While we love London with all our hearts, the city can get a little overwhelming.
Luckily, there’s a town just an hour-and-a-half away that’s been crowned ‘the most relaxed spot in all of Europe’. Not too shabby, right?
According to a new list put together by TravelSupermarket, Arundel in West Sussex is a must-visit thanks to its picturesque South Downs backdrop and its relaxed approach to life.
Located only three miles from the coast, Arundel is a feast for the eyes. The imposing cathedral dominates the skyline and the River Arun provides a distinctive Oxbridge-esque charm to the entire area.
And did we mention it has arguably one of the best high streets in the country?
What to do in Arundel
Outdoor lovers can rejoice because the town has a myriad of lovely walks to embark on.
One of the best is a leisurely stroll along the River Arun to the Black Rabbit pub on the banks of the river. For something a little more intense, there is also a popular six-mile walk across the South Downs to the pretty village of Amberley.
Arundel Castle is definitely worth a visit too. The building is visually stunning and makes an impressive photograph opportunity.
The gardens are well maintained and are particularly beautiful during the Tulip Festival in mid-April, where over 80,000 tulips come into bloom.
The cathedral, which is a distinct part of the skyline of Arundel, has to be ticked off any must-see list too.
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In addition to this, Arundel is filled with art galleries, pubs, restaurants, independent shops and vintage stores, but a particular highlight is Kims Bookshop, a quirky bookshop set on many floors and full of second-hand, new and rare books.
Luckily, Arundel is an ideal spot to visit at any time of the year. So, whether you choose high summer or the depths of winter, there is always something to do and discover.
Where to live in Arundel
The town is small, and you could walk it all in just half a morning, meaning house wise your area pot is not incredibly large. Thankfully, you have some wonderful suburbs edging the town too.
The old town is filled with lovely homes from every period including Georgian and Victorian flint cottages too.
In 2022, the cost of an average home in Arundel was £600,915 with the majority of sales being terraced houses coming in at £582,071. Meanwhile, semi-detached properties sold for an average of £516,923 and flats being snapped up with a price tag of £324,767.
If you’re unable to find a house in the town, Arundel is conveniently situated near Brighton and Portsmouth, providing you with viable alternatives while maintaining a favorable proximity.
What people think
Unsurprisingly, tourists from abroad and at home are big fans.
User LeeB from Seattle wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘Definitely worth a visit if one is in the area, or even as a day trip from London.’
While Peter Scot praised the town for it’s great choice of activities. He commented: ‘Not only are there great walks and pubs nearby, but there also boating on the river and lake, as well as an excellent bird reserve. Good in spring for the fluffy fledglings. Plenty to do and see.’
Many also praised Arundel Castle and noted how beautiful and grand it is to look at.
Happy visitor GilliganUK said: ‘It certainly looks the part as you approach the area; nestled amongst the trees with its turrets poking out. You’re also within easy reach of the coast at Littlehampton, making it a good day out.’
How to get to Arundel from London
If you are taking the train, Arundel station is approximately a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the town centre. Travelling from London Victoria to the town will only take about 90 minutes in total.
If opting to visit by car, the travel time is roughly the same from certain parts of South London via the M23, A23, and A27 routes.
For those looking to extend their visit into a full-on weekend getaway, West Wittering, arguably possessing the finest beach in West Sussex, is not far away.
However, it’s essential to note that pre-booking is necessary to avoid overcrowding in the car parks, local roads, and on the beach itself.
So, who’s up for a day trip to Arundel? We know we are.
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