Castle day trip from London -

If you’re looking for a blend of history, charm, and beautiful gardens, visit Arundel Castle for a day trip. This beautifully preserved medieval castle is located in West Sussex. It is in the picturesque town of Arundel, a place that feels like a fairy-tale village.

Gorgeous Georgian homes line the cobblestone streets, and riverside cafés serve tea and scones on their menu. Antique and independent shops sell arts and crafts, adding to the town’s unique character. The whole place has a relaxed, timeless vibe. It’s no wonder it was ranked one of the best places to live in England.

One of the town’s most treasured buildings is Arundel Castle, which stands tall in all its glory, overlooking the locals. The architecture is impressive from the moment you step off the train. As you walk down the street, you can see it from a distance. The walls behind the castle are steeped in history and filled with stories waiting to be discovered.

History of Arundel castle

Arundel Castle has been the home of the Fitzalan-Howard family for over 850 years. This makes it one of the longest-inhabited castles in England. Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror’s closest allies, originally built it in 1067. The castle has seen nearly a thousand years of history unfold within its walls. Over the centuries, it’s been restored, expanded, and carefully preserved, blending medieval charm with Victorian elegance.

Today, you can wander through its state rooms. You can also stroll the beautifully kept gardens, or climb the ancient towers for panoramic views of Arundel. Parts of the castle are open to the public. However, it’s still a working residence for the Duke of Norfolk and his family. This adds a special, lived-in feel to the experience. It’s truly one of the best-preserved castles in England that you must visit.

Travel from London to Arundel

Trains from London run regularly every day. A direct train takes about 1.5 hours. The walk from Arundel Station to the castle takes about 15 minutes. You can see views of the castle towers rising above the trees.

Tickets to the Castle

You can buy tickets at the gate or book in advance online at Arundel Castle. There are different type of tickets you can buy. To get the full experience I recommend you get the castle, gardens and bedroom tickets. On my visit, I chose the garden tickets. It was a hot day and I wanted to enjoy the gardens. Of course that wasn’t my last visit as I plan to go back and explore inside the castle.

My experience at Arundel castle gardens

What I loved most was the atmosphere. The castle didn’t feel overly touristy. It felt peaceful, even with other visitors around. I spent hours walking around the gardens, got snacks and drinks from the garden café. I read a book and spent some time exploring the pretty flower beds, the greenhouses and chapel.

Good to Know

Opening Times: Arundel Castle is open seasonally (usually April–October), so be sure to check their website before planning a trip.
Accessibility: Some areas have uneven steps and narrow staircases. This is especially true in the keep, so it may not be fully accessible to everyone.
Tickets: Multiple ticket options are available, depending on how much you want to explore. I recommend the full experience if it’s your first visit.

Why you should visit Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle offers more than just a dose of history. It’s a place to wander. You can truly take in the beauty that surrounds you. You can spend hours exploring the stunning gardens. They are perfect for a peaceful stroll. You can even enjoy a picnic on the well-kept lawns if you choose the garden ticket option. The charm doesn’t stop at the castle gates, either. A walk around the town is idyllic with its cobbled streets, independent shops and cozy riverside cafés. With its rich history, stunning castle, and charming streets, what’s not to love about Arundel?