TWO DAYS IN ARUNDEL

Picturesque Arundel rises from the landscape like something out of a storybook. But far from a relic of another time, today this vibrant market town weaves its own tale; moving to the beat of a new wave of makers, artists and independent businesses which spill out of the historic centre and down the River Arun to the seaside town of Littlehampton.

Food and drink

In the heart of the old town, the relatively new Juniper has fast become one of Arundel’s hottest spots for fresh local food and great coffee, thanks to its top quality produce, Instagrammy interiors and ‘good things, simply done’ ethos. It’s open early each morning with freshly baked pastries, breakfast, lunch, and the occasional dinner evening.

On the antiques-filled Tarrant Street, dive into Tarrant Street Espresso for an excellent coffee made with precision and care. If you can nab a seat by the window, even better. For seasonal fine-dining, seek out

The Parsons Table, a chic and cosy restaurant tucked away down a side street in the centre of town. Or if you’re feeling particularly carnivorous after a hearty day’s exploring, head to The Steakist for good meat cooked well, along with a few excellent non-meat dishes too.

Across the river from the historic centre, the bustling Brewhouse Project is home to the Arundel Brewery taproom and an independent hub of food, drink, beer and music. Look out for local florist Dave and grab a bouquet of his bespoke, sustainable Beachtown Blooms.

A mere 15-minute drive from Arundel, the picturesque Wiston Estate Winery is renowned as one of the best vineyards in the UK, and a leader in Sussex wine. Visit for vineyard tours, wine tastings, walks through the rolling landscape, fine-dining in the excellent Chalk restaurant and overnight accommodation. Breathtaking walks await nearby at the ancient Cissbury Ring: the largest hillfort in Sussex with a history stretching back 5,000 years.

Follow the river

If the sea air is calling, then a riverside walk from Arundel to Littlehampton offers an idyllic route down to the coast on a dry day. Once you arrive at Littlehampton, continue through to the seafront and reward yourself at the RIBA Award-winning East Beach Café, with its spectacular views of the sea and uncomplicated, high-quality food.

Art, antiques and local produce Arundel overflows with independent commercial art galleries and antiques shops, and it’s possible to spend an entire day (and an entire fortune) hopping between them. Independent art galleries Arundel Contemporary and the elegant Gallery 57 exhibit and promote contemporary British and international artists in thoughtfully-curated collections, while a visit to the impeccable Spencer Swaffer Antiques is a must for anybody with an appreciation of antiques and interiors. The gorgeous Parker’s Atelier is a modern concept store that seamlessly blends the old and the new in its curated collection of antique and contemporary homeware. At Digby Fine English, the UK’s first high street cellar door, you can taste a range of awardwinning English Sparkling wines without ever leaving town. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Arundel on the third Saturday of the month, then dive into the thriving Farmers’ Market, which attracts visitors from far and wide with its abundant showcase of top-quality local produce.

In the outrageously pretty village of Petworth (20 mins away), Newlands House Gallery opened in 2020 and has since become one of the UK’s leading small galleries — with high-profile exhibitions so far having included works by Pablo Picasso, Lee Miller and Frank Auerbach.

Where To Stay Near Arundel

THE PIG — IN THE SOUTH DOWNS

Restaurant with rooms where everything starts with the kitchen garden. thepighotel.com

WOODFIRE CAMPING

Relaxed gastro-campsite with breathtaking views and hearty food cooked over open fire. woodfire.co.uk

SEA CORNER

Holiday house for up to eight people, just 150m from East Preston beach near Littlehampton. cabinsandcastles.co.uk

BAILIFFSCOURT

Mediaeval coastal escape with rose gardens, spa and historic interiors. hshotels.co.uk

TINWOOD ESTATE

Luxury self-catering vineyard lodges with barrel sauna and private terraces. tinwoodestate.com

THE PUMP HOUSE AT WISTON ESTATE

Luxuriously renovated cottage with stunning views up to Chanctonbury Ring. wistonestate.com