St Michael's Church

The Church of St Michael sits on a rise above Arundel, commanding views across the River Arun valley in a way that feels properly earned after the walk up. It's a medieval parish church with real bones - Norman and Early English work mixed in with later restorations, the kind of place where you can actually read the building's history in its stonework rather than relying on a placard.

Inside, it's quiet and contemplative. The nave has that particular light you only get in old churches, filtered through modern glass alongside original medieval windows. There are memorials worth reading if you're into local history, but this isn't a showpiece church - it won't take more than twenty minutes to look around properly, and that's if you're thorough.

Walkers will get the most from it, especially if you're exploring the Arun Valley area. The location itself is the real draw - you've got views that make the short climb worthwhile, and it sits well on a broader walk around Arundel's riverside paths. Families with small children might find the steep approach a bit tedious unless they're keen walkers, but older kids won't struggle.

Admission is typically free for parish churches, though opening hours vary - best to check locally when you're in Arundel, which is just down the road. If you're staying at Bow Hill Farm or any of the nearby caravan sites, this makes a proper morning's outing combined with the town itself. Don't expect crowds or long queues. This is the sort of place where you genuinely feel like you've discovered something, without the manufactured feel of a tourist attraction.