Blog - Arundel musings...Blog - Arundel musings...

7 January 2026

READY TO TRADE THE FRANTIC FESTIVE SEASON FOR A PEACEFUL START TO 2026…?

A stay at Arden House B&B this January or February is the perfect way to embrace a slower pace and focus on your New Year resolutions for wellness, nature, and self-care.

Here are the reasons to book your winter retreat at Arden House:

Recharge and reset in comfort
* Warm hospitality: With glowing reviews that praise the friendly and welcoming host, you can expect a truly personalised, 'home away from home' experience.

* A peaceful and charming retreat: The B&B is set in a quiet location, yet is just a short walk from Arundel's town centre, ensuring you get a restful night's sleep in a cosy room.

* Hearty, wholesome breakfasts: Start your day right with Arden House's plentiful continental breakfast, which includes home-made treats. It's the perfect, nourishing fuel before a day of exploring.

  Embrace the outdoors  
* Explore the South Downs: Located on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Arden House is an ideal base for invigorating winter walks and cycles in the spectacular countryside.

* Arundel Wetland Centre: Just a short walk from the B&B, you can enjoy some quiet time observing the winter wildlife and migrating birds. Boat trips are also available.

* Crisp walks by the lake: Take a peaceful stroll around the beautiful Swanbourne Lake, which is especially tranquil in the colder months.

Ease yourself into the New Year… your way.

#newyearbreak #getaway #minibreak #visitarundel #sussexbythesea #southdownsnationalpark #mountainbike #walkingholidaysuk #experiencewestsussex

26 November 2025

THE TREE IS DECKED, AND WE'RE FESTIVE-READY!

Imagine a romantic escape this December, where historic charm meets festive cheer at the  Arden House B&B in Arundel.

Arden House offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a tranquil yet magical getaway. You can spend your days exploring Arundel's enchanting, fairytale streets, browsing independent shops for unique gifts, and sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine in a cosy bar.

Then, retreat to the warmth and comfort of this beautiful B&B, where the atmosphere is cozy, the hospitality is welcoming, and every detail contributes to a memorable, intimate experience.

It's the perfect backdrop for creating cherished winter memories with your loved one.

Booking your festive stay is the first step towards a truly special celebration. Whether you envision quiet evenings by a roaring pub fire, romantic strolls under twinkling lights, or simply a peaceful break from the everyday hustle, Arden House promises a delightful sanctuary.

Start planning a December to remember at Arden House B&B, where romance and holiday magic intertwine for an unforgettable experience.

Warmest wishes, Lucie x

#ArdenHouseArundel #RomanticGetaway #FestiveBreak #ArundelSussex #DecemberEscape #ChristmasInArundel #bestbedandbreakfast #SussexByTheSea #HistoricTowns #WinterRomance #visitarundel

10 October 2025

WHY AN AUTUMN BREAK AT ARDEN HOUSE IN ARUNDEL IS PURE MAGIC

As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air takes on that crisp, fresh feel, there’s no better time to plan an autumnal escape. For a truly memorable experience, look no further than the historic market town of Arundel and its charming heart, the Arden House B&B. 

Here are just a few reasons why a stay with us this autumn is the perfect getaway.

1. The cosy charm of a historic home

Arden House is your home-away-from-home, with rooms that are "cosy and comfortable," and special, personal touches that make all the difference. After a day of exploring, you can sink into a comfortable bed in a beautifully decorated room. Your friendly host Lucie is always ready with a warm welcome and plenty of local recommendations to ensure you have a relaxing and delightful stay. 

2. Delicious starts to your day

Start your mornings the right way with our excellent continental-style breakfast. Enjoy home-baked treats, fresh fruit, muesli, and boiled eggs, all served with a friendly smile. Guests rave about our generous breakfasts and delicious homemade bakes, which are the perfect fuel for a day of adventures. 

3. Unbeatable location for autumn explorations

Our superb location means you can easily explore everything Arundel has to offer on foot. We're just a short walk from the magnificent Arundel Castle and Cathedral, as well as the town's independent shops, pubs, and restaurants. A peaceful location ensures a good night's sleep, yet you're just minutes from the action. 

4. Wonderful walks and autumn colours

Surrounded by the South Downs National Park, Arundel is the ideal base for walking and cycling - we offer cycle storage too! Step out of our front door and you can follow the river for a scenic walk to a pub, or simply wander through the town enjoying the sights. The autumn colours provide a spectacular backdrop to your strolls, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. 

5. Local activities and events

Arundel offers a host of autumnal activities for everyone to enjoy. In October alone, you can attend classical concerts in the stunning Arundel Cathedral, go on a wildlife wood carving display and demonstration at WWT Arundel or enjoy a play or musical at Chichester Festival Theatre or one or the town's own amateur dramatic playhouses.

This is a town that truly comes alive in the autumn, and Arden House is at the heart of it all. 

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing, friendly, and charming place to stay this season, book your autumnal escape at Arden House B&B. We look forward to welcoming you.

Warm wishes, Lucie x

23 October 2025

ARUNDEL AT CHRISTMAS: FESTIVE CHARM AND A COSY RETREAT

Escape the rush of the festive season and discover the magic of Arundel, a historic West Sussex town that truly shines at Christmas. With its medieval castle and impressive cathedral providing a dramatic backdrop, Arundel transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a perfect blend of independent shopping, seasonal events, and a warm, community-driven spirit.

For a truly enchanting experience, stay with us at  Arden House B&B - the perfect base for your festive getaway.

Arundel at Christmas Events
The "Arundel at Christmas" programme runs throughout December, featuring a variety of festive events. Highlights include carol services and entertainment on the weekends leading up to Christmas.

Friday 5 December join us for the town’s Victorian-themed tree-lighting event from 4-7 pm.  Enjoy carol-singing around the tree, a visit from Santa, music from Lancing Brass Band, whilst enjoying festive food and drink 

Thursday 11 December late-night shopping evening - pick up some wonderful gifts at our town's fantastic range of independent shops, while enjoying a mulled wine and mince pie and admiring the magical sight of our Christmas tree-lined streets

Saturday 20 December -  join us for the final Arundel Farmers Market of 2025, where you can find over 50 stalls selling local produce and artisan treats, perfect for stocking up for Christmas or finding foodie gifts.

NOTE: visit https://www.visitarundel.co.uk/arundel-by-candlelight/ where you'll find the ofifical programme of events - published from late November.

Where to eat, drink, and be merry

The Swan Hotel

Located at the bottom of the High Street, The Swan offers a warm welcome and a festive menu for lunch or dinner. It's a great spot to enjoy traditional Christmas dishes and seasonal drinks with friends and family.

Pallant of Arundel
This fine food and wine purveyor, also on the High Street, is the perfect place to pick up treats and gifts for the festive season. They champion local producers and offer an impressive selection of artisan products.

Digby Fine English

Toast the season with a glass of local sparkling wine at Digby's tasting room on the High Street. Extended opening hours during December make it easy to enjoy a festive drink after a day of shopping and exploring.

Independent Shops
Arundel's streets are lined with independent shops, art galleries, and antique collectives.  The beautifully decorated windows and Christmas tree-lined streets add to the festive atmosphere as you hunt for unique Christmas presents.

Arundel Museum
The museum has a programme of events planned, along with festive refreshments like mulled wine and spiced apple juice. Families can also visit Santa in his grotto.

Your cosy home-away-from-home at Arden House

Just a short walk from the town centre, Arden House B&B offers a peaceful and friendly retreat.

• Warm welcome: Our B&B provides a home-away-from-home feel, with Lucie known for her helpfulness, warmth and local knowledge.
• Comfortable rooms: Guests praise the spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, which come with lovely personal touches like handwritten welcome cards and complimentary sweet treats.
• Delightful breakfast: A delicious Continental-style breakfast is included, featuring fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola and a homemade bake of the day.
• Ideal location: Situated close to the castle, cathedral, and High Street, you can park your car at the B&B and explore the town on foot (don’t forget to book your space!).

This Christmas, treat yourself to the unique and magical festive atmosphere of Arundel, with the welcoming comfort of Arden House B&B waiting to greet you at the end of each day.

18 January 2026

EXPLORING THE MANY SHADES OF LOVE: A ROMANTIC ESCAPE TO ARUNDEL

The single English word "love" often feels inadequate to capture the vast spectrum of human affection. 

The ancient Greeks, in their philosophical wisdom, used several distinct words to define the different dimensions of love, each offering a unique lens through which to understand our connections with others—and with ourselves.

Understanding these different types of love can inspire us to nurture the various relationships in our lives, from deep friendships to passionate romance, and even our relationship with the world around us. 

And what better way to celebrate these connections than with a romantic break in a place steeped in history and charm: Arundel in West Sussex.

The Ancient Greeks new a thing or two about Love

Here are some of the principal forms of love identified by the ancient Greeks:

• Eros: This is the love of passion and physical desire, often associated with the excitement and "butterflies" of new romance. While it can be intense, philosophers like Plato expanded it to include a yearning for beauty and truth beyond the physical.
• Philia: This refers to the deep, affectionate regard and friendship between equals, built on mutual respect and shared values. Aristotle considered this non-passionate, virtuous love to be one of the highest forms of human connection.
• Agape: A selfless, unconditional love that expects nothing in return. It's a love of choice, an expansive empathy that can extend to family, community, and even strangers, and it forms the basis of many concepts of divine or universal love.
• Storge: This is the natural, protective love and affection felt between family members, like that of a parent for a child. It's an unwavering connection that simply exists.
• Pragma: A mature, enduring love that develops over a long time through commitment, patience, and mutual understanding. This is the love of couples who have weathered decades together.
• Philautia: This is self-love, which the Greeks understood could be both a positive (self-compassion) and negative (vanity) force. Healthy self-regard is essential for being able to love others.
• Ludus: The playful, lighthearted, and flirtatious love, like the excitement of a new crush or the fun of early attraction.

A Romantic Escape to Historic Arundel

To celebrate the many forms of love, particularly Eros, Pragma, and Philia with your partner, consider a getaway to the enchanting, historic town of Arundel in West Sussex. 

The town is a perfect backdrop for romance, offering a serene setting with its majestic Arundel Castle, a stunning Cathedral, and the tranquil River Arun. 

Your Perfect Stay: Arden House B&B

For your stay, look no further than the charming Arden House B&B, a peaceful and friendly guesthouse just a short walk from the town centre. 

Your host, Lucie is known for her warm hospitality and thoughtful touches that make guests feel right at home.

• Cozy & Comfortable: Rooms are spotlessly clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated, with some offering lovely rural views.
• Idyllic Location: Situated in a quiet street, it offers a peaceful retreat while still being within easy reach of all major attractions, shops, and riverside pubs.
• Delicious Breakfasts: Start your day with a plentiful continental breakfast featuring home-baked goods, perfect fuel before exploring the South Downs National Park or the town.
• Personal Touches: Lucie is happy to provide local recommendations for everything from restaurants to walking routes, ensuring a memorable and intimate experience.

A stay at Arden House provides the perfect atmosphere to focus on your loved one and create cherished memories.

Ready to nurture the love in your life?

Book your romantic getaway today and discover the magic of Arundel and the welcoming comfort of Arden House B&B. 

Our website offers the best range of availability and if you've spotted a specail offer elsewhere, tell us and we'll do our best to match it! 

Warmest wishes, Lucie x

#ArundelEscape #RomanticBreak #WestSussex #TypesOfLove #ArdenHouseBnB #HistoricArundel #CouplesGetaway #VisitArundel #SouthDownsNationalPark #VisitArundel #loveislove