Fun Family Friendly Stays in Arundel – including the Doggies
Let’s make sure that a ‘fun break’ is just that – FUN! and for all the right reasons!
Finding a destination with something for everyone, no matter their age or interests and ensuring your break guarantees quality time spent together isn’t easy but this is where Arundel should be at the top of your list.
Nestled in the heart of West Sussex with a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, a fairytale Castle and surrounded by enchanting Countryside, Arundel provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This delightful market town and nearby Surrounding Villages also provide a mix of attractions, hidden gems and a tranquillity that is there for you to embrace and enjoy.
Where can take your family in Arundel?
Whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do in Arundel. You don’t have to go far to find lots of Family Friendly Activities and if you want to bring the furry four legged family member too then Arundel is one of the most Dog Friendly places to visit.
Your break away can be spent in the beautiful Countryside or visiting beaches as Arundel is not far from the sea – Yes, really! Nothing like the feeling of sand between your toes (or paws!)
There is the famous and majestic Castle to see that is full of interesting (and sometimes rather gruesome!) items that the children always seem to like!
What about a bit of pond dipping at Arundel Wetland Centre – what will the children discover in their nets? And if you go there when the cute little ducklings have hatched the children will just love it even more.
Arundel boasts its’ own Open Air heated swimming pool and the Lido ensures fun for all. Is your family competitive?
Why not challenge the children to a game of Pitch and Put?
Did you know Children go free when you have a day at the Races at Fontwell Park Racecourse?
Aldingbourne Country Centre has their Open Farm and the Woodland Walk, get lost in the maze, climb in our indoor Soft Play areas and speed down the indoor slide. There are often special family events to look out for too.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum has numerous interactive displays. If you want to try ‘flying’ an aircraft, the cockpits and simulators are always available for visitors to experience which will appeal to all ages.
Out of Bounds has fun and exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and the grown ups can always relax and just watch the children having a great time while enjoying a coffee in their café.
These are just a few of the local Attractions you will find when you take a break in Arundel but there are plenty more!
What can you discover in Arundel?’
History! And plenty of it! You will see it all around you and nowhere more so than in the Arundel Museum where there is something for all the family including a Children’s Trail and a chance to handle and learn more about some of the exhibits. You can discover how Civil War soldiers survived the Arundel Castle sieges. They often run family events at weekends and during the school holidays and offer a range of guided walks around the town.
Just a short drive away is the totally unique Amberley Museum where you can travel back in time and experience the South’s industrial and rural heritage. Their huge site is nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park surrounded by an old chalk pit with something for all ages and interests including a narrow-gauge railway and bus service which visitors can ride on every day the Museum is open.
Also, you can discover The Great Outdoors and what a lot of that there is around Arundel! Right through the centre of the town, you can’t miss Arundel’s famous and fast flowing tidal river The Arun. You can hire a boat from Riverside South Downs Self-Drive Boat Hire and spend a lazy couple of hours gently exploring this enchanting river.
The lake at Swanbourne Lodge Tearoom offers rowing boat hire so everyone can try their hand at this activity which is something than can be harder than it looks! You’ll be going round in circles till you get the hang of it!
Where can you stay with families in Arundel?
There’s just every type of accommodation available:
Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, Hotels and Camping & Caravan sites. Many of which are happy to accommodate your dog too.
When is the best time to Visit Arundel?
Anytime! Check out the Events Calendar to see what is happening when you’re coming to the town.
After all this activity, you and your family – and even the dog, would surely of worked up an appetite so…
Where can you eat in Arundel with a family?
There is a huge selection of Tearooms, Cafés and Coffee Shops and The Edge Café even has dog biscuits on offer! Swanbourne Lodge Tearoom has doggy ice creams! Many of the Pubs have lovely outside areas to sit in with fabulous menus for adults and children too.
If you do visit the beach then East Beach Cafe is an award winning building right on the promenade at Littlehampton – you can’t miss it! It does look a little different from how a café might usually look! We can’t tell you anymore – you need to go and see it for yourself!
Foxtrot Tulip
A few tips for making your family friendly break Simply the Best!
- Involve everyone with the planning and let each family member say what they would like to do.
- Try to make sure all the activities can involve everyone in some way.
- Take advantage of any special local experiences.
- Allow some time for relaxation!
- Book your accommodation in advance so you all know exactly where you will be staying for your break.
- Travel light and make sure you have suitable and comfy clothing for all weathers – just in case!
- All agree to have some technology free time. This might be tricky! – but then it will allow for the family members to reconnect with each other! An important part of the break.
A picnic makes a pleasant change and there’s not a lot of planning needed – just a great shop like Pallant of Arundel who has daily deliveries of fabulous bread and pastries in their store and lots of other delicious picnic foods and drinks. They can also make up little cheese and charcuterie boxes and if you can give them a bit of notice, they will provide larger picnic hampers.
And finally ……. please remember some visitor attractions/accommodation providers and beaches aren’t always able to accommodate dogs so check with their websites before going.
Have a great break with all your family and enjoy this special time together!
Written by Barb Hogan, Visit Arundel
Photos by Charlie Waring, Nigel Cull, the businesses
