Spring Guide to Arundel's Massive Tulip Display

If you are looking for a change of scenery from Brighton this week, Arundel is currently hosting one of the most significant floral events in the country. Today being Wednesday, April 29, we are right at the peak of the annual Tulip Festival at Arundel Castle. The head gardener, Martin Duncan, and his team have planted 122,175 bulbs for the 2026 season, featuring over 120 different varieties. As you walk through the 40 acres of landscaped gardens, you will find specific types like the 'Red Oxford', 'Apeldoorn', and the 'Ballerina', alongside more unusual parrot and fringed varieties such as 'Black Parrot' and 'Curly Sue'. Other notable blooms currently on display include 'Persian Pearl', 'Angelique', and the 'White Triumphator'. The castle itself dates back to 1068, providing a historic backdrop to the gardens which are open from 10:00 to 17:00. If you plan to visit, keep in mind that while the gardens and the Fitzalan Chapel open at 10:00, the main castle rooms don't open until 12:00, and the last admission for the day is at 16:00.

Beyond the castle walls, the town of Arundel offers plenty of other spots to explore during a day trip. The Arundel Cathedral, a French Gothic structure that opened in 1873, is a prominent landmark visible from various points in town. While it is famous for the 'Carpet of Flowers' during Corpus Christi—which falls on June 3 and 4 this year—it remains open for visitors daily, with hours from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and Saturdays. For those interested in the local heritage, the Arundel Museum on Mill Road sits just opposite the castle entrance. It houses exhibits covering the area's history from prehistoric times to the present day in a building that was opened by the Duke of Norfolk in 2013. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with entry priced at £5.75 for adults and £3.50 for children. The town's layout is quite walkable, filled with independent shops and tea rooms, including the Norfolk Arms Hotel, a former coaching inn built in 1783 that has been part of the high street for over two centuries.

For those who prefer to combine their garden visit with some activity, Arundel serves as a gateway to the South Downs National Park, with several walking and cycling routes starting near the town centre. If you are heading to the castle specifically for the tulips, ticket prices for 2026 vary depending on how much of the estate you want to see. A garden-only ticket costs £17 for adults and £8 for children, while full access to the castle, gardens, and bedrooms is £31 for adults and £13 for children. It is worth noting that the castle is generally closed on Mondays, though it stays open for bank holidays and throughout the month of August. Given that today is the end of April, the displays of 'Orange Emperor', 'Flaming Flag', and 'Purple Prince' are at their most vibrant, making it a practical time to visit before the festival concludes as the season moves toward summer.