Arundel Castle is a building whose presence demands attention.
Roger de Montgomery established Arundel Castle way back in 1067 on Christmas day.
But the thing is dear Roger, is that a castle is for life and not just for Christmas!
So I set off to explore and whilst I don’t mean to brag… I honestly don’t think we could have picked a better day to do so because the sun made an appearance and everything.
Ol’ Roger was the first person to hold the title of Earl of Arundel by the graces of William the Conqueror and for over 400 years in the 11th century, the castle served as a home for the Duke of Norfolk. Unfortunately the castle got a bit damaged in the English Civil War but in the 18th and 19th centuries it was restored and it’s been pretty damn cared for ever since.
As you walk around the castle you can’t help but look at it with childish glee. I mean annoyance sets in a little bit too because photos are prohibited in certain areas and I have a twitchy shutter finger.
But such thought has been chosen with which items remained in the castle and it’s interesting to see the history which surrounds each item, whether it a rug, an old warhead casing or a taxidermied owl.
But for me the best part was just the sheer scale of the place.
Can you even imagine how epic it would be to live in Arundel castle?
I mean you’d probably have to hire a maid or twenty because aint nobody who can keep up with all that housework, but just think how epic sleepovers and games of hide and seek would be.
Arundel Castle is set in the most charming of locations and as a result boasts beautiful views in every direction, but for me there were two elements of the castle which stood out the most.
The first was the library, which unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to take pictures of but I have included this press image (courtesy of Arundel castle) to show you just how utterly exquisite it is.
Dim lights, regal carpets, cosy chairs and walls practically made of books.
Huge open fireplaces, ladders attached to rails to clamber upon as you peruse for your next read, and a room so vast it’s split over two open plan floors complete with little bay window snugs perfect for curling up with a book. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.
The second… Is the gardens.
Which pretty much speak for themselves.
As you walk through the arches and into Arundel Castle’s grounds it’s hard not to feel as though you’re stepping into a page straight from the stories of your childhood.
Vast open fields dotted with ornate statues, pops of colour from a combination of plants and flowers in bloom and the most beautiful greenhouse filled with fresh produce.
It’s stunning and a place you can truly lose yourself in as you weave around the abundance of greenery and look at the incredible architecture of both the castle, and the cathedral on the outskirts.
So if you’re wondering if you should take the time to explore Arundel Castle, my answer is most definitely yes. Just make sure you get there early so you can fit everything in, and ensure you get a Gold/Gold Plus ticket so that you can explore the castle in it’s entirety without any limitations… It’s most definitely worth it!
