*looks around nervously* I'm not too sure whether posting a retrospective travel post at the moment is the best of ideas, but it's so strange to think that this little adventure down to Sussex was only a few weeks ago...and even stranger now that things seem to be shifting backwards each and every day. In short, my lovely pal Lucy and I were supposed to be visiting Florence at the start of the month after postponing our trip from April, but after our rescheduled flights were cancelled twice in as many days, we decided to get our money back and spend it on a little UK trip. Arundel seemed like the perfect option as it's not too far away (about an hour and a half from London on the train), and it's an area which I know quite well having spent a lot of time there with my grandparents when I was small. It was lovely to spend a bit more time there, exploring some old favourites and scoping out some new finds too...
Where to stay
Things to do
If you're after some outdoor adventuring or just some good old fashioned fresh air, then a walk down to Swanbourne Lake and the adjacent tea room is a must. From there, you can visit the wonderful Arundel Wetland Centre (again, pre-booking is a must) and soak up the surroundings of the incredible South Downs. If it's good walking you're after, then there are plenty of routes to choose from, including from Amberley to Arundel via Burpham and from Arundel to Littlehampton along the River Arun, although I'd recommend choosing a dry day as the river has a tendency to flood when it rains.
Again, if you've got your walking legs on, then a hike to the top of the hill to visit Arundel Cathedral is well worth it, just be sure to check their opening hours in advance in light of current restrictions.
Where to eat
Arundel has become something of a foodie haven over recent years, and is packed with plenty of choice when it comes to eating and drinking. There's a vast array of options on offer, from tea rooms including the Motte & Bailey Café, The Edible Sandwich Co. and Belinda's to coffee options including Tarrant Street Espresso and Bagels & Coffee. Pub wise, a walk along the river to The Black Rabbit is well worth the work (and the reward of a baked Camembert at the end is always worth it..!). For a taste of fine dining, then I cannot recommend The Parsons Table enough- with a fantastic menu built around locally sourced ingredients, it's a must-visit. If you're in the market for something with a bit of a difference and don't mind going a little bit out of the town, then the treat of afternoon tea at Amberley Castle is well worth exploring too. Cooking in your accomodation? Pallant of Arundel and Arundel Butchers on the High Street have you covered.
As with everything at the moment, if you're planning an at-home holiday, then please do make sure that you're abiding by all of the current rules and restrictions, maintaining your social distance and abiding by the hands, face, space mantra.
(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)
Bookmarking this for a post-pandemic peruse, it looks so dreamy! Also, THIS NEW LAYOUT. xxxx
ReplyDelete