Approaching Arundel you might be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a fairytale. Rising above the smart town is majestic Arundel Castle, the oldest parts of which date back to Norman times, and the mighty Gothic cathedral.
The town tumbles down the castle mound, lined with bow fronted shops, smart eateries and a clutch of highly rated pubs and bars.
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No wonder property specialists Garringtons listed Arundel at number 6 in their list of the best small towns in England to live in, noting residents might feel they’re ‘living on the set of a 19th-century costume drama’.
The river Arun meanders through the town offering kayaking and paddleboarding. Rowing boats are available too on the nearby Swanbourne Lake. Walkers will be spoilt for choice as Arundel marks the gateway to the South Downs, mile after mile of spectacular paths across the chalky hills.
Residents might feel they’re living on the set of a 19th-century costume drama
The town boasts more than 1,000 years of history, starting life as an inland port. The first castle was built on the request of William the Conqueror and is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk. Today, Arundel Castle is open from March to November and visitors can explore the castle rooms as well as the expansive grounds. The castle also runs events throughout the year including special tours led by guides in character and historical days featuring archers and knights.
The coast is within easy reach, with the beaches of Littlehampton and East Preston both under twenty minutes away. Another heritage gem, Amberley Museum, is also less than ten minutes away and offers fun for all the family with miniature train, vintage vehicles and historic workshops. Fontwell Park is also a short drive away for fans of horse racing. Worthing and Chichester are both accessible by rail for a greater range of shopping, attractions and nightlife.
After a day of exploring, Arundel offers a range of mouthwatering dining options, from classic Italian cuisine to locally sourced fine dining and a popular ice cream parlour. The Parson’s Table restaurant serves seasonal ingredients and has received a perfect score on Tripadvisor. One diner said: ‘ The service is great and everyone makes you feel very welcome, and the food is just delicious. It’s a real gem of a restaurant and I can’t wait to return’
The town has several pubs including The Eagle Inn, which hosts live music every weekend. On the outskirts of town, Fauna Brewing is an independent brewery with a popular tap room and pizza restaurant open Thursday through Sunday.
The average house price in Arundel, according to Rightmove, was £490,344 in 2023/24 with the town’s charming terraced properties being the most commonly sold type of home. The town offers an excellent option for hybrid workers, with regular trains into London Victoria taking just 90 minutes.
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