Arundel Castle
West Sussex, England
Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: HJ Mitchell, CC BY 4.0 · Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Arundel Castle Trustees (Duke of Norfolk)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Arundel, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Seasonal opening
Pinpoint
Arundel BN18 9AB
Telephone 01903 882173
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The Duke of Norfolk's family seat has stood on this site since the 11th century, though most of what's visible today is Victorian rebuilding over the medieval core. It opens seasonally, and reviewers keep underestimating it - the exterior alone looks large, but the interior rooms and walled gardens take up most of a day.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The walled gardens, which reviewers rate as being kept to an exceptional standard, alongside seasonal events like the tulip festival and jousting.
Before you go
Book tickets ahead - they can sell out - and expect steep, narrow stairs to the upper floors. Parking gets mixed reviews, so allow extra time to find a space during busy events.
What visitors say
Arundel Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 12,750 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently describe Arundel as larger and richer than expected, with impressive interiors, extensive well-maintained gardens, and knowledgeable staff or free guided tours as recurring highlights.
Seasonal events like the tulip festival and jousting are mentioned favourably, though a couple of reviewers note that parking is limited and admission can feel pricey.
“Highly recommended. The gardens are so well designed and maintained. We went in April and got to witness the beautiful display of tulips. The staff are always on hand within the castle to answer questions about the…”- Simon Fagg, visitor review
Getting in - what Arundel Castle Trustees (Duke of Norfolk) says
Blue Badge car park. Wheelchairs and Motability scooters welcome (max 60cm width). Wheelchairs available to loan. Main entrance has sloped entry and lift. Accessible toilets on ground floor. Inner Gatehouse, Keep, and Fitzalan Chapel have steep stone steps and spiral staircases. Gardens have wheelchair-accessible footpaths with gravel surfaces and moderate slopes. Motorized buggy assists from tick
Taken from Arundel Castle Trustees (Duke of Norfolk)’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Amberley Castle is only 3.7 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Amberley Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours with the operator before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track.
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking isnt the greatest btw and tickets may seem expensive.” - AL
- Guided tours
- “We also took a free tour; our guide was absolutely fantastic and brought the history of this place to life with great passion.” - Lu Be
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Lots of places to walk and beware of steep and narrow stairs to the top.” - Usman Khan
Common questions about Arundel Castle
Where is Arundel Castle?
Arundel Castle is in West Sussex, England, at Arundel BN18 9AB.
Do you need a ticket to visit Arundel Castle?
Yes - Arundel Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Arundel Castle Trustees (Duke of Norfolk). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Arundel Castle?
The walled gardens, which reviewers rate as being kept to an exceptional standard, alongside seasonal events like the tulip festival and jousting.
Is Arundel Castle a ruin or still intact?
Arundel Castle is largely intact - Seasonal opening.
