Discover 1000 years of history at Arundel Castle – Reopening 2nd April 2019

Inside you’ll find charming furniture, tapestries and a rare collection of paintings by acclaimed artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto.

The forty glorious gardens have many wonderful features to enjoy from the tranquil Rose Garden and quirky stumpery to the exotics growing in the Tropical House and the Victorian Vine House. 

The Collector Earl’s Garden is a must see. A tribute to Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel (1585 – 1646), known as ‘The Collector’. The garden, created with the idea on what the ‘Collector’ Earl’s formal garden may have been like at Arundel House, London. The canal pond is a serene centre piece.

There is something for all the family to enjoy including castle sieges, interactive exhibits, games, costumes and a wonderful calendar of events.

Why not take a look and plan your visit now?

Characters from our History – Throughout the season

Visitors will meet historical characters, demonstrating traditional crafts. Come and meet a Norman Knight, Norman Crossbowman, Castle Guard, Medieval Priest, Crusader, Norman Lord, Medieval Herald or a Medieval Scribe. New for 2019 are our Castle Guard taking you on a tour of the castle's early defences, a Norman crossbowman explaining our 11th century Keep and a guide to the tombs in the 14th century Fitzalan Chapel.

Combat at the Castle – 6^th & 7^th April

See and hear how Robert de Belleme, Earl of Arundel, trained his soldiers in preparation for what was to be the first siege of the castle in 1102. Learn about the clothing worn in the 12th century.

The Tulip Festival – Mid April to Early May

With 60,000 tulips throughout the extensive walled gardens. Planted in an array of unique horticultural designs, with displays throughout the Collector Earl’s Garden where 4,000 Pink Impression and Purple Prince tulips will be on show. Nearby, in the Wild Flower Garden, by the Stumpery, there will soon be a display of over 8,000 mixed tulips.

A Call to Arms – 20^th – 22^nd April

The year 1189 and Richard the Lionheart, King of England, prepares to set off on the Third Crusade. Arundel Castle is now the scene for these preparations. A 12th century encampment is the wonderful setting for demonstrations of armour, combat, archery and falconry. Crafts include making mail armour, leather working, scribing and cooking.

Plant Fair – 28^th April

Over 20 specialist nurseries will be exhibiting a wide range of plants, bulbs and Shrubs. 

Allium Extravaganza – May & June

Eruptions of pom-pom headed alliums will burst into bloom and can be seen throughout the Walled Gardens with over fourteen varieties on show, some of which may grow up to five feet high.

15^th Century Raiders – 25^th - 27^th May

Following Wars of the Roses, England is once more at peace. King Edward IV of England pursues his claim to the throne of France. The French act first and one of the French raiding parties attacks the castle. Three tented encampments demonstrate 15th century crafts, cooking, weapons and armour along with a story teller. Travel back to these turbulent times.

Living History Days – 30^th May, 30^th July, 6^th August, 17^th & 18^th August

On the Lower Lawn of Arundel Castle, Living History Days are a wonderful, exciting opportunity to meet a variety of historical characters, such as a Knight, Pirate and Medieval Surgeon, and have fun with a range of have-a-go activities, including archery.

There will also be falconry, face painter and a story teller

Mustering for War – 22^nd – 23^rd June

The Empress Matilda has arrived at Arundel Castle to make her claim for the throne of England. Hearing that her cousin, Stephen, has already been crowned, Matilda prepares her army for war. Our encampments demonstrate the crafts and activities from the 12th century.

Norman Knights Tournament – 13^th & 14^th July

The year is 1138 and to celebrate the marriage of the Dowager Queen Adeliza de Louvain and William de Albini, a tournament between knights, squires and archers will be held in the grounds of Arundel Castle. Crafts and activities from the 12th century will be demonstrated in our encampments.

Medieval Jousting Week – 23^rd – 28^th July

The highlight of the summer events at the castle is our international joust tournament.

12,000 Years of Combat – 24^{th -} 26^th August

Tented encampments will demonstrate the costume, weapons and fighting techniques from the stone age to the Victorian era.

12^th Century Knights at the Castle – 15^th September

The knights, ladies and men-at-arms of the Earl of Arundel demonstrate combat and costumes.

Norman Knights at the Castle – 30^th & 31^st October

Find out what life was like in the 12th century with our Norman knights. It is the year 1102 and Robert de Belleme trains his troops to fight the King. Combat and costume demonstrations throughout the day.