Rising above the River Arun, Arundel Castle blends rugged Norman might with Victorian flourish. Its circular keep crowns a man-made motte, while opulent Gothic Revival rooms whisper of ducal grandeur and royal visits. Step through the gatehouse and you’re walking a thousand years of English history—sieges, state occasions, and serene gardens all folded into one astonishing, still‑lived‑in fortress.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Arundel, West Sussex, England
🏗️ Construction Period: 1067–12th century; major restorations 18th–19th centuries
🏰 Architectural Style: Norman (motte-and-bailey), Romanesque, Gothic Revival (Victorian)
🎭 Famous For: Continuous habitation; English Civil War sieges; Victorian Gothic interiors; the Collector Earl’s Garden
👑 Notable Figures: Roger de Montgomery; the FitzAlan family; the Dukes of Norfolk (esp. Henry Charles Howard, 15th Duke); King Henry II; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
🏆 UNESCO Status: No
🌐 Official Website: https://www.arundelcastle.org/
Gallery Photos
Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: April, May, late September, and October
🗺️ Location Perks: The castle overlooks the River Arun and the South Downs, with a postcard-perfect town below. Don’t miss Arundel’s cobbled streets, galleries, and tearooms just outside the gates.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 3–4 hours exploring the castle and its grounds.
💡 Visiting tips: Buy tickets at the gatehouse; rooms open from 12:00—arrive after noon to see interiors. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep motte and climb the keep for sweeping views.
Map
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Historical Context
Founded in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, Arundel began as a Norman motte-and-bailey before gaining a formidable stone shell keep and curtain walls in the 12th century. Romanesque windows and alterations are linked to Henry II, while the powerful FitzAlans expanded and fortified the site. Arundel saw action in the Wars of the Roses and, notably, during the English Civil War when it served as a Royalist stronghold before falling to Parliamentarian forces. From the 16th century it became the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, hosting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1846. The 18th–19th centuries brought sweeping Gothic Revival restorations—grand halls, traceried windows, and lavish detail—creating today’s rare blend of medieval fortress and Victorian opulence.
