Amberley Castle, Arundel

Advantages: Historical town with many attractions nestling in the midst of the South Downs.
Disadvantages: Over run with tourists in the summer. Half the major attractions shut in winter.

...Arundel (pronounced ARR-n-dl (arrow), not AIR) is a small town situated in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. If you're ever in that part of world, it's well worth spending at least half a day there, if not longer. It's a very pretty and historical town, which is dominated by the twin edifices of the Norman castle and the Gothic cathedral at the top of the hill, and the River Arun running along the bottom. The skyline does make a particularly dramatic vista if you approach it from the bottom of the hill near the river. My association with the town probably starts from well before I can remember. My grandfather and grandmother actually lived at Arundel Castle for many, many years, and my brother and I spent many a Sunday afternoon exploring the grounds, as well as the castle. My mum and dad were married there... Read review

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Advantages: Compact castle ruins, lovely setting
Disadvantages: Would not warrant a full day's outing of itself

.... Staunch Catholics and with family ties to the throne, the Arundells were clearly Royalist. Wardour was of no strategic value, but the wealth of its owners could easily have been used to support the Royalist cause, which was threat enough for the parliamentarian Sir Edward Hungerford. The castle was besieged and, with Lord Arundel away supporting the King, its defence fell to Lady Blanche and the small remaining 'garrison'. She managed to hold out against the admittedly small-scale attacking force for six days, before a couple of well-placed mines in the service tunnels panicked the defenders into surrender. Much of the wealth was looted and the property vandalised before being taken over by the republican commander Ludlow. Blanche's husband had died of wounds received in action, but his son (the third Lord Arundell) was not about... Read review

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Advantages: Watch unusual crafts 'live'
Disadvantages: Closed all winter

...to Amberley Railway Station, served by frequent trains from London Victoria and the South Coast. If you prefer travelling by car, you'll find the museum on the B2139 mid-way between Arundel and Storrington, and it has a large free car park. If you go to the museum's website, you can even download a map. FURTHER INFORMATION The museum has an excellent website, which offers not only a map, information on opening hours and admission fees, but gives glimpses of the craftspeople and volunteers at work. (Ciao rules prevent me from including the web address, but I'm sure you'll find it)... Read review

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