Sun, Wind, and a Sea of Tulips: Our Day at Arundel Castle

There’s nothing quite like a crisp spring day to remind you why the English countryside is so iconic. Today, we gathered the group and headed to West Sussex to explore the magnificent Arundel Castle. While the sun was out in full force, the wind certainly had its own ideas about our hairstyles! Despite the gusts, it was a day filled with deep history, opulent interiors, and enough floral photography to fill a dozen albums.

A thousand years of history

You can’t help but feel a little small when you walk toward a fortress that has stood for nearly a millennium. Arundel Castle was established on Christmas Day in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. Since then, it has served as the stately seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years.

The castle has seen its fair share of drama, including:

• The English Civil War: It was badly damaged during two sieges in the 1640s.
• Royal Visits: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed here in 1846, which prompted a massive renovation of the bedrooms and library.
• The Fitzalan-Howard Legacy: To this day, it remains the family home of the Duke of Norfolk, making it a “living” castle rather than just a museum.

Stepping Inside: Grandeur and Bedrooms

After bracing ourselves against the wind in the courtyard, we ducked inside to explore the interior. The scale of the place is breathtaking. We wandered through the Baronial Hall and the Library, but the real highlight was the Victorian bedrooms.

Seeing the intricate tapestries and the sheer craftsmanship of the furniture makes you realize that “glamping” today has nothing on 19th-century royalty. The attention to detail in the guest suites—where the light hits the heavy velvet curtains—provided a perfect (and wind-free) photo opportunity.

The Garden Spectacle: Tulip Mania

As much as we loved the history, the gardens stole the show today. Arundel is world-renowned for its Tulip Festival, and it did not disappoint. We found ourselves surrounded by a literal sea of color.

Despite the wind trying to blow our hats into the moat, we managed to take hundreds of photos. We saw:

• Deep, moody purples that looked like velvet.
• Bright, fiery oranges and reds that glowed in the sunlight.
• The iconic “Collector’s” varieties in the Fitzalan Chapel grounds.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during the spring, make sure your phone battery is at 100%. Between the architectural angles of the keep and the thousands of blooming tulips, you’ll be hitting the shutter button constantly.

Final Thoughts

Today was one of those rare days where history and nature perfectly collide. Sharing it with friends made the windy trek up to the keep all the more fun. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who appreciates a perfectly manicured garden, Arundel is a must-visit.

We’re heading home now with wind-swept hair, tired feet, and SD cards full of floral magic. Until the next adventure!

Did you manage to get a shot of those rare “fringe” tulips, or were you too busy trying to keep your hat on? Here are some photos from today: