A Weekend in Arundel — The Complete Guide
- chapson68
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Tucked into the foot of the South Downs, just an hour from London, Arundel is one of England's most underrated weekend destinations. With a fairy-tale castle, a soaring cathedral, independent shops, excellent restaurants and some of the most beautiful countryside in the south east, it punches well above its weight for a town of its size.
Whether you're planning your first visit or coming back for more, here's everything you need to know for a perfect weekend in Arundel.
Where to Stay
The best way to experience Arundel is to stay right in the heart of it — and that means the High Street. At House Arundel, you're in a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1730s, literally steps from the castle gates. Our five individually designed rooms — The Queen, The Duke, The Duchess, The Earl and The Countess — all feature king-sized beds, en-suite rainfall showers and eco-friendly toiletries from Faith in Nature.
Book direct at housearundel.co.uk for the best available rates, complimentary WiFi and optional breakfast vouchers at our partner cafés next door.
Friday Evening — Arrive & Unwind
Check in from 2:30pm and take a slow walk up the High Street as the day-trippers head home. Arundel in the evening has a completely different feel — quieter, more atmospheric, and very much yours to explore.
For dinner, you're spoiled for choice. La Campania on Tarrant Street is a local favourite — a warm, welcoming Italian restaurant that's become a firm fixture in the town. If you're after something more relaxed, Fauna Brewery is a brilliant spot for craft beer and a more casual evening, while The Parsons Table on Castle Mews is a hidden gem beloved by locals.
Round off the evening with a cocktail at the bar here at House Arundel. We open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings — try our house Old Fashioned or one of our seasonal specials.
Saturday — The Big Day
Start with breakfast at Juniper on Tarrant Street — one of Arundel's best kept secrets, open Wednesday to Saturday, so a Saturday morning stay is the perfect opportunity to experience it. Excellent coffee, beautiful food and a lovely relaxed atmosphere. If you're staying with us, ask about our breakfast vouchers at check-in.
Morning: Arundel Castle
No visit to Arundel is complete without spending a few hours at the castle. Home to the Duke of Norfolk and standing for nearly 1,000 years, it's one of the finest examples of a continuously inhabited castle in England. The state rooms are spectacular, the gardens are beautiful whatever the season, and the views across the River Arun and South Downs are worth the visit alone. Allow at least two to three hours.
Afternoon: Explore the Town
Arundel's High Street and surrounding streets are lined with antique shops, independent bookshops, galleries and delis. Arundel Antiques Centre is worth a browse, and Pallant of Arundel is an excellent deli for picking up local produce. Don't miss Arundel Cathedral — the Victorian Gothic architecture is stunning and entry is free.
For a longer afternoon stretch, head down to the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre along the river. It's a wonderful nature reserve with 60 acres of lakes and wetland habitat — particularly special in the morning mist or late afternoon golden hour.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks
Saturday evening in Arundel has a lovely buzz to it. St Mary's Gate Inn just below the castle is a firm local favourite — traditional dishes, proper ales and one of the best atmospheres in town. For something a little different, Mulberry's on Tarrant Street does excellent modern British cooking in a relaxed setting.
Sunday — A Slower Pace
Sunday morning in Arundel is one of life's simple pleasures. Head to The Moathouse Café right next door to us on the High Street — open daily, it's consistently the best breakfast in town. Proper coffee, outstanding pastries and a full menu that'll set you up for the journey home in style.
If you have time before heading home, the walk along the River Arun towards Amberley is one of the most beautiful short walks in West Sussex — flat, peaceful and utterly restorative. The village of Amberley itself is worth the detour, with its own castle ruins and the lovely Black Horse pub for a Sunday lunch.
Getting to Arundel
Arundel is well connected by train — direct services from London Victoria take around 90 minutes, and the station is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the High Street. By car, it sits just off the A27 between Chichester and Worthing, roughly an hour from Brighton and 90 minutes from London.
Parking is available on Mill Road (a 40-second walk from House Arundel) and is excellent value for an overnight stay.
Ready to Book?
House Arundel has five rooms available throughout the year. Book directly at housearundel.co.uk/book-your-bed for the best rates and exclusive direct booking benefits. We look forward to welcoming you.
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