A bookshop run with passion, spark and style in the most picturesque street of a town that the phrase 'quintessentially English' was probably invented for. Owner Sarah Meadham (one-time collaborator with artist Jeremy Deller, and ferret fancier) has previously managed bookshops in Brighton and Worthing, and has moved across the county of Sussex to this quirky shop, nestled under the walls of Arundel Castle. Odd little rooms, old fireplaces, vintage furniture and plenty of unusual books make this feel like a place that's been there years; it's actually only months old. The Book Ferret shows that small, independent shops with service and style are the saviours of the high street.

34 High Street, Arundel, BN18 9AB
+44(0)1903 885727 www.thebookferret.co.uk nearest station Arundel
Google map: bit.ly/aZlqhA

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Burpham is just like you always imagined an English village to be: thatched cottages, sweeping Downland views, Norman Church, old pub. In addition it overlooks the stunning vista of Arundel castle and the Arun Valley. Burpham Country House offers a relaxed house party atmosphere where guests can chat in the georgian lounge or the country garden, or dine in the large conservatory. It is ideal for walkers, as you can park and walk straight onto the Downs. They are getting great feedback for their newly launched restaurant, which offers modern English cuisine and an extensive wine list in an old-world ambience, from £20 for two courses.

www.burphamcountryhouse.com
Tel 01903 882160

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Just half a mile from Arundel town centre is one of England's leading wildlife reserves. The new visitor centre at Arundel is surrounded by ancient woodland and overlooked by the town's castle.

The wetlands at Arundel are home to many rare wetland species.
The centre is open 364 days a year and is a great day out.

More details see www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel/default.asp

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A pub a short walk outside Arundel, on the banks of the river Arun in the shadow of the South Downs. It's a fabulously rural setting considering how easy it is to get to (esp without a car). Serves decent food and good beer. Has outside tables for the summer, and a log fire for the winter.

Down Mill Road from Arundel town centre.

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Spend the morning wandering around Arundel. The bookshop at the bottom of town is fantastic. There are serious antiquities in shops just off the high street, particularly down the side of the post office. For cheaper curios, head down Tarrant Street and check out the Nineveh centre, a converted church with lots of small shops. Think of it as like a better version of Camden or Portobello, without the crowds.

High Street and Tarrant Street, Arundel.

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Unassuming pub at the top of the hill in Arundel with lovely rooms. One of the doubles has views of the cathedral and the pub is very near the 14th century parish church and the castle. The ensuite rooms are very comfortably decorated and have TV, cd player etc. The pub itself is a local boozer - nothing too classy - but the accommodation is quite unexpected, and very reasonable. Decent English breakfast in the morning, and the service is straightforwardly helpful.

St Mary's Gate Inn
London Road
Arundel
West Sussex
BN18 9BA

Tel: (0)1903 883145
www.stmarysgate.co.uk

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