Arundel Castle, Arundel (West Sussex)

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) No smoking Art and sculpture Guided tours Gift shop Gardens Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks Restaurant Tea Room Picnic area

Introduction

Built in the 11th century, Arundel Castle has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for nearly 1000 years. Climb the Norman Motte and Keep and see the stunning views out to sea; marvel at the magnificent rooms and their exquisite contents; stroll in the tranquillity of the Chapel, grounds and Victorian gardens. 

History to the present day

About 1067-68 Arundel Castle was built by the Norman Lord, Roger de Montgomery. At first it was of wood but later Arundel castle was rebuilt in stone. 

However Roger's son Hugh rebelled against the king. In 1102 Henry I laid siege to Arundel Castle. It took three months to capture it.

When Henry I died in 1135 civil war began between his daughter Matilda and Stephen. In 1139 Matilda stayed in Arundel castle. In 1243 Arundel Castle came to be owned by the Fitzalan family. At the end of the 16th century it passed to the Dukes of Norfolk.

Food and Drinks

The Arundel Castle Restaurant, and the Arundel Castle Coffee Shop serve a a selection of hot and cold beverages, light lunches, cakes and pastries. They are open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, Bank Holidays and Mondays throughout August, from 10.30am – 4.30pm.

Grounds and gardens

The grounds, together with the keep and gatehouse, have been open to the public since 1800 and the gardens since 1854. There are hot and cool herbaceous borders with contrasting foliage plants, a cut flower border which together with the ornamental Victorian kitchen garden supplies the Castle with fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. A rare lean-to peach house and vinery, originally built in 1850 by Clarke & Hope, has also been restored to its former glory and houses exotic fruit and vegetables. The sheltered location of the gardens makes it possible for many of the tender perennials such as cannas and salvias to remain in the ground throughout the winter. The Fitzalan Chapel has its own small garden charmingly planted in white and there is also a newly planted rose garden in what was once an 18th Century bowling green.

The Keep. If you are able to climb the 131 steps up to the Keep, the views of the River Arun, the sea, the town and the Downs are worth the effort. Photographs cannot do it justice. Access is closed at 16:30 pm, or sooner if dusk falls early.

Other facilities

The Arundel Castle Shop is open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, Bank Holidays and Mondays throughout August 10.30 am - 5.00 pm

Specialist guided tours are available for either the castle or gardens. There are guides in most rooms during normal opening hours to answer any questions.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , West Sussex, , United Kingdom

Address: Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AB 

Directions: 4 miles north of Littlehampton, and midway between Chichester and Worthing on the A27.

By Rail: Nearest train station is Arundel

Opening Hours: 1 April to Sunday 30 October 2011 10.00am - 5.00pm
 

More photos of Arundel Castle, Arundel

Armoury

Interior