The pretty town of Arundel, Sussex

Things to do in Arundel

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Arundel is a picture-perfect market town located on the west side of the Arun Valley where it gives way to the river. This lesser-known gem of the south is almost fairy-tale in its beauty and is dominated by its magnificent castle. 

Arundel’s hilly town centre may be small but it’s packed with scenic Georgian and Victorian houses, unusual independent shops and plenty of recreational opportunities. It’s a great place for art lovers who will revel in the galleries and studios, as well as at the thriving arts festival at the end of August. However, there are plenty of other options in Arundel including both historical and natural wonders, all of which can be reached within a 15-mile drive from our fantastic Haven Church Farm Holiday Park. We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Arundel to help you plan a day of activities for you and your family.

Attend a festival

Each year Arundel plays host to some of the liveliest events in Sussex, these include Arundel Food Festival, the Cathedral’s Feast of Corpus Christi and the magnificent Carpet of Flowers. However, the crowning glory has to be the Arundel Festival of the Arts which has now been going for almost 50 years. At the end of August, you can enjoy local art, theatre, culture, food, and drink in the historic West Sussex town. The Dragon Boat Racing, Duck Race, and Street Entertainment are also particularly popular and blend well with Arundel’s vibrant café culture. If you can make your visit coincide with festival season then you’re onto a winner.

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle

Address: Arundel BN18 9AB

Towering over the town and offering stunning views of the Sussex countryside, Arundel castle is housed within a crenelated Norman keep, complete with a gatehouse and barbican. Parts of it have stood since the 11th-century, serving as the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, it is one of England’s oldest and most complete castles. Enjoy a guided tour to see the suits of armour, clocks and ancient tapestries that are on display outside or otherwise enjoy one of the events put on by the castle offering something different for every visit including medieval jousting.

Collector Earl’s Garden

Collector Earl’s Garden

Address: Arundel BN18 9AB

If you make the trip to Arundel Castle, then a visit to these gardens is obligatory too. Featuring charming water fountains, rills depicting the local river Arun, beautiful green oak Pagodas and Oberon's Palace with its spectacular floating crown and water grotto, these gardens are truly unique. You’ll find any number of intriguing vistas and quirky designs to capture with your camera. Admission to The Collector Earl’s Garden is included in the Castle’s admission price so there’s no reason to miss out.

Arundel Cathedral

Arundel Cathedral

Address: London Rd, Arundel BN18 9AY

Overlooking the historic market town is a magnificent Victorian Gothic cathedral that could have been teleported here from northern France. Despite being completed in the 19th-century, Arundel Cathedral was originally the Church of St Philip Neri and only renamed in 1965. This means that Arundel is one of the only cathedral destinations not classified as a city. However, the cathedral is still a wonderful piece of architecture and will reward visitors with glorious rib vaults and magnificent stained-glass windows.

Arundel Museum

Address: Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PA

Learn about Arundel, the town, its port, and castle as well as its people at this little gem of a museum. You can discover Arundel’s story through photos and story boards as well as a range of artefacts from throughout history such as grandfather clocks, Second World War memorabilia, an old printing press and even prehistoric finds dating back 3000 years.

There’s also a museum shop and cafe that serves tea, Lavazza coffee and biscuits. Those planning to visit Arundel Castle should also note that you will receive a discount voucher, allowing you to enter the museum for half price.

Discover breaks in Sussex

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Arundel Farmers’ Market

Arundel Farmers’ Market

Address: High St, Arundel BN18 9AJ

Arundel Farmers Market is the place to go for fine British food and drink, artisan products and goods from local producers. The market is held on the lower High Street on the 3rd Saturday of every month, from 9am to 1pm. Local growers, bakers, butchers, and florists all gather to sell their high-quality products at reasonable prices. Arundel Farmers Market has a great reputation as a friendly market so don’t miss out the chance to taste the best food and drink and freshest ingredients that Sussex has to offer.

WWT Arundel

WWT Arundel

Address: Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PB

WWT Arundel is one of just ten reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, located in an area of wetland just north-east of Arundel Castle. The reserve spans 60 acres of wetland and is home to a great variety of swans, ducks and geese with other wildlife also in abundance! Tickets are around £14 with a donation, but the facilities are fantastic and the natural beauty of the landscape alone is well worth the price of admission.

Swanbourne Lake

Swanbourne Lake

Address: Mill Road, Arundel BN18 9PA 

Get ready to take in the beautiful surroundings and spot local wildlife as you row gently around Swanbourne Lake. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with plenty of species to observe. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water's edge or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Swanbourne Lake provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle. 

Watersports on the River Arun

Watersports on the River Arun

Address: Lower Street, Pulborough RH20 2BQ 

This one is for the more experienced water sports enthusiasts. The River Arun is 37 miles long, and has plenty of opportunities to set sail, and glide along the gentle waves. From paddleboarding, kayaking and boating, there’s plenty for you to get stuck into along this vast river.  

Arundel Lido

Address: Queen Street, Arundel BN18 9JG 

Arundel Lido is a heated open-air pool offering a refreshing escape, with its inviting waters and chilled atmosphere. There's plenty of space to sunbathe on the surrounding lawns when you’re not dipping in the pool. Whether you're cooling off with a swim or enjoying a picnic by the poolside, Arundel Lido offers a quintessential summer experience. 

Start planning your Great British break

Important information

Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2032 Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.

‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.

“Make no site fee payments for until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them. Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. ‘Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent or superior gradeholiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £783.75 (includes purchasing discount of £19.58) and monthly letting income of £634.00. The monthly difference equates to £130.17 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly; to meet the site fee payment of £130 per month, an additional credit of £0.17 per month will be applied to the owner’s account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them. Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £939.58 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £751.17. The monthly difference equates to £159.58 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Move your caravan to a Haven park

*This offer is available for holiday homeowners not located at a Haven park and that want to relocate their holiday home from their current holiday park to the following Haven parks: Church Farm, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Orchards, Cleethorpes Beach, Golden Sands, Rockley Park or Skegness. Offer is subject to availability of pitches and the satisfactory completion of our standard onboarding checks. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion.

**Free 2025 site fees are available at selected parks. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Full Ts & Cs can be found at: www.haven.com/caravans-for-sale/move-your-caravan

Images are shown for representational purposes. Parks cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd (t/a Haven) is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited. Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99

All day, every day* - collection only

Only available to Owners staying on park

Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink

Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3

Owners can use their discount on top of this offer

Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166

*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Church Farm, Golden Sands, Quay West, Skegness and Church Farm.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Quay West, Skegness, The Orchards and Wild Duck. Price can be withdrawn at any time.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

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