If you’re looking for a countryside escape one weekend. Arundel is perfect. This gorgeous market town in West Sussex is packed with all you can want for a weekend break. You have some amazing walks along the river, a great selection of restaurants and shops, along with the famous Arundel Castle where you could spend an entire day. My 24 Hours in Arundel guide goes over everything you need to know to plan your trip to this enchanting town. Enjoy!
24 Hours in Arundel | Your Quick Guide
Morning: Exploring Arundel Castle and Gardens 🏰🌿
Of course, your morning has to start at Arundel Castle. This is one of the best preserved castles in the UK and dates all the way back to 1067.
The simplest package includes the castle and gardens, costing £28.00 per adult or £12.50 per child. There is also a Family Ticket option. I would say that the gardens are incredible and in the Spring / Summer you could spend hours getting lost here. A highlight is the tulip display each April, with over 80,000 planted in the grounds. The gardens have also been shortlisted by Historic Houses this year (2025) for the best gardens. They are quite extensive though, so be prepared to walk about!
The castle also has lots of rooms and exhibits to see, walking you through its long history. I would suggest though that you buy the slight upgrade to see the Castle Rooms. An adult ticket will set you back £32.00. However, as the castle is still lived in by the Duke of Norfolk and family, I felt that this option allowed me to understand more about the history. Plus, you can see artwork and books not seen otherwise.
📍 Tip: The castle is open from April to October, so if visiting outside these months, check ahead on the castle website for opening times.
Lunchtime
For lunch, you really will be spoilt for choice. Each visit to Arundel always involves a fantastic meal. When we went last year, we went to La Campania and had some delicious Italian food. It was also great value for money, especially compared to where we are near London.
If you are after something a bit more traditional, try the Parsons Table. It is right in the town centre front and is perfect for modern British cuisine. It is a little bit on the pricey side, but the food is incredible.
Afternoon: Arundel’s Historic Centre & Cathedral 🏡⛪
For the afternoon of your 24 hours in Arundel, I would say that you need to spend time walking through the historic town centre. It is no exaggeration to say that it is completely filled with independent shops, boutiques and galleries. There are also often markets that run here.
For specific places, you need to see Arundel Cathedral. It is one of the grandest gothic-style buildings in England and completely dominates the town’s skyline. To get to it, you have to climb up a very steep hill, but the views and buildings are definitely worth it. You could also check out the small Arundel Museum. Whilst it may not look like there is much here it really compliments a visit to the castle to help you learn more about the town.
Alternative Suggestion: If you don’t fancy walking about the town, why not head to Swanbourne Lake? It is a short walk from the town centre. You could also drive to the Arundel Wetland Centre to see the local wildlife.
Dinner & Drinks: End Your Day in Style 🍷
For dinner, enjoy a cosy meal at The Swan Hotel, a historic coaching inn serving classic British dishes and an excellent selection of local ales and wines. Alternatively check out La Campania on the High Street – we enjoyed a delicious meal here during our most recent visit!
If you have time for a nightcap, stop by The Norfolk Arms, a traditional pub with a welcoming atmosphere—perfect for ending your 24 hours in Arundel.
Final Thoughts | 24 Hours in Arundel
24 hours in Arundel is the perfect amount of time to experience the town and to enjoy a little getaway. The castle is obviously the main attraction, but the town itself is lovely and is definitely worth exploring. I hope that this post inspired you and if you have any questions, just let me know. I always love hearing from you.
