Photo: Arundel Castle by Egjoni98, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Arundel Castle is a Grade I listed historic house in West Sussex, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Arundel Castle
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 of Arundel Castle
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 of Arundel Castle
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 at Arundel Castle
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 to Arundel Castle
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.
Places to visit near Arundel Castle
Historic places nearby
Within 10 miles of Arundel Castle there are 5 historic properties, including 3 historic houses and 2 historic buildings, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Arundel Castle there are 14 historic properties, including 6 historic houses and 5 historic buildings, across Historic Houses, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Facts
A Norman castle still in aristocratic hands, with medieval stonework and old masters side by side.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- West Sussex, England
- Visit duration
- Allow a full day
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