Photo: Arundel Castle by Egjoni98, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Founded in 1067, Arundel Castle stands in West Sussex and has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries.
The Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse, and Barbican all survive from the original structure.
Between the 1870s and 1890s the castle was almost completely rebuilt in Gothic style, a project regarded as one of the great works of Victorian architecture.
The castle is independently managed and open to the public; Historic Houses membership covers free access to the gardens.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The castle's story begins in 1067, shortly after the Norman Conquest. It became the hereditary seat of the Earls of Arundel and, in time, the Dukes of Norfolk, one of the oldest dukedoms in England. The extensive Victorian rebuilding between the 1870s and 1890s transformed much of the interior and principal ranges while leaving core medieval fabric intact.
Architecture
The castle retains its Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse, and Barbican. The Victorian rebuilding carried out between the 1870s and 1890s introduced Gothic Revival architecture on a substantial scale, and is considered among the significant Victorian architectural achievements in England.
Worth knowing
The castle holds a collection of paintings that includes works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Canaletto, an unusually rich concentration of old masters for a family home still in private occupation.
Gardens & grounds
The grounds include the Earl's Garden, which hosts open-air theatre, and the wider castle gardens have received recognition for their quality in recent years.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Arundel Rail Station (0.6 miles)
Open April to October, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays except bank holidays and August); check official website for exact dates.
Nearby properties