Lined with riverside pubs, contemporary art galleries, and museums, Arundel boasts a nostalgic charm best enjoyed with a peaceful stroll on the South Downs. The city’s 1,000 years of history can be seen through its collection of antique shops, unspoilt natural habitats and 11th-century castle.

Things to do

Spend a day exploring the Arundel Castle where Henry IV got married and Queen Victoria once stayed, admiring the views overlooking the River Arun. The preserved interior boasts fascinating period furniture, tapestries and a rare collection of paintings.

For a day out in nature, head to the Arundel Wetland Centre, where you’ll be surrounded by ancient woodlands deep in the Sussex Downs. Its lakes, ponds and channels provide habitats for wildlife and offer an ideal place for a day of boating and picnicking.

Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre is a 14-hectare open-air museum in the South Downs National Park. You can see exhibits showcased in a working print shop, telecommunications hall and road steam engine, then take a ride on the narrow gauge railway. You can also visit Arundel Museum to see local collections of Arundel’s history, brought to life with artefacts dating back to Roman times.

When the sun is out, drive 20 minutes to nearby Climping Beach, a quiet stretch of coastline great for families. You can enjoy the coastal views or watch the windsurfers.

Getting around

The compact streets of Arundel are easy to explore on foot, while the city’s well-connected bus system provides alternative transport. Regular train services connect to Clapham Junction and Gatwick Airport in around one hour.