Maison Dieu

The Maison Dieu in Arundel is one of those places that rewards a bit of digging. A 13th-century almshouse founded by the Earl of Arundel, it's a proper slice of medieval Sussex life - the kind of building that actually tells you something about how people lived rather than just showing you four walls and a placard. What remains is small but genuine: a hall with timber framing that's survived more than 700 years, which is no mean feat given what England's weather does to wood.

History buffs will get the most from a visit here. It's not a massive tourist draw - you won't find crowds - which means if you can access it, you'll have space to actually think about what you're looking at. The building sits quietly in Arundel itself, that proper little market town you've probably driven through without stopping. It works well as part of a longer exploration of the town's Norman castle and the general medieval atmosphere of the place.

You'll need to check locally for access arrangements and opening times, as these can be variable. Allow thirty minutes to an hour if you get inside, maybe less if it's viewing from outside only. It's free or donation-based most likely, though confirm before the trip. The site fits naturally into a stay at one of the nearby caravan parks - Brookside is closest at just 1.7 miles away - making it a good stop-off for a morning before heading elsewhere in the South Downs.