26 reasons to visit Arundel in 2026
There’s always lots happening in and around Arundel, whatever the season or occasion. There’s so much to see, do and enjoy; from walks and family events, fairs and festivals, andnot-to-be-missed events unique to the town.
Here’s our swift guide and the highlights of what’s on, when.
Discover 26 reasons to visit Arundel in 2026!
1. Walk, wander, trail
With South Downs National Park in one direction and the coast in the other; there are plenty of routes, trails and pathways to choose from. On a clear day, the views are breathtakingand there’s always something special about being by the sea. And, of course, any four-legged friends will be very happy!
Arundel Walks
2. Music & more
Arundel buzzes with music and entertainment, all year round. From plays and theatrical performances to lively gigs, as well as opportunities to see talented musicians, singers and actors.
Keep an eye on our Events calendar for what’s happening, when.
Events Calendar
3. Blooming Arundel
As one of the top tulip displays in Europe, Arundel Castle’s Tulip Festival is one of those popular must-see, unique annual events in the town. This year’s peak blooming dates are 17th – 23rd April.
Arundel Castle Tulip Festival
The other annual floral date for the diary is Corpus Christie at the Cathedral. This year’s Carpet of Flowers and Procession is on 3-4th June.
4. How about a round of golf
For family fun there’s Mill Road Putting Green with 18 holes (just across from the Castle) and a tearoom for a post-round treat. Or for the serious golfer, and a bit further afield (just over three miles and a 10-minute drive), there’s Littlehampton Golf Club with views overlooking the beach.
5. Anyone for tennis?
As possibly one of the most picturesque clubs in the UK, set against the backdrop of a medieval castle and the South Downs, Arundel Lawn Tennis Club welcomes all abilities and ages.
Arundel Lawn Tennis Club
6. Literary Delights
This one’s for book lovers: Readings, talks, workshops, competitions and children’s activities, they won’t want to miss The Arundel Literary Festival,
7th – 9th March at the town’s wonderful The Victoria Institute
7. Fancy going to a Festival in 2026?
The ever-popular Arundel Festival of the Arts this year will run from 16th – 25th August. The Festival’s reputation for 10 days of music, entertainment, art, and so much more, surpassesevery year. We can’t wait to see this year’s line-up.
Keep watching our Events Calendar for more information.
8. Wine tasting – why not?
Did you know that there are around 50 vineyards in West Sussex? That’s more than in any other county in the UK, and as luck would have it, many of them are close to Arundel!
Find out more here: Vineyards & Wineries
9. On the water
The River Arun flows right through the town, which was once a busy port with a huge variety of goods being transported in and out of Arundel – from cattle to canvas and salt to swans!Today, it’s more about boating, canoeing, and maybe paddle boarding.
Or how about a boat safari at Arundel Wetland Centre ? There’s always so much to see, discover, and do, especially for families, at the Centre. It’s always an informative, fun-filled day out. If you haven’t been before, this one should definitely be on the list for the school holidays.
10. Fancy a dip?
We’re lucky to have a lido in the town, one that’s open all year round, and with two seasons: heated and cold water (you choose!). It’s more than just a swimming pool, there’s always something going on, for swimmers and non-swimmers, as well as events and activities during the school holidays.
Arundel Lido
11. A Medieval Festival
History, archery, falconry, battle enactments, crafts and so much more, not forgetting the hugely popular ‘Kids Battles’ – it’s a great family day out.
Check the website for this year’s dates: Arundel Castle Medieval Weekend
12. A day’s cricket
As well as the views, Arundel Castle Cricket Club has an outstanding all-round cricketing programme. If you’re a cricket fan, you won’t want to miss out and there’s also lots of history too. Have a read here: It’s Just Not Cricket?
13. More History?
Arundel Museum is always worth a visit or why not join a guided walk around the town?
Or there’s nearby Amberley Museum just 4 miles north of Arundel (10-15 min drive) where you can travel back in time and experience the South’s industrial and rural heritage.
14. A Day’s Antiquing
Browsing Arundel’s diverse and eclectic mix of antique shops, galleries and warehouses; you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Or just something that catches your eye that you didn’t know you needed!
Art and Antiques
15. Castles & Cathedrals
Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral are almost next-door neighbours’ and an integral part of the town’s history, culture and appeal. You can walk right past both and take in their majestic splendor, but if you have the time to explore their history, it’s well worth it.
16. Arundel Farmers Market
Now a firm fixture in the town’s calendar; the Farmers Market has become a social event for visitors and residents. There’s a real buzz around the town with lots to see, do and sample:flowers, plants, gifts and all kinds, food and drink from local producers, on the third Saturday of every month.
And now there’s also Tarrant Square Market, every Saturday from 9am-3pm.
Arundel Farmers Market
17. Our Daily Bread
Arundel is lucky to have two excellent independent bakers, serving freshly baked bread and pastries. Baking on the premises, when the day’s supply has gone, it’s gone – you can’t say fresher than that!
Motte & Bailey Bakery
Juniper
18. Visit a stately home
You can’t get more stately than Petworth House and Park , 12 miles north of Arundel (25–30-minute drive). This National Trust property has an impressive art collection that’s worth seeing, and a beautiful deer park for fresh air, fun and exploring.
Or, how about Parham House and Gardens where Elizabeth I stayed?
19. Somewhere for lunch or dinner?
From traditional classics to modern English cooking using locally sourced season ingredients, and everything in between, Arundel has lots of restaurants to choose from, for every dietary requirement or occasion. There are also quite a few family-friendly and dog-friendly places to eat.
Arundel Restaurants
20. Sussex Craft Week
Sussex Craft Week 2026 is on 20–28 June 2026, when studios, exhibitions, workshops and craft events will pop-up across East and West Sussex. It’s a great opportunity to see local creative makers’ creativity throughout Sussex and maybe have a go yourself. More details to follow.
21. Fancy a local brew?
Definitely worth stopping off to try the local brews at:
The Brewhouse Project an independent, family run bar and cafe, and the taproom for Arundel Brewery, is one of the highest rated breweries on the South Coast. They also run an exciting programme of events including brewery tours, live music, and street food pop-ups.
Fauna Brewing & Taproom near the Cathedral, holds tasting, brewery tours, pub quizzes and music events.
22. Afternoon Tea
A ‘proper’ cream tea is a popular choice in Arundel, with lots of cafés providing different variations of sandwiches, scones, and cake – some even include a glass of fizz. The question is, where to go to have your cake and eat it? Here’s some ideas for Tearooms, Cafés and Coffee Shops.
23. Browse the independent shops
Poking around independent different shops is a pleasurable past-time (for some) and Arundel has some treats to explore, browse and maybe find that one thing you’ve always wanted.
Arundel Shopping
24. A day at the races
And They’re Off! Either Goodwood where you can see Flat Racing from May to October. Or there’s Jump Racing all year round (except in July) at Fontwell Park
You never know, you may even pick a winner!
25. Get the inside knowledge
Whether you have two hours or two days to visit, you can enjoy the very best of Arundel. Our Insider Guides include sections for every season with top tips on where to stroll, shop, soak up culture, eat, drink, and discover the hidden gems in town. So that whenever you visit, you can discover what makes Arundel special. And if you run out of time, you can always come back!
Arundel Itinieraries
26. Arundel at Chrismas
And finally, every year, there’s always an amazing programme of events planned to ensure that Arundel is the town to visit for festive fun and entertainment. It’s a sure way to get into the festive spirit. However, it’s a bit too soon to start talking about Christmas, so more updates will follow once we’re through the year and closer to December.
We hope the above ideas encourage you to visit Arundel for an afternoon or a day out, or even for a weekend, to make the most of everything that’s on offer.
And, if you get through the whole list, we would love to hear from you!