Don’t miss
arundel style
Arundel Lido, an open-air heated pool with views of the Castle, open for festive swims from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. There’s also Arundel Wetlands Centre on the banks of the River Arun, which will keep everyone in the family amused, with boardwalks to take you through reed beds and wildlife safari boat tours.
The downside
Is there one? Okay, no secondary school.
The buzz
The busy community is one of the best things about Arundel. Residents can get involved by joining one of the local groups, such as the Arundel Players. Or they can support the Arundel Festival, one of the largest multi-arts festivals in the South East, and Arundel by Candlelight – a local favourite – as well as other events.
break at Berties, with friendly service and (good) local art exhibited on the walls. For pubs, The Swan was suggested. We were impressed by the King’s Arms, too: popular with locals with its open fire for winter and outside tables for summer, and on Saturday mornings mums and dads can enjoy hot chocolate and newspapers while the kids watch a film downstairs. For serious eating, the Town House restaurant is recommended in the Good Food Guide, not only for its modern British seasonal menu but for the 16th century Italian carved-walnut ceiling. I’ve also heard good things about The Bay Tree, Sage, and Arundel House, which is under new ownership. Outside town, The Black Rabbit, with its riverside tables, is popular, while The George at Burpham has recently been bought and refurbished by local residents to save it from closure and is now a comfy posh pub with open fires, tasty food (try the fish pie, which arrives in an enamel dish) and a warm welcome.
School report
Arundel Church of England primary school is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and considered by local parents to provide an excellent educational foundation. However it’s necessary to travel for secondary schools. The nearest are in Littlehampton with Littlehampton Academy only rated ‘satisfactory’, but Angmering School is rated ‘good’. The nearest independent school is Slindon College, for boys aged 10 to 16 and recognised for its learning support specialisms. Prep schools in the area include Westbourne House outside Chichester, Windlesham House near Washington, and Dorset House near Amberley. All are acclaimed and preparing pupils for various Sussex independents such as Christ’s Hospital, south of Horsham, and Lancing College, east of Worthing, among others.
For sale
In town: Grade II-listed three-bedroom, double-fronted semi-detached cottage with sitting room, with log burner and kitchen/breakfast room, £485,000
Outside town: Country house in Slindon, predominantly Victorian in character comprising a seven-bedroom main house plus substantial self-contained guest or staff accommodation set in three acres of grounds with outbuildings and stables, price on application. Both Jackson-Stops & Staff, Arundel, 01903 885886
The commute
The mainline station is about half a mile south of the town centre, so it is within easy walking distance, but it is a one and a half hour hike into London Victoria. The A27 bypasses the town, heading west to Chichester and east to Worthing, but you’re some way from fast roads. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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