The market town of Arundel is perhaps the classic image of Sussex.
Set in a steep vale of the South Downs, this much-conserved town offers a picture-perfect scene. There's a winding river, a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral and a medieval castle that overlooks a summer cricket ground where white-shirted villagers go about their game. There's a lido, a football club and a waterside café with boats for hire. And, in the surrounding countryside a smattering of good campsites too.
Campsites in Arundel are a tempting proposition for anyone heading out of the city for a camping or glamping trip. This Sussex market town is within two hours’ drive of London and offers quintessential country living close to the south coast. But it’s not just city slickers who will find a potential holiday heaven here. It’s ideally located in the middle of the south coast so easy to reach from bigger and more bustling towns on either side. It’s nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park, on the banks of the River Arun and, with so much rural beauty, it’s little wonder that there are plenty of campsites in the area. Whether you like to pitch a tent in a farmer’s field or go high-end with a luxury glamping cabin or yurt stay, you should find a camping or glamping site in Arundel that will suit you.
The town of Arundel is dominated by its mightiest buildings Arundel Castle and the towering Arundel Cathedral. The castle dates from the 11th century when the land was gifted to Roger de Montgomery by William the Conqueror, not long after the fairly nearby Battle of Hastings. Its beautiful gardens are a highlight of any visit. And after a tour of the castle and a look in the cathedral, you might want to head out in to the surrounding streets for a mooch around the independent shops and cafes. But if it’s the great outdoors, you’ve come to experience, why not head 10 minutes south to visit the beaches of the south coast or to the Arundel Wetland Centre for a boat ride to spot birds. There’s plenty of walking in the countryside of the South Downs National Park too. For days out further afield you could head west to Chichester or east for the bright lights of Brighton.
Set in a steep vale of the South Downs, the market town of Arundel is the classic image of Sussex. Complete with castle, cathedral, cricket ground and a riverside café, the settlement embodies pretty South East England. There are ample campsites in the surrounding countryside, the best of which make it onto our shortlist.