Is Arundel A Nice Place To Live?
Yes, if a small hill town suits you. Around 3,500 people live here, with a castle at the top of the High Street and the South Downs at the door. The trade off is the A27, which carries about 21,000 vehicles a day straight through the middle, and a weekly food shop that usually means driving to Littlehampton.
The town works if you want to live somewhere small and walk everywhere. The High Street, Tarrant Street and Maltravers Street cover almost everything on foot, the upper gate into Arundel Park sits a few minutes from the cathedral, and the riverside path runs south toward the Wetland Centre. It is a genuinely beautiful place to come home to, and the view back up the hill does not get old.
What Arundel does not do is scale. Two primary schools, one convenience store, three small car parks and a single carriageway trunk road through the centre add up to a town that fills quickly and empties slowly. Most residents adapt by shopping in Littlehampton or Rustington, staying out of the centre on summer weekends, and walking rather than driving anywhere inside the old town.
At A Glance
Arundel delivers castle charm with easy West Sussex connections: Arundel blends medieval streets, riverside walks and countryside calm with quick access to Chichester, Worthing and Brighton, making it a strong fit for families, commuters and creatives who want a slower pace without losing practical links.
Property prices reflect demand for heritage and South Downs living: Average sold prices sit at over £455,000, with around £300,000 often buying a one to two bed flat or cottage and £500,000 stretching to a character family home, and the lifestyle is shaped by independent cafés and makers, landmarks like Arundel Castle, the Wetland Centre and Swanbourne Lake, and a town calendar that includes the Arundel Festival and Gallery Trail.
At ESV we plan access first in narrow historic streets: At ESV we regularly move homes and creative studios in Arundel where lanes are tight and parking can be limited near the old town, river and castle, and you deal directly with Peter from quote to final box. Every move is backed by £40,000 Goods in Transit per vehicle and £5 million Public Liability, call 07552 555 820 or book via www.eastsussexvan.com, and follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes moves and practical packing tips.
What It's Like to Live in Arundel
Arundel is one of the most picturesque towns in West Sussex. With its hilltop castle, riverside walks and medieval streets, it offers a blend of heritage and countryside living that feels both peaceful and inspiring. The town attracts families, commuters and creatives who want easy access to Chichester, Worthing and Brighton without losing the charm of a slower pace of life. Arundel is a family-friendly town with good schools, parks and safe walking routes. If you are thinking about moving to Arundel, it offers a rare mix of historic charm, riverside walks and practical connections across West Sussex.
Our trusted West Sussex removals team has extensive experience navigating Arundel's narrow lanes, listed buildings and riverside properties. We work carefully and efficiently to make moving day smooth and manageable.
We provide a complete range of removals services in Arundel and across West Sussex and are often chosen as a go to removals company in Arundel for local and long distance moves. For Arundel removals, moves across West Sussex or long distance relocations, contact Peter at ESV Removals Ltd on 07552 555 820.
What Is Life In Arundel Actually Like?
Small and vertical. Most errands happen on foot between the Co-op on Queen Street, the Post Office and Tarrant Street, and you will greet the same faces daily. Weekends bring visitors and full car parks. Winter empties out, some shops shorten their hours, and the hill is genuine hard work with heavy bags.
The rhythm is seasonal in a way that catches new arrivals out. From April through to the end of August the town belongs partly to visitors, with the castle gardens, the Wetland Centre and the riverside pubs all busy, and the car parks full by mid morning. From November the same streets are quiet enough that you notice individual cars.
Practically, life is organised around the hill. Anything heavy gets planned around the walk back up, deliveries are a recurring negotiation, and residents on the old town streets learn quickly which neighbours will move a car for them. The third Saturday of the month brings the farmers market and a road closure on the lower High Street, which locals treat as a fixed point in the calendar rather than a surprise.
Is Arundel Very Busy?
On summer weekends, yes. From April to the end of August the castle, the Wetland Centre and the riverside pubs draw day visitors, and the old town car parks are usually full by mid morning. Weekdays are far calmer, and from November the streets are quiet enough to notice individual cars.
A handful of dates are busier still. Corpus Christi in late spring, the Arundel Festival across the August bank holiday and the Victorian Christmas closure in early December all fill the car parks completely, and the third Saturday farmers market closes the lower High Street from 06:00 until 15:30.
The other kind of busy is the road. The A27 carries around 21,000 vehicles a day through the town on a single carriageway, so traffic builds at peak times whether or not the castle is open. If you are viewing homes, go on a summer Saturday and again on a weekday morning, because you will be living with both.
Why Move to Arundel?
People move to Arundel for its historic character, excellent transport links, good schools and access to the South Downs. It is ideal for families, commuters and anyone looking for a peaceful West Sussex town with strong community life. If you are comparing towns across the region, our top 10 Sussex towns guide puts Arundel in context alongside Worthing, Lewes and other popular destinations.
The Area, Vibe and Community in Arundel
Arundel feels like a living postcard. The community is friendly and welcoming, with a strong mix of artists, independent business owners and long-time residents who take pride in the town's cultural heritage. Small festivals, local markets and riverside events bring people together throughout the year.
Arundel captures the essence of heritage, urban chic and country pursuits.
Arundel's artistic reputation is growing too. Galleries, workshops and studios flourish around Tarrant Street, giving the town a creative feel that complements its historic architecture.
How Many People Live In Arundel?
Around 3,500, counted at the 2021 Census for Arundel civil parish, spread across fewer than 1,700 households. The wider Arun district holds about 164,800, which is why some sites hand back a far bigger number. At that size the town supports two primary schools and one convenience store, and no secondary school at all.
The two figures measure very different things. Arundel civil parish is the town and the land immediately around it. Arun district stretches along the coast to take in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Rustington, so any statistic quoted at district level describes a population roughly forty seven times larger than the town itself.
The small number explains a lot about daily life. Secondary school places are taken up in Littlehampton and Angmering, larger supermarkets are a drive away, and the community events calendar carries more weight than it would in a bigger town, because a few hundred people turning out genuinely fills the streets.
Arundel Housing and Property Prices
According to Rightmove, the average sold price in Arundel is over £455,000. Prices reflect the town's historic character, scenic surroundings and strong demand from Brighton and Hove, London and Hampshire movers. Our 2025 stamp duty guide covers current rates for properties at these price points across West Sussex, and our first-time buyer's guide is useful if this is your first purchase.
£300,000 can usually buy a one or two bedroom flat or cottage in the more modern developments. £500,000 can secure a character property, a family home or a house close to the old town.
Arundel properties hold long term value due to limited supply and the town's national reputation as one of England's most attractive historic locations.
Is Arundel Posh?
Partly. The Duke of Norfolk still owns the castle, Maltravers Street is Georgian throughout, and sold prices in the town average over £455,000 against around £322,000 across Arun district. The town also has plain post war housing south of the A27, and by November, with the visitors gone, it feels a good deal less grand than August suggests.
The honest version is that Arundel is a small working town with a very large landmark attached. The castle, the cathedral and the antique shops set the impression, but the parish also contains ordinary streets, a Co-op, a primary school run and residents who have lived here for decades on ordinary incomes. It is smart rather than exclusive.
Where the reputation does bite is on housing choice. Limited stock, conservation area constraints and steady demand from Brighton, London and Hampshire buyers keep prices firm, so the entry point is higher than in neighbouring Littlehampton or Ford even when the property itself is smaller.
Cost of Living in Arundel
Arundel's cost of living is slightly higher than surrounding villages due to its popularity and tourist appeal. However, its tight-knit community, independent shops and regular markets help keep daily life manageable. Many residents enjoy a slower pace, walking to cafés, galleries and riverside paths rather than relying on cars.
As part of our commitment to local communities, we recognise cost of living pressures and pay the Living Wage to our staff. Supporting fair pay is one of the ways we help strengthen towns like Arundel. Read more in our Living Wage commitment blog.
What Is Arundel Like To Live In?
Expensive for the square footage. Cottages off Tarrant Street and King Street are narrow, with steep stairs and no off-street parking, and you pay a premium for the castle view and the walk into Arundel Park. Day to day it works, but anything beyond a top up shop means leaving town.
The compromise most people make is space for setting. A three bedroom cottage in the old town will have smaller rooms and a harder staircase than an equivalent house in Angmering or Rustington, and it will cost more. What you get in exchange is a five minute walk to the South Downs and a town that looks like a film set on a clear morning.
Running costs deserve a look before you commit. Older properties with solid walls, single glazing in conservation areas and limited scope for external changes can be costly to heat, and the newer housing south of the A27 often makes more financial sense for families who want parking, a garden and a straightforward school run.
Getting Around Arundel
Arundel Station offers direct trains to London Victoria, Gatwick Airport and the South Coast, making it ideal for commuters. The A27 and A29 provide quick access to Chichester, Worthing and Littlehampton, and the same A27 stretch carries our Worthing removals to and from Arundel, so we time those runs around its peak hours. For live train times and route planning, the National Rail page for Arundel station is a useful starting point and Southern Railway also provides detailed local service information.
Parking can be limited in the old town due to narrow streets and heritage buildings, which is why our removals team carefully plans access routes and timings in advance.
How Far Is Arundel From Brighton?
About 20 miles by road, or 40 minutes when the A27 behaves. There is no direct train. You change at Ford, and the fastest run is around 48 minutes, with an hour more typical. The A27 through Arundel is single carriageway, and the bypass that would have fixed it was cancelled in 2024.
For commuters the more useful comparison is northbound. Arundel station has direct services to London Victoria in roughly ninety minutes and to Gatwick in under an hour, which is why the town holds its value with buyers relocating from London despite the coastal traffic. Chichester is about fifteen minutes west and Worthing about twenty minutes east, again subject to the A27.
Plan around the road rather than the map. National Highways withdrew the Arundel bypass scheme in 2024 after the Chancellor confirmed it would not proceed, so the existing single carriageway section through the town is what residents will be driving for the foreseeable future. Anyone commuting east daily should test the route at their actual travel time before committing to a street.
Coffee, Breakfast and Local Spots in Arundel
Arundel's cafés and bakeries are some of the best in West Sussex. The Moathouse Café is a great spot for a coffee break, offering calm riverside views and a relaxed atmosphere. The Swan Hotel provides classic pub food with views of Arundel Castle. The Black Rabbit is a local favourite for food and drink, with river views and a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to take a break before or after a trip to Arundel Castle.
Weekends often centre around Swanbourne Lake, riverside walks or a casual brunch before exploring the antique shops.
The independent shops in Arundel contribute to the town's unique charm.
Arundel Shops and Everyday Essentials
Arundel's high street is full of independent shops, delis and galleries. Although it does not have large supermarkets in the old town, nearby towns like Littlehampton, Ford and Rustington are only a short drive away. The town balances heritage charm with practical living.
Schools and Education in Arundel
Arundel is served by several reputable schools including Arundel CE Primary and St Philip's Catholic Primary. Many families also choose secondary options in nearby Littlehampton or at The Angmering School, both within easy reach.
What Is Arundel Famous For?
The castle, above all. It has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries and dominates every approach to the town. The cathedral's Corpus Christi Carpet of Flowers, laid down the central aisle in late spring, is the other draw, along with the ten day Arundel Festival in August. Both fill the car parks completely.
Beyond the headline attractions, the town is known for its antique and gallery trade along Tarrant Street, the Wetland Centre on the edge of the water meadows, and Arundel Castle Cricket Club, whose ground is regularly named among the most attractive in the country. The Arundel Lido, an outdoor pool off Queen Street, is a summer fixture for families.
For the wrong reasons, Arundel is also known along the south coast as a bottleneck. The single carriageway stretch of the A27 through the town is one of the best known pinch points between Portsmouth and Brighton, and it appears in traffic reports far more often than the castle appears in guidebooks.
Things to Do and Arundel Local Highlights
Arundel is rich in history and scenery. Residents enjoy visiting Arundel Castle, exploring the Arundel Wetland Centre, walking around Swanbourne Lake or strolling along the River Arun. The town's annual Arundel Festival and Gallery Trail draw artists and visitors from across the country.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the South Downs National Park sits just beyond the castle walls. Our favourite place to explore is the Arundel Castle gardens, known for their incredible mix of plants, hidden pathways and changing seasonal displays. They close each year in October for the winter, so it is well worth visiting during the spring and summer months when the gardens are at their best.
Thinking about making Arundel your new home? We have helped many people move into cottages, riverside flats and countryside properties across the town. Reach out for moving tips and access advice, or request a no-pressure quote online.
Site of Interest: Arundel Castle and Cathedral
Arundel Castle dominates the skyline and is one of the finest medieval castles in England. Its gardens, towers and seasonal events make it a focal point for locals and tourists alike.
Nearby, Arundel Cathedral adds another layer of architectural beauty. With Gothic Revival design and sweeping views across the valley, it is one of the most photographed spots in the town.
Our team handles house and room moves in the streets surrounding these landmarks, where careful planning and precise manoeuvring are essential due to narrow roads and heritage restrictions.
Local Business Spotlight: Arundel Artists and Makers
Arundel has a thriving arts community, from pottery studios to independent galleries. We regularly work with local artists, transporting ceramics, canvases and studio equipment safely across Sussex, much like the Brighton creative studio move we ran in the Sprinter. Our ongoing work with Star Pottery in Lewes has trained us well in moving creative materials with care and precision.
During the Arundel Gallery Trail, many artists open their homes and studios. We support several of them by delivering artworks, installations and display pieces to venues across West Sussex and beyond.
These specialist moves reflect the wider part of our work, helping creative professionals transport their craft securely while they focus on producing it. See how we protect fragile, high value pieces on art and studio removals.
After spending time around Arundel's studios and maker spaces, the best way to round off the day is to slow down by the river. The town has a few places that capture this feeling perfectly, and one of the most popular with both locals and visitors is The Black Rabbit Pub.
Local Business Spotlight: The Black Rabbit Pub
The Black Rabbit is one of Arundel's most loved riverside pubs, tucked just along the banks of the Arun with views that stretch across open fields toward the castle. It is a favourite stop for both locals and visitors, offering hearty food, good drinks and a warm atmosphere that feels especially welcome in the colder months.
We often stop here during West Sussex removals days in Arundel, especially when working around the castle or Swanbourne Lake. It is the kind of place where you can recharge with a hot meal before heading back into the historic streets. The riverside seating makes it just as appealing in summer, with families, walkers and cyclists using it as a natural rest point along the path. There's loads of parking which is a win for us with our large vans.
The pub's long-standing reputation for quality and comfort makes it a great example of the character and charm that draws people to live in Arundel. Whether you visit for lunch, a quiet drink or a break before exploring the castle, the Black Rabbit is a true local treasure.
Learn more about our removals and furniture delivery services across Arundel and West Sussex.
Sightseeing Spotlight: Arundel Castle and Gardens
Arundel Castle is the landmark that defines the town, rising above the river with centuries of history behind its walls. The castle is one of the best preserved in England and offers a full day of exploring, from battlements and grand halls to exhibitions, armoury rooms and sweeping views across the South Downs. Even if you have visited before, the scale and detail of the place make every return trip feel new.
The gardens are just as impressive as the castle itself. Designed with a mix of traditional English planting, tropical glasshouses and quiet shaded walkways, they feel like a world of their own tucked behind the battlements. Seasonal displays change throughout the year, although the gardens close each October for winter, so spring and summer are the ideal times to visit.
Locals often say that no two visits are the same. One moment you might be walking through a greenhouse filled with unusual plants, the next you are standing in a quiet garden looking back at the castle rising above the trees. For families, couples and anyone who enjoys history and nature, it is one of the most rewarding days out in West Sussex.
Our removals team regularly works around the streets that surround the castle and gardens, so we know how busy the area can get during peak season. Planning ahead is essential, whether you are moving house or simply visiting one of Arundel's most iconic attractions.
Arundel Hidden Gems and Local Favourites
Arundel is full of small discoveries, from quiet riverbanks to tucked-away viewpoints overlooking the valley. Locals often recommend riverside walks along the Arun, tea rooms hidden behind Tarrant Street, peaceful corners of Arundel Park, and the small antique and curiosity shops dotted throughout the old town.
Neighbouring Areas to Arundel Worth Exploring
Arundel is surrounded by beautiful villages including Burpham, Amberley, Houghton and Wepham, each offering countryside walks, cosy pubs and spectacular views.
For those wanting a livelier scene, nearby Worthing, Hove and Littlehampton offer cinemas, shopping and nightlife within a short drive. Our guides to living in Burgess Hill and living in Haywards Heath are also worth reading if you're comparing commuter towns across Sussex.
Environmental and Green Living in Arundel
Arundel has strong environmental initiatives, from wetland conservation to community recycling programmes. Residents are passionate about preserving the town's natural and historic character.
At ESV Removals Ltd, our eco pledge aligns with this, including the use of Esso Ethos fuel where possible, recycling and reusing moving boxes and operating paperlessly by default.
What's It Like Moving To Arundel?
Physically demanding. The lower High Street is no entry from the bridge, so vans come down from the top through the one way loop. Maltravers Street has raised Victorian pavements with steps up to the front doors. Central bays run a one hour limit, and the third Saturday market closes the lower High Street until 15:30.
The approach matters more than the postcode. Coming from the A27 you cannot simply drive up from the bridge, because the lower High Street is no entry from that direction, so the working route into the old town is from the top of the hill through the one way system and back down. That means a van commits to the descent before the crew can see whether the stopping point is clear, and on a narrow side street a reverse back out is often the only exit available.
Maltravers Street is the one that surprises people. The pavements were raised in the 1840s to cope with the slope, so they sit well above the carriageway with railings along the edge and steps down to the road. Nothing rolls from the tailgate to the threshold. Every item is a carry, and long pieces such as sofas, mattresses and wardrobes have to be walked to a gap in the railings rather than lifted over them.
Inside, the Georgian and Victorian cottages that make the town look so good are the ones that cost time. Narrow entrance halls, winding staircases with tight turns at the half landing, and low door heads all mean the big items either come apart before they go in or do not go in at all. Wardrobes, king size divans and large corner sofas are the usual culprits, and a decision taken at the van saves a damaged wall later.
Timing is the last piece. Central bays run a one hour limit with no return inside an hour, from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Saturday, so any move needing a full day at the kerb wants a suspension from Arun District Council booked well in advance. Our completion day removals guide sets out how key release windows and bay suspensions need to line up on the day. Avoid the third Saturday of the month, when the lower High Street closes from 06:00 until 15:30 for the farmers market, and be realistic about Corpus Christi in late spring, the Arundel Festival across the August bank holiday, and the Victorian Christmas closure in early December.
Narrow streets and limited parking in the old town make moving day more complex than in modern developments. We survey access routes in advance on all our house removals in West Sussex, and on an Arundel house move that step is what keeps the day free of delays. If your street needs a suspension, Arun District Council's parking page is the right starting point for restrictions and application guidance.
If you are moving near the river or castle, early coordination is essential due to restricted bays and tight turnings. Our guide on how to avoid a stressful house move has a full preparation checklist that works well for historic town moves.
Arundel Moving Tips from Our Team
Book parking suspensions early with Arun District Council if moving near the old town. Pack fragile items securely for historic or narrow-access properties using our professional packing service or quality materials. Keep an essentials box for your first night as detailed in our stress-free move guide. Ask us about reusable boxes as part of our eco pledge. If key timings don't align, our storage solutions partnership with Big Yellow Brighton can bridge the gap, and our guide to storage during a house move explains when a staged move makes sense.
Removals Services in Arundel and West Sussex
We provide a complete range of removals services in Arundel and across West Sussex, from full house moves to a man and van in West Sussex for smaller loads. Read more about how we keep our fleet safe and reliable on every job. Our full coverage across the county is detailed in our Sussex areas guide.
- House and flat removals
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Long distance relocations
- Specialist art, ceramic and studio transport
- Goods in Transit insurance up to £40,000
- Public Liability insurance up to £5 million
Our local knowledge makes us one of the most efficient removal companies in West Sussex.
Our Experience Moving People to Arundel
We have helped many families, couples and professionals move into Arundel's cottages, riverside homes and countryside properties. As a local Sussex removals company, we bring the kind of access knowledge and personal service that makes a difference in a historic town with narrow streets and tight approaches. Our five star reviews reflect that consistently.
Why We Love Helping People Move to Arundel
Arundel's mix of history, nature and creativity makes it one of the most special towns in West Sussex. Helping people settle here is a privilege and a part of the work we genuinely enjoy.
Final Verdict On Living In Arundel
Arundel is one of the most desirable places to live in West Sussex. With its historic landmarks, independent shops, creative community and direct access to the South Downs, it offers a lifestyle that blends beauty, calm and convenience.
Planning a move to or from Arundel? Contact Peter at ESV Removals Ltd, your trusted West Sussex removals company. Call 07552 555 820 or request a quote online.
Arundel... A Summary
Average House Price (2026): Over £455,000
Travel Connections: 20 minutes to Worthing, 15 minutes to Chichester, 40 minutes to Brighton, 90 minutes to London Victoria
Popular Areas: Old Town, Tortington, Ford Road, Swanbourne Estate
Nearby Towns and Villages: Burpham, Amberley, Ford, Littlehampton
Local Schools: St Philip's Catholic Primary, Arundel CE Primary, Ormiston Six Villages Academy
Cafés and Local Favourites: Moathouse Café, Juniper, The Swan Hotel
Local Highlights: Arundel Castle, Arundel Cathedral, Wetland Centre, Swanbourne Lake
Community Events: Arundel Festival, Gallery Trail, Arundel Lido Summer Activities
Thinking of moving to Arundel? Our local removals team is happy to help with planning, access advice and clear quotes. Contact Peter on 07552 555 820, request a quote online or message us on WhatsApp about your Arundel move. You can also see recent Sussex move days on Instagram.
Key Terms for Arundel Living
Arundel Old Town Narrow Lane Access
Moving in Arundel Old Town often comes down to access, with tight lanes, parked cars, and short loading windows. A frontage photo and any local restrictions from Arun District Council help the plan stay realistic and the carry distance stay short.
Listed Building Moves In Arundel
Arundel's period cottages and listed buildings can involve low ceilings, tight stair turns, and delicate walls or floors. Protection on the carry route and sensible dismantling for bulky items keeps everything calm and controlled. Our Luton or Sprinter choice is made based on which will get closest safely.
Arundel Castle Area Parking And Loading
The streets near Arundel Castle can be busy, especially in summer and on event weekends, and parking can be limited. Early starts and a clear loading plan can make a big difference to how smoothly the move runs. Check Arun District Council's parking guidance if a suspension is needed.
River Arun Riverside Property Moves
Riverside streets near the River Arun can mean longer carries, narrow stopping points, or awkward approach angles depending on the exact road. Sharing access details in advance helps avoid surprises on moving day.
Swanbourne Lake And Swanbourne Estate Moves
Homes around Swanbourne Lake and the Swanbourne Estate often have quieter residential access, but parking and turning space still matters for larger vehicles. Letting us know about driveways, allocated bays, and any pinch points helps the loading plan stay efficient.
Maltravers Street Raised Pavement Access
The pavements on Maltravers Street sit above the carriageway behind railings, a Victorian answer to the slope of the hill. Trolleys and sack trucks cannot bridge that step, so loading is done as a carry to the nearest gap in the railings. Telling us which side of the street you are on changes the crew size we bring.
Arundel Station London Victoria Train Links
Arundel Station is a major reason people choose the town, with direct links toward London Victoria, Gatwick, and the South Coast. If you commute, it is worth checking walking distance, parking, and peak time services before you choose a street.
A27 A29 Routes To Chichester And Worthing
The A27 and A29 are the main routes that connect Arundel to Chichester, Worthing, and nearby coastal towns. These links matter for commuting, school runs, and moving day timing, especially during peak traffic periods.
Arundel Festival And Gallery Trail Weekends
Arundel gets noticeably busier during the Arundel Festival and the Gallery Trail, with higher traffic and tighter parking. If your move date falls near these events, planning a weekday slot or an early loading window can reduce delays.
Tarrant Street Studios Artwork And Antique Transport
Tarrant Street and the surrounding lanes have a strong creative feel, with galleries, studios, and character properties. Moves here often involve artwork, mirrors, ceramics, antiques and heirlooms, so careful wrapping and stable loading is essential. Our packing service covers specialist protection for fragile and high value pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Arundel
Which postcodes do you cover for moves to and from Arundel?
We cover Arundel and the whole of BN18, alongside our home Brighton and Hove postcodes of BN1 to BN3.
In practice that means the Old Town streets, Tortington, Ford Road and the Swanbourne Estate, plus the villages around the town such as Burpham, Amberley, Houghton and Wepham.
Along the coast we work across BN11 to BN17 for Worthing, Littlehampton, Rustington and Angmering, west into the PO postcodes around Chichester, and north into the RH postcodes across Mid Sussex.
Many Arundel buyers arrive from Brighton, London or Hampshire, so we price the whole route rather than just the local leg. Send both postcodes and we will confirm the approach at each end, which in Arundel matters more than the mileage.
Why do different websites give different Arundel house prices?
Arundel house prices differ between websites because some figures describe the town, where sold prices average over £455,000, and others describe Arun district, where the average is around £322,000.
Arun district stretches along the coast to take in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Rustington, so it covers a population roughly forty seven times larger than the town itself.
Neither number is wrong. Check which geography a figure describes before comparing two sites, because the gap between them is more than £130,000.
For moving day, the street matters more than the price. A small cottage off Tarrant Street is usually a harder job than a larger house south of the A27.
How do you plan access for a move on a narrow Arundel street?
We plan every Arundel move from a frontage photo, so the closest legal stopping point is agreed before moving day.
The photo shows us the kerb, the railings, the bay markings and the real width of the street, which no written description reliably carries.
Central bays have a one hour limit from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday, with no return within the hour. Any move needing longer at the kerb wants a suspension from Arun District Council, booked well ahead.
If you are leaving a Brighton and Hove permit street, a bay suspension there typically needs about seven working days' notice, so we plan both ends together.
Can a removals van get up Arundel High Street?
A removals van cannot enter Arundel High Street from the bridge, because the lower High Street is no entry from that direction, so we approach the old town from the top through the one way loop.
That means the van commits to the descent before the crew can see whether the stopping point is clear. Once a van is on a narrow side street below the loop, reversing back out is often the only exit.
Doing that blind with a full load is how a calm move turns into a long one. That is why we fix the stop point and the vehicle before the day, rather than working it out on the hill.
What happens on Maltravers Street where the pavements are raised?
On Maltravers Street every item is a carry, because the raised pavements sit above the road behind railings and nothing rolls from the tailgate to the door.
The pavements were raised in the 1840s to cope with the slope of the hill, leaving steps down to the carriageway and a railing line between the house and the van.
Sofas, mattresses and wardrobes have to be walked to a gap in the railings rather than lifted over them. Trolleys and sack trucks cannot bridge the step, so we plan the job around hands rather than wheels.
Tell us which side of the street you are on, because that changes the carry distance and the crew size we bring.
How do you handle listed buildings and older cottages in Arundel?
In Arundel's listed buildings and period cottages, we protect the carry route first and decide what comes apart before anything is lifted.
Georgian and Victorian cottages bring narrow entrance halls, winding staircases with tight turns at the half landing and low door heads. Big items either come apart before they go in, or do not go in at all.
Wardrobes, king size divans and large corner sofas are the usual culprits. We dismantle and rebuild them as standard and make the call at the van, because a judgement made outside saves a damaged wall inside.
Mention any dismantling at quote stage so we can plan the time and crew, and tell us if a piece was built inside the room.
Is a Sprinter or a Luton better for moving into Arundel Old Town?
For Old Town cottages we usually lead with the Mercedes Sprinter, because in Arundel the question is where a van can legally stop, not whether it is big enough.
The Sprinter handles the tight turns and short stopping points around Tarrant Street, King Street and Maltravers Street. It keeps the carry short in a town where almost every item is walked to the door.
The Luton earns its place on the newer housing south of the A27, around Ford Road and the Swanbourne Estate, where there is turning room and a full family load to move in one go.
Where a property sits between the two, two controlled Sprinter runs often beat one Luton parked a street away.
When is the best day to move house in Arundel?
An early weekday start is the calmest time to move in Arundel, because the old town car parks fill by mid morning and the streets narrow quickly once visitors arrive.
From April to the end of August the town belongs partly to visitors. Corpus Christi in late spring, the Arundel Festival across the August bank holiday and the Victorian Christmas closure in early December all squeeze the same streets.
On completion day we line up the key release window with any bay suspension, so the van is not stuck on a one hour bay while solicitors finish.
Give us your date early and we will tell you honestly whether the timing works.
Can you move house in Arundel on a farmers market Saturday?
You can move on an Arundel farmers market Saturday, but not on the lower High Street, which closes from 06:00 until 15:30 on the third Saturday of every month.
Bays are suspended for the market setup. Locals treat the closure as a fixed point in the calendar, and so do we.
If your move lands on a market Saturday, we either work the upper town in the morning or shift the loading window to the afternoon once the street reopens.
The one thing that does not work is assuming a van can slip through. It cannot, and completion day is the wrong time to find that out.
Do you move between Arundel and Worthing, Littlehampton or Chichester?
ESV runs regular house removals between Arundel and Worthing, Littlehampton and Chichester, and we time them around the A27 rather than the mileage.
Worthing is about twenty minutes east, Chichester about fifteen minutes west and Brighton about forty minutes away. The A27 through Arundel is single carriageway, carries around 21,000 vehicles a day, and the planned bypass was cancelled in 2024.
A short move that crosses the A27 at the wrong hour costs more time than the loading does, so we plan departure times around the road.
We also move regularly to and from Rustington, Angmering, Ford and the villages north of the Downs.
What insurance covers an Arundel house move with ESV?
Every ESV move is covered by £40,000 Goods in Transit per vehicle and £5 million Public Liability, backed by Admiral Platinum.
Goods in Transit protects your belongings from the moment they are loaded. That matters in a town where the carry route often includes raised pavements, railings and a winding cottage staircase before anything reaches the tailgate.
Public Liability covers the property itself. In Arundel that means listed buildings, painted plaster in narrow halls, low door heads and communal steps, all of which we protect before the first box moves.
Cover is in place on every job as standard, so there is nothing extra for you to arrange.
How do you move artwork, antiques and ceramics from Tarrant Street homes and studios?
If any single item is valued at £500+, tell us upfront so it is recorded on the plan and packed and loaded accordingly.
Arundel produces more of these pieces than most towns. The galleries and studios around Tarrant Street mean canvases, mirrors, ceramics and antiques turn up on ordinary house moves. During the Gallery Trail we deliver artwork and display pieces to venues across West Sussex.
Our ongoing work with Star Pottery in Lewes has taught us how to load creative materials so nothing shifts in transit. Declared items are wrapped properly, given a stable position in the van rather than a convenient one, and carried by hand wherever a trolley cannot help.
Our packing service covers specialist protection if you would rather not wrap them yourself.
Can you store my belongings if my Arundel completion dates do not line up?
Yes, we can stage your move through Big Yellow Self Storage Brighton when keys, a chain or building work leave a gap between homes.
This suits Arundel well. Old town cottages are small, so there is rarely room for a half delivered household. A staged handover also saves you from holding a restricted bay while a completion keeps slipping.
We load storage in a sensible order, so the things you need first stay at the front, then redeliver once the new home is genuinely ready.
Tell us at quote stage if a gap looks likely. A two stage move changes the crew and vehicle we plan for, and it is far easier to build in than to improvise on the day.
What do you need from me to quote an Arundel move quickly?
Send both postcodes, a frontage photo, the floor levels and a list of your largest items, and we can usually come back the same day.
For old town addresses the frontage photo speeds up the quote more than anything else. It tells us in seconds what a paragraph cannot.
Flag steep stairs, tight turns, low door heads and long carries. Tell us about parking at both ends, including driveways, double yellows or a Brighton permit zone.
List anything worth £500 or more individually so it is on the plan from the start. If you are unsure about restrictions on your street, say so and we will check rather than guess.
Why choose ESV for a move to or from Arundel?
With ESV you deal directly with Peter from the first message to the last box, so the person who plans your access route is the person on your street on moving day.
That is the ESV way. We agree the stopping point before we arrive, protect the carry route before anything is lifted, and pace the move so nothing is rushed through a narrow hall or past a railing.
It is the calm, careful approach behind hundreds of five star Google reviews, and the reason people moving into historic towns keep coming back to us.
Call Peter on 07552 555 820, request a quote online, or message us on WhatsApp about an Arundel move. You can also follow real Sussex move days on Instagram.
About The Author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. Peter first worked in removals in 2019, started running his own van in 2022 and incorporated ESV Removals Ltd in 2025. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every job from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £40,000 Goods in Transit per vehicle and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews and a double winner at the SME Southern Enterprise Awards 2025. The company's eco pledge covers a Euro 6, ULEZ compliant Luton, Esso Ethos+ renewable diesel where available, box reuse and paperless bookings. ESV is signed up to the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign, led by Brighton Chamber, and pays every crew member at least the real Living Wage, because a valued team takes more care on every move. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com or follow real move days on Instagram.
