in all of its outrageously good-looking glory.
Whilst its regal residences and ancient architecture certainly add to the undeniable allure of the town, Arundel is also just magnificently mooch-able and there’s so many lovely spots to stumble across. It’s home to a bustling high street and a whole host of art galleries, museums, pubs, cafes, and independent shops. It’s also perched right on the River Arun, meaning that there’s plenty of walking and cycling routes to embark on. And for those of you that like your historic towns to come with a nice big dollop of nature on the side, Arundel Wetland Centre and Swanbourne Lake are both home to some pretty wonderful wildlife and are well worth of a visit.
Getting to Arundel from London
Arundel is within very easy reach of the capital city, with direct trains heading there from both London Bridge and Victoria. The former is slightly speedier, taking just an hour and 15 minutes, whilst the latter takes around 90 minutes, and town centre is then just a short walk from the station. If you’re travelling by car, the journey is slightly longer. It’ll take approximately two hours to drive to Arundel from London, and there is pay-and-display parking dotted around the town once you get there.
