Arrive in Arundel and check into budget family accommodation such as Premier Inn Arundel, Travelodge Arundel, or a family-friendly B&B; if staying at a chain hotel, use their breakfast buffet for a straightforward start. These hotel breakfasts are reliable for families and usually open from around 7:00–9:30am. Also good budget option: pick up pastries and packed lunches from the local Co-op or bakery for day trips.
Explore Arundel Castle’s rooms, ramparts and gardens — a must-see for history-loving kids and adults. The castle typically opens in the spring–autumn season (commonly ~10:30am–5:00pm); check exact opening days/times and book tickets in advance on busy dates.
Have lunch at the castle tearoom (if open) or a family-friendly town café; castle tearooms are convenient for quick hot meals and cakes while staying on budget. Cafés in town usually serve sandwiches, soup and kids' options.
Stroll the historic high street, browse independent shops and visit Arundel Museum to learn local history — museums are compact and perfect for children to get a sense of the town. Typical museum hours are roughly 10:30am–4:00pm; check current opening days.
Enjoy an easy riverside walk or let children feed the ducks and play at a bank-side green; a relaxing low-cost activity to unwind after the castle visit and good for photos at golden hour.
Choose a family-friendly pub in town with kids’ menu (for example the main Arundel inns or the Swan-type local pubs) for classic pub food and reasonable prices — great for groups of 5. Pubs typically serve dinner from ~5:30pm–9:00pm.
Fuel up with a bakery breakfast or hotel buffet — grab some packed snacks/water for the day’s outdoor activities; many local bakeries open from ~8:00am on weekends.
Take a gentle, family-friendly walk on the South Downs for sweeping views and safe, open terrain for kids to run; choose a short circular route (1–3 miles) to match younger children. Trails are always open but check weather and route maps before you set out.
Drive a few minutes to Amberley or a South Downs picnic spot and enjoy a picnic (bought earlier) or a traditional village pub lunch. Picnic keeps costs low and lets kids refuel outdoors.
Choose Amberley Museum for hands-on exhibits, vintage vehicles and steam demonstrations (good for kids) — typically open weekends and bank holidays ~10:30am–5:00pm; or visit Bignor Roman Villa to see mosaics and ruins (often open seasonally ~11:00am–4:00pm). Check each site's current opening days before travelling.
For an easy family dinner try classic fish & chips on Littlehampton/West Wittering seafront (short drive) or a budget pizza/Italian in Arundel; both are relaxed and kid-friendly.
Have an early breakfast at your accommodation or local café, pack up and check out if departing later in the day; a hotel cooked breakfast works well for groups with children.
Visit a nearby wetland reserve to spot birds and enjoy flat, family-friendly trails and hides; RSPB Pulborough Brooks has a visitor centre and accessible paths. Typical visitor centre hours are around 10:00am–4:00pm but paths are often open earlier—check site-specific hours before you travel.
Spend the afternoon on the sandy East Beach or visit the harbour for a short family excursion; in season there’s often a Littlehampton Sand Train or small harbour trips — check summer timetables and availability.
Head home or to your next destination; if you need a final early dinner before travelling, pick a family-friendly takeaway or pub in town for a quick meal.