Recently we had friends over from Canada and were keen to show off some of the wonderful places to visit in the UK. 

They had been to this country before and had been to London and seen all the sights so we were asked to suggest a good location in which to stay in Sussex.

Our suggestion was Arundel it is absolutely steeped in history and there is plenty to do in and around that area. There are a good selection of sussex holiday cottages available all offering quaint original features whilst still offering the comfort of modern facilities.

First impressions of Arundel are memorable and I was sure that our visitors would not be disappointed. As you drive down the hill approaching Arundel and glance to the north the imposing sight of the castle appears on the skyline. It never fails to impress. I have driven down there many times and never fail to admire the view. 

 
Arundel Castle is in fact the second largest in England, built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery. The Dukes of Norfolk have lived there for over 700 years.

From the Wars of the Roses to the Tudor period and the Civil War the Howards were prominent in English history. The 3rd Duke of Norfolk was in fact the uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard both famous wives of Henry VIII.

The Tudor period was in fact a very dangerous time politically for the Dukes of Norfolk. The 3rd Duke only missed his execution because Henry VIII happened to die the night before his execution. The 4th Duke however was not so lucky. He was beheaded for plotting to marry Mary Queen of Scots to Philip Howard. Who was the 13th Earl of Arundel and died in the Tower of London due to his catholic faith.

It is hard to see, but the castle has in fact undergone much restoration in its time. During the Civil War in 1643 it was badly damaged but restored to its former glory in the 18th and 19th centuries.

On arriving in the town there is plenty of interest. Arundel is renowned for its quaint shops many of which sell antiques. In fact it is an antique collectors paradise.

At the top of the hill stands the imposing Catholic Cathedral which was commissioned by Henry the 15th Duke of Norfolk in December 1868. Joseph Hansom was the architect of this building and another claim to fame was that he was also the inventor of the Hansom Cab!

Last but not least you cannot visit Arundel without making a trip to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. This was founded in 1946 by the artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott and the sheer variety of wildlife is truly amazing.
So, I am hoping that they will not fail to enjoy this holiday and take back many happy memories of their time spent in Sussex.