Living in Arundel

Community life in Arundel is deeply influenced by its historic roots, independent shops, and collective sense of identity. The town feels welcoming and active, with a calendar filled by arts festivals, farmers’ markets, and charity events benefitting from strong local involvement.

Residents enjoy direct access to the South Downs National Park, with scenic riverside walks and footpaths like Monarch’s Way proving popular with all ages. Swanbourne Lake and Arundel Wetland Centre offer outdoor recreation and nature-watching opportunities.

Local societies and volunteer groups flourish, from the Arundel Farmers Market to arts and drama groups. The town’s community centre, library, and sporting amenities provide further hubs for meeting and socialising. Throughout the year, events such as the Arundel Festival and the Christmas Lights Trail help maintain a strong sense of local pride and participation.

Crime rates in Arundel are typically low compared to the wider West Sussex region, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to live. The town is known for its secure, community-focused environment, with very few serious incidents reported in recent years.

Police visibility is generally high, supported by local neighbourhood policing teams that hold regular community meetings. Arundel also benefits from community safety partnerships, which focus on crime prevention and anti-social behaviour reduction, particularly around major events and the busier summer months.

Many residents perceive Arundel’s safety as a key attraction, particularly for families and older residents. Ongoing investment in lighting, CCTV, and neighbourhood watch schemes supports the town’s safe reputation.

Parking in Arundel is well organised, with several council-run car parks throughout the town centre and additional long-stay options near the station. On-street parking is available in residential areas, although spaces may be limited, especially during the summer tourist season or major events.

Resident parking permits are available for those living in permit-controlled streets. Arundel’s medieval layout can make parking close to the main attractions challenging during peak periods, but several public car parks, such as Mill Road and Crown Yard, ensure access for visitors and locals alike.

The road network is anchored by the A27 (east-west), providing direct access to Chichester – approx. 20 minutes (11 miles) via A27, Worthing – approx. 20 minutes (13 miles) via A27, and Brighton – approx. 40 minutes (22 miles) via A27. The A284 connects Arundel to Littlehampton – approx. 15 minutes (6 miles) and to Pulborough and Horsham further north. The coastal road routes and proximity to the South Downs make Arundel easily navigable for both locals and visitors.

Arundel boasts a thriving food and drink scene, reflecting its popularity with both locals and visitors. The town is home to a diverse range of independent cafés, tearooms, and sophisticated restaurants serving everything from seasonal British fare to European cuisine. Well-known spots include The Parsons Table and Butlers Restaurant, both highly regarded for their locally sourced ingredients.

Traditional pubs such as The Norfolk Arms and The Swan Hotel combine history with hearty menus, creating welcoming spaces to meet friends or family. Arundel’s nightlife tends towards the relaxed, with a handful of real ale pubs, wine bars, and bistro-style venues. For those seeking more lively entertainment, nearby Worthing and Chichester provide theatres, cinemas, and late-night bars just a short drive or train journey away.

The town also features artisan bakeries, delicatessens, and a popular Saturday market for local produce. The annual Arundel Festival brings a lively mix of street food, outdoor bars, and music, adding to the sociable spirit of this picturesque community.

School quality: Schools in Arundel, including Arundel Church of England Primary and nearby secondary options, are well regarded and offer a positive, supportive environment for children.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from access to Arundel Park, Swanbourne Lake, and the nearby South Downs, providing wide open areas for play, walking, and cycling.

Childcare: Several nurseries and childminding services operate within Arundel and the surrounding villages, supporting working families and early years education.

Safety: The area’s low crime rates and community-focused initiatives create a safe atmosphere that parents and carers value highly.

Family activities: In addition to outdoor pursuits, Arundel Castle, Wetland Centre, and annual festivals offer cultural and historical entertainment for families throughout the year.

Arundel is an excellent area for pet owners, with extensive walks across Arundel Park, riverside paths, and the wider South Downs National Park. Dogs are welcome in many local pubs and cafés, and the surrounding countryside provides ample opportunity for exercise and recreation.

There are several veterinary surgeries and pet shops in Arundel and nearby Littlehampton, supporting the needs of both cats and dogs. The community’s tolerant attitude towards pets is apparent in the number of dog-friendly holiday lets, pubs, and shops, making it easy to enjoy local amenities with a four-legged companion.

Arundel Wetland Centre also accommodates well-behaved dogs on leads in specified areas, and organised walking groups for dog owners are popular, reinforcing Arundel’s reputation as a pet-welcoming town.

Arundel benefits from strong transport connections for a rural market town, allowing residents convenient access to both regional towns and London. The town’s railway station, situated to the south of the town centre, is served by Southern Rail, offering frequent services to major destinations.

There are regular train services to:

• London Victoria – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes direct or with one change
• Bognor Regis – approx. 20 minutes
• Chichester – approx. 15 minutes
• Brighton – approx. 45 minutes (change at Barnham)

Major road links such as the A27 bypass the town, providing east-west routes to both Chichester and Worthing. The A284 offers access to the South Downs and north to Pulborough and Horsham.

Local bus networks connect Arundel with Littlehampton, Worthing, and other West Sussex towns. For air travel, London Gatwick Airport is reachable in 50 minutes by car, providing extensive domestic and international links. Brighton and Portsmouth are both easily accessible for broader city amenities.

Commuters appreciate the balance Arundel offers: rural living with reliable public transport for regular journeys to work, school, or leisure.

Arundel provides a robust mix of educational options, making it a strong choice for families. The schools in Arundel and the surrounding area are well-regarded and cater to a broad range of ages and needs.

Primary Schools:
1. Arundel Church of England Primary School – Known for its strong community ethos and positive Ofsted reports (last rated 'Good' in 2020), located centrally in the town.
2. St Philip's Catholic Primary School – Situated in nearby Arundel and noted for its inclusive environment and academic support (last rated 'Good' in 2018).

Secondary Schools:
1. The Littlehampton Academy – The closest secondary school, located in Littlehampton, offering a broad curriculum and modern facilities (last Ofsted rated 'Good' in 2019).
2. St Philip Howard Catholic School – Situated in Barnham, highly regarded with regular Outstanding Ofsted ratings (last rated 'Outstanding' in 2016).

Independent Schools:
1. Slindon College – An independent day and boarding school just north of Arundel, catering for boys aged 8-18, with a focus on individual learning styles.
2. Our Lady of Sion School – Based in Worthing and offering a co-educational environment from nursery through sixth form, this independent school is popular with Arundel families.

Further Education:
• Chichester College – Offering a wide variety of vocational and academic courses, it is easily accessible via road and public transport.
• Worthing College – Known for its excellent sixth form provision and supporting students from across the region.

Universities:
While Arundel itself does not have a university, the University of Chichester and University of Sussex are both within commuting distance, providing a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.