God has blessed us with blue skies today a good start to our first stop at Arundel. Last breakfast with Margaret and Fred till we meet them again at Margaret's other house in Bromley outside of London at the end of touring the UK.

Everywhere we have travelled there is always a constant flow of traffic even on the smaller A259 road linking the towns on the coast. Backtracking on the A27 past Worthing and Clapham where we stayed last Friday. The A27 is a good motorway, quick flowing traffic lots of roundabouts, which is very common in the UK. Scenery is much the same as before with the South Downs Way on the right either agriculture, sheep or cattle farms, lots of villages and some farming on the left (coast side).

   Didn’t take long to arrive at Arundel, the view of the Arundel Castle coming down the hill to the small medieval town was magnificent, parking was very difficult we had to park a distance down the road past the castle. It was an enjoyable walk back and it was getting quite warm believe it or not but we actually took off our jackets for the first time.



As we approached the skyline is dominated by the gothic Arundel Cathedral and the majestic Arundel Castle, which is the family home of the Duke of Norfolk and their ancestors for nearly 1000 years. The inside of the Roman Catholic is a sight to see with the beautiful stained glass windows, large organ above the front entrance and high carved ceilings. Over the road we can see the Parish Church of St Nicholas built in 1380. It is unusual because the western portion came under the jurisdiction of the Church of England at the time of the Reformation but the Eastern portion the Fitzalan Chapel remained the property of the Duke of Norfolk and is Roman Catholic and is only accessible from the Castle gardens.

Going down the steep hill to the Georgian and Victorian town centre we past many antique shops, which Arundel is famous for and a wide range of independent retailers and contemporary art galleries. The town is alive with many tourist all the cafes, restaurants and pubs are busy. From the gate entrance you cannot see the Castle and gardens only in the distance if you walk along the River Arun, a bit far away and getting late in the afternoon. The entry fee is high for the short time we have to explore the family home and gardens.

Had a little rest at the Jubilee Gardens by the River Arun before climbing the High Street hill of the main town centre and before going to the motorhome walked partly round the Arundel Park but when we saw the Swanbourne Lake was down in the valley below decided to cut back near the Hiorne Tower. Was an enjoyable walk through the trees and grassed area of the park.



Staying the night at the Camping and Caravanning Club site in Southbourne in a former orchard near the top of Chichester Harbour. Seems a long way to get there the countryside and villages all look the same, lots of roundabouts and traffic. The site is a few miles past Chichester turn off at Fishbourne where there is a Roman Palace and gardens. Drove through a few more villages and orchards on either side of the road.

Nice to settle in have a cup of coffee get the dredge laundry done and listening to the gentle rain when we retire.