Getting to Arundel from Poole, Dorset U.K.
A Trip to Arundel Castle and town is about 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from Poole. It’s a straightforward journey by car, but if you’re using public transport, regular trains run via Southampton or Barnham — with total journey times around 2.5 hours.
Exploring Arundel Castle and Experiencing the Amazing Castle Views
©amschotel
©amschotel
©amschotel
©amschotel
©amschotel
The main attraction in town is Arundel Castle — a magnificent fortress overlooking the River Arun. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, the castle is rich in history and beautifully maintained. The castle rooms are still in use today! Arundel Castle is a privately owned historic residence of the Duke of Norfolk, and while it is open to the public for tours and events, overnight stays are only possible in a limited way:
Holiday rentals: On occasion, parts of the castle grounds or estate cottages might be available for short-term rental, but this is rare and typically through exclusive arrangements. for private functions,
Special events and private bookings: Sometimes the castle hosts exclusive events, weddings, or private stays for guests by invitation or special arrangement.
Castle Highlights
- The Keep – climb for panoramic views across the South Downs.
- The State Rooms – filled with fine art, armour, and tapestries.
- The Gardens – ideal for a relaxed wander (especially in spring/summer).
©amschotel
©amschotel
Beautiful gardens surround the castle:
©amschotel
©amschotel
And of course a historic indoor toilet with a view!
👉 Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues. Note that there is an additional fee to the general admittance to be able to view the bedrooms.
Wandering Arundel’s Historic Town Centre, Cobbled Streets & Culinary Gems
Take time to enjoy the town’s cobbled streets, antique shops, and boutique galleries. Notable spots include:
- Arundel Cathedral – an architectural gem.
- Swanbourne Lake – perfect for a coffee or pedalo ride.
- Local art shops and bookshops – great for unique finds.
Hubby and I came across a sweet find, the Waterside Cafe, along the river, across from the entrance to the castle. We stopped in for breakfast, sat outside next to the river and enjoyed the casual ambiance. Lovely! Have a peek:
https://www.facebook.com/sharyntowers555/?locale=en_GB
Culinary Gem: Dinner at La Campania: Rustic Italian Dining
La Campania is a cozy, highly rated Italian restaurant tucked in the town centre. Expect hearty plates of pasta, wood-fired pizza, and warm hospitality. A gluten free menu is a def plus for us and La Campania didn’t disappoint!
I recommend:
- Gamberoni Saltati – Pan-fried king prawns in garlic butter and parsley as a starter
- Cannelloni Ricotta E Spinaci – Rolls of pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, baked in a tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella as my main.
©amschotel
©amschotel
Hubby recommends:
- Prosciutto & Melone -Parma ham and galli melon as a starter
- Spaghetti Meatballs – Spaghetti pasta served with mushrooms, beef and pork meatballs in a rich tomato Napoli sauce. He had the GF option which came with Ziti pasta.
©amschotel
🍷 Bonus: Their wine list is fantastic and well-curated.
📞 Reserve ahead if visiting on a weekend!
🛏️ A Peek at the Norfolk Arms Hotel
Thinking of extending your visit? The Norfolk Arms Hotel is a historic 18th-century inn just steps from the castle. It’s packed with charm and offers a relaxed base to explore from.
This was a delightful find for me and hubby. We stayed one night, prior to our moving on to explore The Tinwood Estate in Chichester (https://www.tinwoodestate.com).
The Norfolk Arms was a relaxing surprise! We thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations and atmosphere. There are common rooms to enjoy a drink, board games for every age, all in a calming, tranquil atmosphere. We enjoyed a drink or two in the outside courtyard bar,, set back away from the hustle of the town. We intend to return for some more relaxation and exploring! You can also stop in for a drink at the courtyard bar even if you’re not staying overnight.
**See my previous post for more info about the lovely vineyard, Tinwood Estates:
🌿 Why a Trip to Arundel Castle and Town Is a Perfect Day Trip from Dorset ~
While Dorset boasts stunning coastlines and places like Corfe Castle, Arundel gives you something a little different — a picturesque riverside town with a grand castle, amazing castle views, cobblestone streets, and pleasantly surprising culinary gems at its heart.
Final Tips Before Your Trip to Arundel Castle and Town
- 🅿️ Parking: Large pay-and-display near the castle.
- Note: If you stay at the Norfolk Arms, they have a car park available for a nominal daily fee
- ⏰ Best time to visit: Spring/summer or December for Christmas events.
- 👟 What to bring: Comfortable shoes (cobblestones!), camera, water.
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary at a Glance for Your Trip to Arundel Castle and Town
- 10:30 AM – Arrive in Arundel
- 11:00 AM – Visit Arundel Castle
- 1:30 PM – Lunch (or dinner) at La Campania
- 3:00 PM – Explore the town centre, cathedral, or lake
- 5:00 PM – Optional: Dinner, drinks, have a fab evening at the Norfolk Arms https://www.norfolkarmsarundel.com
📌 You Might Also Like…
- 🏰 A Day at Corfe Castle https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
- 🌊 Exploring Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door https://lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/durdle-door/
- 🐚 A Seaside Stroll in Lyme Regis https://www.visit-dorset.com/lyme-regis/explore-discover/beaches/
Have a look at my prior posts for more insight into Corfe Castle or Lyme Regis:
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/03/05/lets-take-a-visit-to-corfe-castle/
I hope you are enjoying my posts and sharings! Please follow me on my Facebook page below:
https://www.facebook.com/yankeebrit.blog
You can also see all my posts at the links below:
Leave a Reply