Arundel Castle

4 years ago

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On the southern edge of the South Downs National Park is the spectacularly restored fortification of Arundel Castle. Rising up from a hill and overlooking the market town of Arundel on one side and the sweeping fields of the National Park on the other, this 11th-century castle is a pure joy to behold. It is a Grade I listed building and provides the opportunity to go on walking tours around its interior and grounds. The castle boasts a variety of architectural styles due to being originally built in Norman times, before being remodelled and refurbished with a Gothic style in the Victorian era. The town of Arundel itself is a great spot to go for a walk and get something to eat. I recommend heading up towards the Arundel Cathedral of Our Lady and Saint Philip Howard which has magnificent views over the plains and out to the coast. Following this, head out towards Hiorne Tower and into the forested vales surrounding Swanbourne Lake. A walking path will then lead you back through the WWT Arundel Nature Reserve where you can spot many species of birds and other varieties of wetland wildlife. From here you can walk back up the road to Arundle Castle to complete the circuit. This walk should take around 45 minutes to an hour depending on how much bird watching you do! There are various parking options in Arundle with most of them charging to park. I recommend The Mill Road Car Park which is suitably large and close to the town centre. TOP TIP -It's possible to extend your route from the wetlands along the River Arun. This path is mostly empty and it loops back round to the Mill Road Car Park and the Arundel Museum anyway. There are spectacular views back over the floodplains and towards the castle on the hill. When I walked it, there was no one about and it was incredibly peaceful sitting by the river listening to the sounds of nature around me. This will add an extra 45 minutes to your day's walk. FOOD & DRINKS - There are a few delicious cafes to sample in Arundel. The Motte and Bailey Cafe does delicious coffees and a fantastic brunch. Partners Cafe also offers a hearty breakfast menu at competitive prices. -If you're on the hunt for a pub you can't go wrong with The Kings Arms which looks up the cobbled street towards the cathedral.