West Sussex
A Visitor Guide to West Sussex

Arundel

• Location
  Inland from Littlehampton and 10 miles east of Chichester. Arundel stands astride the river Arun.

It is suggested that the name Arundel comes from the French 'hirondell' for the birds swallow or martin as they are incorporated in the coat of arms of the Earls of Arundel. They are also incorporated in the county shield and are now known as the 'Sussex Martlets'.

The view of the town seen from near the railway station is spectacular. The flat water meadows give way to the sudden rise of the South Downs with the glorious aspect of the magnificent castle dominating all beneath it.  The castle is set amidst some 1000 acreas of parkland which run down to the riverbanks and are open to the public. It is possible to go on boat trips up the river Arun from here.

The castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, the keepers for over 700 years. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt three times in its long history although the original Norman gatehouse and keep have survived 750 years of attacks and sieges. Inside the castle is well worth a visit. The dining room and mahogany library are particularly fine.  There are also lovely tapestries, paintings and furniture  The present castle owes much to the romantic view of the 19th century restorers and is open to the public.

To the left of the castle the houses climb up the steep hillside to reach the gothic cathedral. .The Cathedral is unusual in that it is Roman Catholic - due no doubt to the fact that the Dukes of Norfolk are the most prominent Catholic family in the land.  The Flower Festival, held annually, transforms this 'modern' building (built 1870) into a wonderland.

Arundel High Street winds up the steep hill to the castle and cathedral. Many of  the 18th century shop and business facades hide Tudor origins although due to massive rebuilding the town is essentially Georgian and Victorian. There are interesting shops, antiques, arts and crafts and why not treast yourself to afternoon tea in one of the many tea shops!

Whilst in Arundel, don't miss the chance to have a quick look at the parish church of St. Nicholas which dates back to the late 14th century.  Surprisingly the church is split in two, serving as the Anglican parish church and the Fitzalan Chapel, the private chapel of the Dukes of Norfolk.  The Chapel can only be reached via the castle.  Once divided by a brick wall, the two sections are now only divided by a screen which is occasionally opened.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre in Mill Road is where you can see more than a thousand geese, swans and ducks including the rare and exotic from all around the world. There are a number of 'hides' around the centre from which the wildfowl can be viewed. It is an area of lakes and water meadows of considerable attraction and is open to the public daily.

Around Arundel

Amberley

• Location
  Nestling under the northern flank of the South Downs and happily missed by most traffic up a little side road off the B2139 between Storrington and Bury Hill.

An exceptionally pretty village  of old stone, flint and half timbered dwellings standing in old fashioned cottage gardens. One of several small lanes leads to St. Michael's 12^th-13^th Century church. With the old castle towering above it. The lane becomes a footpath to Amberley Wildfowl Brooks. These are protected wildfowl habitats.

In the church is a fine 15^th Century brass of John Wantele. The castle, initially built in the Norman period became one of three manor houses owned by the Bishops of Chichester, in the Middle Ages. The Parliamentarians during the Civil War dismantled it.

Back on the 'main' road towards the river, next to Amberley Station is found the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum. Housed in an old chalk pit and lime works that plied its trade for roughly 100 years until the 1960's. This is an open-air museum of industrial archaeology and spreads over about 36 acres. The whole process of lime production is covered and around the site a blacksmith, potter, printer and boat builder work with traditional tools.

Storrington

• Location
   3 miles south east of Pulborough on the A283.

One of the oldest settlements in Sussex, there is evidence of human habitation since pre-historic days.  Created a market town 600 years ago, there are a number of surviving old buildings and a village pond.  St. Mary the Virgin goes back to the llth century.  A couple of miles outside the village lies Parham House, a glorious Elizabethan mansion.

Petworth

• Location
  About ten miles north west of Arundel, on the A283.

Dominated by the glorious Petworth House, home to some of the most powerful families in the land for centuries, the town itself is worth a visit too!  The House must be visited not only for its splendour and the glory of its lands, but for the paintings, most notably the wonderful collection of Turners, and sculptures.

Dominated by the glorious Petworth House, home to some of the most powerful families in the land for centuries, the town itself is worth a visit too!  The House must be visited not only for its splendour and the glory of its lands, but for the paintings, most notably the wonderful collection of Turners, and sculptures.

Returning to the town, this was noted in the Domesday Book.  The surviving medieval houses and cobbled streets make this town a delight even though the traffic endlessly rotates around its narrow streets.  Much is not immediately apparent and needs footwork to fully appreciate – hidden alleyways, tucked away courtyards.  There has been a bonus to the narrowness of the streets, it has prevented modern buildings intruding on the charms of this town.

Slindon Park Woodlands

• Location
  About 4 miles to the east of Arundel - Go the the roundabout A27/A29 and turn up the A29 - Slindon is just up the road on the left..

Near Arundel lie these National Trust Woodlands which cover some 3500 acres. Wonderful for walking, horseriding and birdwaching - or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whilst you are there, don't miss the village of Slindon itself.  Very quaint and well worth a look.

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