Festival Of Horsemanship

The Festival of Horsemanship near Arundel is a working celebration of equestrian skills and horse culture rather than a typical theme park. You'll watch riders demonstrating everything from classical dressage to trick riding, with the focus on horsemanship technique and the bond between horse and handler. It's genuinely absorbing if you've got any interest in horses at all - the performances are the real deal, not theme park theatrics.

This place works best for families with children who are already keen on horses, or for adult riders wanting to see different disciplines in action. If your kids think ponies are just creatures that stand in fields, you might lose them after an hour. Adults who ride themselves will spot the nuance in what's happening; everyone else gets entertainment value from the speed and spectacle.

You'll need to check current opening hours and admission costs before heading over - details aren't readily available online, so a phone call ahead makes sense. Allow a couple of hours to catch a full performance and wander around. The South Downs Caravan Park, three miles away near Slindon, is a solid base if you're planning a longer stay in the area. Arundel itself has plenty of character with its castle and riverside walks, so this slots nicely into a broader Sussex break rather than being a destination on its own. Worth fitting in if you're staying nearby and horses are your thing, but don't make the trip from London specifically for it.