Visit to Arundel Castle, Thursday 10 September 2026

Please note Thursday 10 Sept, not 9 Sept as in May Miscellany

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This well presented Norman Castle founded in 1067 with later additions in Medieval and Victorian times is the family home of the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl Marshal of England. Within an outer curtain wall there are extensive grounds over 30 acres surrounding the Castle and House which are approached by a winding drive leading to the entrance to the buildings.

The extensive gardens are well worth visiting and are mainly at the top of the slope above the Castle. The Castle and buildings also contain and display nearly all the family’s art collections and historic archives.

Arrangements made for the visit are:-

(1) Numbers of cars and visitors will need to be declared 14 days in advance. There will be a reserved area for Sexmog in the Mill Road Car Park opposite the main entrance to the Castle – (BN18 9PA). Parking charges will apply.

(2) Entry tickets cover access to the grounds and gardens open from 10am each day and the Castle and State Rooms which open from 12 noon.

(3) Admission tickets will be at a discounted price of £27 per person or £29 if access is wanted to the bedrooms. The latter might not be available for the date of our visit in the unlikely event of the Duke requiring them for his guests. This will be known before payment is needed for the visit.

(4) There are volunteer guides in all the main rooms.

(5) As the drive is a little steep in places there will be a free ‘buggy’ which can be hailed at any point to take visitors to and from the Castle and/or gardens.

(6) For anyone finding stairs within the Castle to be difficult there is:-

(i) the main lift which can be for used for entry to/departure from the Castle buildings.
(ii) a further lift giving access to the 1st floor State Rooms.
(iii) a platform lift to negotiate 3 stairs in the Baron’s Hall.

Do note there is no lift for the optional visit to the Castle bedrooms on the 2nd floor which are approached by a short flight of stairs.

(7) For those wanting access to the Inner Gatehouse and the Keep access is by steep steps and spiral staircases .

(8) Refreshments are available:-
(i) from 10am in the Garden Cafe and,
(ii) Coffee Shop in the Castle entrance, and
(iii) in the Restaurant for light lunches from 12 noon.

For those fancying a cup of coffee first I suggest meeting in the coffee shop say, between 10:30am and 11:00am.

I have to pay in advance for the tickets and will need to receive the money before the end of August. Meanwhile it would be useful to know as soon as you can whether you will be likely to be attending please. Named tickets will be left for collection at the entrance.

My bank details were shown on the email of 22 July but please telephone me if you cannot access this.

John (01323 478558)