Express reporter Sarah Barltrop visited Arundel, a historic market town in Sussex, and found a quintessentially English destination where independent shops dominate the high street. Locals joke that Arundel 'doesn't wake up until 11am', reflecting its sleepy pace of life, which is a key part of its charm.
Independent Shops and Local Character
The town's high street is lined with independent retailers selling antiques, handmade crafts, artisan chocolates, homemade biscuits, and perfume. A castle towers over the streets, while cafes serve afternoon tea and galleries showcase the surrounding countryside. Antiques trader Denis Mitchell praised the individuality of these shops: 'Independent shops show the individual's personality, which makes it more interesting. It's just lovely. There aren't many places like that around here. You never know what you're going to come across.'
A Former Chapel Turned Gallery
One of the most intriguing spots is a former chapel transformed into a collectors' gallery. Margaret Austen, who works there, described Arundel as a 'hidden jewel'. She said: 'To me, it's got the quaintness of England. We get a lot of overseas tourists who like it. People who come down from London take to it because it's like nothing that they've seen. We have over 50 craft people in here. All local under this roof. And almost none of them are online.'
Tearooms and Slow Pace
Back on the high street, Cockburns Tea Rooms stands out with its display of freshly baked cakes. Jeanne, who works there, believes Arundel's slower pace is one of its biggest attractions. 'It's not like going to a big town where there's lots going on,' she said. 'It's nice that you just want to have a few shops, close by, and there's a history.'
A World Away from London
Just over an hour from London by train, Arundel feels a world away from the capital. The town offers enough tearooms, shops, and nature trails to keep visitors busy. Sarah Barltrop concluded: 'After spending time there, it's easy to understand why the town has built such a loyal following. It's close enough to London for a day trip, but feels a world away from the pace of the capital. I would go back in a heartbeat.'
