Friends’ Visit to Arundel Cathedral and Castle, West Sussex

Join us for a visit to another of England’s inspirational cathedrals – with a castle just across the road! 

On a hillside of the South Downs above the River Arun, the picturesque market town of Arundel is full of a history which dates back to the Domesday Book. It is famous for two stunning landmarks. Arundel Castle, seat of the Duke of Norfolk, is a stately home full of beautiful furnishings and paintings, and also a fortified castle which offers great views over the Sussex countryside. Arundel Cathedral, seat of the Catholic Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, dominates the local skyline and was built in 1873 by Henry, 15th Duke of Norfolk in gothic style, as the parish church of St Philip Neri. The church was rededicated as the Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard in 1965.  Across the road, the Fitzalan Chapel, once part of the medieval College of the Holy Trinity, houses the tombs of the Earls of Arundel and Dukes of Norfolk.

Our coach journey to Arundel is expected to take about two and a half hours, and we will be welcomed with tea/coffee courtesy of the Friends of the Cathedral. This will be followed by a full guided tour of the building, before we join the Friends for a buffet-style lunch in the Cathedral Centre. There will also be an opportunity to view the private Fitzalan Chapel under the expert guidance of our Cathedral guide if you wish. After lunch, we will all be free to explore the Castle and gardens at our leisure before tea and cake in the Cathedral Centre at the end of the day.

Because of the travel distance and a busy programme, we will be making an early start. Our coach will pick us up at 8.00am at Westminster Lodge car park, and we should return by 6.30pm. As there will be a fair amount of walking, and a number of steps, please wear suitable footwear, and also bring rainwear in case the weather is inclement. Be aware that there is a hill between the Castle and the Cathedral which will need to be navigated on foot.

Tickets for this event cost £60 per person. This includes coach travel, morning tea/coffee, guided Cathedral tour, buffet lunch, entry to Arundel Castle and gardens, tea and cake in the afternoon. Closing date Monday 2 September. Family and friends are welcome to join us!

If you have any queries about this event, please contact [email protected]