This Easter, we found ourselves in a quandary - to travel or not to travel, that was the question. Our hearts yearned to visit our homeland of India, but the timing was a conundrum. Should we venture there in April, or wait until August? After much contemplation and debate, we ultimately settled on July/August, when our boys would be enjoying their summer holidays, allowing us more time to revel in the company of our loved ones. However, we couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that July/August was not the ideal season for visiting India, with the monsoons in full swing.
As a result, we found ourselves without any pre-booked Easter holidays and instead opted for day trips and local activities. It was on Easter Sunday that we stumbled upon an unforgettable experience at Pennibridge Farm, spending two hours getting up close and personal with the charming alpacas. After bidding farewell to our new furry friends, we turned to Google in search of afternoon activities. Our options were between the majestic Arundel Castle and the idyllic Seven Sisters beach. Ultimately, we decided against the latter, as the thought of spending only a brief hour or so at the beach seemed insufficient, and instead set our sights on the grandeur of Arundel Castle.
Arundel Castle is a historic castle located in the town of Arundel in West Sussex, England. Here are some facts about this iconic castle:
Arundel Castle was originally built by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England.
The castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 400 years and is still inhabited by the current Duke and his family.
Arundel Castle has survived multiple sieges, attacks, and battles throughout its history, including during the English Civil War in the 17th century.
The castle has been extensively restored and renovated over the years, with major works carried out during the Victorian era by the 15th Duke of Norfolk.
Visitors to Arundel Castle can explore a number of different parts of the castle, including the medieval Keep, the Victorian Gothic Staterooms, and the Castle Gardens.
The castle houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including paintings, furniture, and armor, many of which are on display for visitors.
Arundel Castle is also home to the Fitzalan Chapel, a beautiful medieval chapel that contains the tombs of many of the Dukes of Norfolk.
The castle is open to visitors from April to October each year, with special events and activities held throughout the season.
Arundel Castle is widely regarded as one of the most important and impressive castles in England and attracts visitors from around the world.
The castle has also been used as a filming location for a number of movies and TV shows, including the BBC's adaptation of "The Three Musketeers" and the movie "The Young Victoria."
With just under 90 minutes left before the castle closed its gates, we hastily pulled up to the parking lot and sprinted toward the ticket booths. The family pass came at a steep price of £61, which granted us access to the chapel, keep, staterooms, and gardens. The ticket attendant, understanding of our predicament, warned us that it typically takes three hours to explore everything, but we only had one hour left. She suggested that we return tomorrow, but we were resolute in our decision and determined to make the most of our time, regardless of the cost. With a quick purchase, we rushed towards the castle, ready to embark on our quick visit.
We began our exploration with a climb up the steep steps to the keep, where we marveled at the historical artifacts and intricate architecture of the staterooms. Afterward, we made our way to the chapel, which was remarkably serene and adorned with the tombs of many revered Dukes. Kids wanted to enjoy medieval activities in the Arundel Castle. Unfortunately, they were all closing down their spaces as it was near the tail end of the day. This left the boys disappointed.
With the clock ticking, we devoted the remaining time to the beautiful garden, which was teeming with colorful blooms, stately statues, and elegant fountains. We couldn't resist capturing the moment with our cameras, and we lingered until the very last minute when the castle closed its doors for the day.
Though we had not planned for this particular Easter, we found ourselves pleasantly surprised by the unexpected adventures and discoveries that arose from our spontaneous decision-making. After all, sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones that come to us by chance.
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