Unmissable events in Arundel
Arundel has so many events planned throughout the year that you could say you are spoilt for choice as to which ones can’t be missed so we’ve chosen a selection, held at different times, all individual and great fun! We are confident you will find something that will appeal specifically to you.
Most Arundel events can be found in our Events Calendar where there is lots of information about what they are, when you can attend them, where they are being held and why you should go!
So plan ahead or just VisitArundel and see what you fancy doing and remember some events might have deals available too so check out the bargains in Offers and Promotions!
Spring is Blooming with Possibilities!
And that is certainly true about events in town at this time of the year! Arundel Castle comes alive with colour during the Spring with the world-famous Tulip Festival.
During April the Castle gardens and grounds provide the beautiful setting for one of the largest displays of tulips in the country. Shortly after the tulip display, the annual Allium Extravaganza starts – usually in early May as thousands of alliums began to pop up all over the castle’s gardens.
Alliums come in many different heights colour and shapes – the tallest can reach as high as 5 feet! That one would certainly be unmissable by its’ sheer size!
For over 140 years Arundel Cathedral has celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with a magnificent Festival of Flowers event.
Held 60 days after Easter, The Carpet of Flowers in the central aisle of the Cathedral is world famous. There is also a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from the Cathedral to Arundel Castle where Benediction is given.
At this time of the year, Arundel Wetland Centre has lots of their residents busily hatching eggs so if ducklings in abundance is something you would love to see and who wouldn’t? then visit the Wetlands during the Spring.
Perhaps experience a boat safari and glide effortlessly through the reeds to see nature at its most tranquil. Visit the hides for close-up views of the wildlife, go bug hunting and pond dipping. What will you find in your net!
Summertime and the livin’ is easy!
The days are longer now and the nights are shorter so as our very own Duke of Norfolk says “The annual Arundel Festival Of The Arts showcases everything that is excellent about our town” and he is absolutely right, as this event – 10 days of summer celebration are a packed, busy and fun filled way of filling those days.
Arundel Castle has special summertime events including Jousting, Medieval Festivals, History Days, Characters from History and a Festival of History providing excitement throughout the summer season. You can also experience Shakespeare in the Castle gardens in August – imagine sitting outside in the Castle gardens, watching one of Shakespeare’s famous plays performed in such a back-drop!
During the summer, when hopefully it is nice and hot, you may want to relax, cool off or perhaps make a splash and what better way to do this than by taking a swim in the Arundel Lido . Their events can involve mermaids, inflatables and if you feel the need to get active, join in with their aqua aerobics sessions.
Falling for Autumn in Arundel!
When the autumn arrives in Arundel the Arundel Wetland Centre offers a very special event – the Autumn Migration- when Arundel gets lots of new visitors (the feathered variety!)
Keep an eye out for arriving snipe, water rail and waders. Martins and swallows pass through on their way south and various species of egrets are seen onsite. If you spend some time in their hides, you may be rewarded with the flash of a kingfisher or a graceful heron!
Winter is here – it’s officially sweater weather in Arundel!
Looking out the warmer clothing is just part of getting ready for the Arundel at Christmas event. This is when Arundel becomes one of the most beautifully decorated Christmas towns in the whole of the UK. With a backdrop of fairy lights on the wall-mounted real spruce Christmas trees that adorn restaurants, pubs, cafes, businesses, and houses throughout the town. Arundel becomes a magical, festive and truly unmissable sight – which is especially good at helping you get into the Festive spirit!
During December there is a whole Calendar of Events during Arundel at Christmas so see what’s on and make sure you don’t miss your favourite ‘best bit’ during this special time.
Fancy a dip in a lovely heated outdoor pool? During the Christmas holiday Arundel Lido is open for their very special event – Festive Swims! Now that sounds a great way to work off those extra calories! Santa hats at the ready!
Love ALL the seasons in Arundel!
And especially as the Arundel Farmers Market event happens on the 3rd Saturday of every month, 9am to 1 pm, all year round. Discover fine British food and artisan produce from local growers, bakers and butchers.
There are flowers, plants and all kinds of food and drink makers who come to sell their produce direct to you. Arundel Farmers Market has a great reputation as a friendly market offering an excellent range of high-quality local produce.
Very often there is music and entertainment too so don’t miss this opportunity of attending a regular enjoyable event and experiencing a great time while checking out what’s on offer.
By Barb Hogan, Visit Arundel
Photos: Charlie Waring & Nigel Cull