A "charming" Sussex town has been ranked among the best eight places in the UK to visit for a festive getaway.

Arundel was included in the list from The Guardian, which was Sussex's only representative.

Describing the list, the newspaper wrote: "From Scotland to the South Downs, we celebrate top spots for a sparkling last minute pre-Christmas break – or fun-filled day trip."

The full list of the best places in the UK for a festive getaway can be found on The Guardian website here.

Great British Life: Arundel was praised for its festive shops, food and activity optionsArundel was praised for its festive shops, food and activity options (Image: Getty Images)

Arundel ranked among best UK festive getaway spots

In the article, The Guardian wrote: "Watched over by its imposing castle, the South Downs town of Arundel is charming any time of year but never more so than when the Christmas lights are twinkling and local brass bands and choirs are belting out carols in the square."

The market town was also praised for its "antique shops, art galleries and independent stores" with Tarrant Street highlighted as a great place for unusual Christmas gifts.

Additionally, the likes of the converted 19th-century church Nineveh Chapel which sells antiques, second-hand books, collectables and crafts was mentioned as a quality place to go.

If you are looking for delicious food for your festive getaway then Arundel has options such as Galerie Bon Bon for handmade chocolates and fudge.



Alongside stores like that the Arundel Farmers Market comes to town every third Saturday of the month, and on December 16 will have "a festive flavour with stalls serving roast chestnuts and mulled wine".

If you're looking to entertain your little ones on your Arundel festive getaway then the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre will be running its popular Sail to Santa events "with elf-powered boats taking families for a gentle ride through the reedbeds for a visit to Father Christmas".

For those who don't manage to get on this then you can still find Santa at the Arundel Musuem on weekends until December 17 and on December 22 from 12pm to 3pm.