Best castles around Burpham are situated in a historically rich area of West Sussex, overlooking the River Arun. The region features a blend of ancient defensive sites and prominent medieval architecture, set within a rural landscape. While Burpham Hill Fort represents an important Saxon fortified settlement with earthworks, the area is also dominated by the impressive Arundel Castle. This combination offers insights into various periods of English history and defensive strategies.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Amberley Castle stands in the village of Amberley, West Sussex (grid reference TQ027132). The castle was erected as a 12th-century manor house and fortified in 1377, giving it a rhomboid shaped stonework enclosure with high curtain walls, internal towers in each corner, a hall and a gateway. It was used as a fortress by the bishops of Chichester. The walls, gateway and two of the towers remain as a Grade I listed building and are now in use as a privately owned hotel and restaurant.
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An impressive medieval castle with beautiful gardens. It's worth a visit. You can experience where Queen Victoria herself visited and imagine how the royals would dine when they were here. The historic cathedral is also truly worth seeing!
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Arundel is a picturesque town nestled along the River Arun known for its charming town centre that blends medieval and Victorian architecture. The town's most iconic landmark is Arundel Castle, which dates back to the 11th century. Its streets are filled with independent shops, art galleries, cafés and antique stores which adds to its unique character.
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A short sharp hill climb with a left hand turn near the top, before the road becomes one-way.
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Arundel Castle is a beautifully restored and remodelled medieval castle in Arundel, West Sussex, England. It was established by Roger de Montgomery. The castle was damaged in the English Civil War and then restored in the 18th and 19th centuries by Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk. It has a pricy £25 entrance fee but it is well worth it. To make the most of your ticket price set aside the best part of the day to visit the castle, gardens and chapel. Simply a gorgeous place!
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The area around Burpham offers a mix of historical defensive sites. You can explore ancient earthworks like Burpham Hill Fort, which was a significant Saxon fortified settlement, and the prominent medieval architecture of Arundel Castle. This provides a unique insight into different periods of English history and defensive strategies.
Burpham Hill Fort, located in West Sussex, is a notable Saxon fortified settlement. It consists of large earthworks and a defensive ditch, serving as a crucial part of King Alfred's Burghal Hidage network to defend against Viking incursions. While not a traditional stone castle, its strategic importance in Anglo-Saxon history makes it a significant site. You can learn more about its history at Sussex Castles.
Yes, Arundel Castle is highly family-friendly. Many of its highlights, including the Gatehouse at Arundel Castle and the View of Arundel Castle from the river, are suitable for families. The castle itself features extensive gardens and offers a rich historical experience for all ages.
Arundel Castle is a beautifully restored medieval castle that has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk for nearly 1,000 years. Visitors can explore its historical interiors, extensive gardens, and chapel. It's recommended to set aside a good part of the day to fully experience the castle and its grounds. The main entrance is the Arundel Castle Lower Gate off Mill Road.
Absolutely. The View of Arundel Castle from along the River Arun offers breathtaking perspectives of the impressive medieval castle dominating the skyline. There are also other viewpoints, such as another View of Arundel Castle, that provide excellent photo opportunities.
The area around Burpham offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring. For example, there are moderate MTB trails like the 'Arundel, East Dean Woods and the River Arun loop' and road cycling routes such as the 'Amberley, Petworth and Waltham Brooks loop'. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Burpham, Road Cycling Routes around Burpham, and Cycling around Burpham guides.
Arundel Town Centre is a charming historical site nestled along the River Arun. It features a blend of medieval and Victorian architecture with streets filled with independent shops, art galleries, cafes, and antique stores. Arundel Castle serves as its iconic landmark, making it a great place to explore before or after visiting the castle.
Arundel Castle typically opens to the public from April each year. Visiting during spring or summer allows you to enjoy the extensive gardens in full bloom. Autumn can also offer beautiful scenery with changing foliage, especially around the River Arun and the surrounding South Downs.
Yes, Burpham Hill Fort is strongly associated with King Alfred the Great, as it was part of his Burghal Hidage network designed to defend against Viking invaders. Arundel Castle was established by Roger de Montgomery and has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk for nearly a millennium, with significant restoration work done by Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk. You can learn more about King Alfred's historical context on Wikipedia.
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and stunning architecture of Arundel Castle, often highlighting its magnificent gardens and the breathtaking views from various points along the River Arun. The historical significance of Burpham Hill Fort also draws interest for its unique Anglo-Saxon context. The komoot community has shared 91 photos and given 174 upvotes for the highlights in this area.
Yes, Arundel Castle has an entrance fee. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. The fee is generally around £25, and visitors often find it well worth the cost for the extensive experience of the castle, gardens, and chapel.


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