Arundel Cathedral: A British History Gem in the South Downs
- Jenn & Leon
- May 18, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Just a short walk from the spectacular Arundel Castle stands perhaps one of the best cathedrals in all of England.
It is an impressive sight from the castle gardens and even more beautiful the closer you get to it.
Arundel is not the first name that rolls off the tongue when talking about the great cathedrals of England, but in this blog, we aim to show that it should be.
After spending time at the beautiful castle and gardens of Arundel, we didn't anticipate how much of an impact the cathedral would have on us.
There is an incredible energy about the place!
Read on to find out all about its history and why we fell in love with this magnificent cathedral.
In This Post...
History, Photos, and Facts about Arundel Cathedral
Arundel was one of the first places we visited together in England on our way to Stonehenge and the marvelous Roman city of Bath.
Located in West Sussex, Arundel is famous for its well-conserved Georgian buildings and is also home to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.
The town was established over 1000 years ago, and you can sense the rich history throughout.
Construction began on the cathedral in 1868 under the instruction of Henry, the 15th Duke of Norfolk. It took 5 years to build and was designed by architect Joseph Hansom.
Built in Bath stone (now very hard to find in England), the cathedral was to rival the magnificence and splendor of Arundel Castle, and Hansom duly obliged.
Originally dedicated to St. Philip Neri, official cathedral status was granted in 1965.
We had travelled to Scotland before this adventure, and it is fair to say that Jenn had already seen a fair bit of the beautiful history and architecture that Britain has to offer.
But this ended up being something so much more than just dazzling stained glass and epic stone construction.
From the spectacular rose window to the clusters of pillars and beautiful vaulted ceilings, it was a sight to behold, and its story and energy completely drew us in.
Unforgettable!
The impressive organ of the cathedral is thought to have been commissioned in 1867 for a London church in Islington but was enlarged and transferred to Arundel in 1873.
Little is known about its origins and indeed why it was chosen for Arundel. We do know it was produced by William Hill & Sons, who at the time were highly regarded in the industry.
We were immediately drawn to it when we visited, and we wish we had been able to hear it in action, too!
As we were wandering amongst the pews, we couldn't help but take notice of the alluring stone carvings on the walls.
Regardless of whether you are a practicing Christian or not, the beauty and alluring nature of these carvings drew us in, and we suppose that was the intention.
Following along the walls, we couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like to receive messages of this kind and to etch them on stone tablets of the past... let alone carry them across continents.
There was an awesome presence to be felt here, and one series of carvings in particular was that showing the path and journey of Christ.
The fourteen Stations of the Cross, depicting the last journey from the condemnation of Christ by Pontius Pilate to his crucifixion and laying to rest in the tomb, are showcased in all churches and cathedrals of the Christian faith.
But perhaps this is one of the most unique; the method of carefully and brilliantly carving them into the walls was no doubt to help translate impact and curiosity, and they certainly do that with aplomb.
For us, the grandest feature of all is the phenomenal rose window with the Virgin Mary and her Holy Child at its center.
This amazing window sits above the organ gallery and is a shining light that encases the entire building with its size and glow.
It is on the west front and was made by the esteemed Hardman's Workshop of Birmingham.
The outer circle depicts the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. It is hard not to get completely lost in the brilliance of this striking art and craftsmanship!
In her own words, Jenn ‘resonated with the cathedral on a spiritual level.’
It certainly was a profound feeling as we paused underneath the incredible vaulted dome above the altar, the multicolored stained glass windows shimmering in our peripheral vision as we took in the energy and solitude of the moment.
This cathedral is a sight to behold with its incredible attention to detail. It is an epic place of Gothic revival architecture, stained glass windows, and spiritual energy.
Like much of Britain at the time, architects were being asked to design buildings in classical themes, blending the old with the new.
You can see the attention to detail here, and wherever you look, the Cathedral offers a glimpse into past medieval and Victorian styles, yet with its smooth Bath stone, it offers a bright and modern feel.
So, should you head to Arundel and visit the cathedral (and the castle too)? Our answer is a resounding YES.
You simply must do so if you love historical buildings, British history, and places that have an incredible, energetic, and mystical connection.
You certainly feel it here, and perhaps it is no coincidence that it is so close to the ancient site of Stonehenge, too.
Arundel Castle
The grand castle of Arundel is home to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and is one of the most impressive castles you will see!
Perched upon a hill in the quaint old town of Arundel, this castle is nearly 1000 years old and is beautiful in both its internal and external design.
It is also surrounded by glorious gardens that are worth a visit all on their own!
If you do have the time, we would highly recommend combining a trip here to Arundel Castle and its incredible grounds.
It is just over the road from the cathedral and is one of the finest castles of its kind in all of England.
🔗 READ MORE: Discover Arundel Castle
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How to Get to Arundel Cathedral
Arundel Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, is located in the historic town of Arundel, West Sussex, England.
It sits majestically on a hill opposite Arundel Castle, offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding countryside.
By Train
The easiest way to reach Arundel Cathedral from London or nearby cities is by train.
Take a Southern Railway service to Arundel Station—there are regular trains from London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton.
The cathedral is about a 15–20 minute walk from the station, through the charming streets of Arundel.
By Car
Arundel is well connected by road via the A27, which links it to Chichester, Brighton, and Portsmouth. Use postcode BN18 9AY for navigation.
There’s limited street parking near the cathedral, but several public car parks are available in town, such as Crown Yard Car Park (a 5-minute walk away).
Car Rental
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By Bus
Local bus services connect Arundel with surrounding towns. Stagecoach South operates routes from Chichester, Worthing, and Littlehampton.
The bus stops in the town centre, just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral.
By Foot (within Arundel)
If you're already in Arundel, the cathedral is easily accessible on foot. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Arundel Castle and offers a scenic stroll through the town’s quaint lanes.
By Bike
Cycling to Arundel is a popular option, especially for those exploring the South Downs.
Bike racks are available near the town centre, and the roads leading to the cathedral are bike-friendly, although they can be steep near the top.
⪢ Contact Information for Arundel Cathedral
● Address: London Rd, Arundel BN18 9AY, United Kingdom
● Email: arundel@abdiocese.org.uk
● Opening hours: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, 7 days per week
● Contact no.: +441903882297
● Website: arundelcathedral.uk
Easily Find Hotels in Arundel and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Arundel hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Arundel Cathedral – FAQ
Where is Arundel Cathedral located?
Arundel Cathedral is located in the charming market town of Arundel, West Sussex, England. It overlooks the River Arun and sits near the famous Arundel Castle.
What is Arundel Cathedral known for?
The cathedral is known for its striking French Gothic Revival architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and its association with the Dukes of Norfolk. It’s a spiritual and architectural gem in South East England.
Is Arundel Cathedral still in use?
Yes! Arundel Cathedral is an active place of worship and the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. It hosts regular services, events, and concerts.
Can visitors tour the cathedral?
Absolutely. The cathedral is open to visitors most days, and entry is free. Guests can admire the architecture, attend services, or enjoy peaceful reflection.
Are there guided tours available?
While there aren’t official guided tours daily, special group tours and educational visits can be arranged in advance. During special events or festivals, additional info may also be available on-site.
What are the opening hours?
Opening hours may vary slightly by season or event, but typically the cathedral is open daily from around 9 am to 6 pm. It’s best to check their official website before visiting.
Is Arundel Cathedral accessible?
Yes, the cathedral is wheelchair accessible and offers accessible restrooms. Staff are usually available to assist visitors with mobility needs.
Is photography allowed inside the cathedral?
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed, though flash and tripods may be restricted. Be respectful during services and check posted signage.
What’s nearby to see after visiting?
Arundel Castle is just a short walk away and makes a perfect follow-up to your cathedral visit. You can also explore Arundel’s quaint shops, riverside walks, and local cafes.
This was such a beautiful experience for me.
Think that we missed this one during my high-school trip taken in early 1975.
By the architecture, Gothic, I would guess that it was built before Henry VIII's fiasco, although the English text regarding the daughters of Jerusalem belies that assumption.
Either way - totally agree that it would be worth the trek, once one is on the Isle!
This was a true feast for the eyes! It is an unforgettable place not just for its beauty but for its spiritual energy too!