A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the wonderful little Sussex town of Arundel whose centrepiece is one of the most imposing castles in southern Britain.

The castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk and is set in 40 acres, with fine views across the South Downs. There is a vinery, nineteenth-century walled kitchen garden, cut flower border and Fitzalan Chapel with its own white garden. A new garden opened at Arundel in May 2008 – The Collector Earl’s Garden. The area was originally part of the kitchen garden but had been used as a car park since the 1970s until its redevelopment. It is a memorial to the 14th Earl of Arundel, an avid art collector. There is a central canal and domed pergola too and various glass houses and long walks.

As it is 26 degrees (82F) in London as I write this on Saturday 13th October, it seemed timely to post some beautiful photos of this incredible garden bathed in autumnal sunshine.

Like most big country gardens, there are actually several gardens within the entire estate all with different functions and developed through the centuries, often as a way for a Duke to leave a mark on the planet.

One of the pleasant surprises that I found was that several areas had a theme that I found evocative of my travels in the Middle-East.

The centre piece of a small walled garden.  Reminding me a little of an Iranian (Persian) courtyard which is of course where the origin of the word Paradise can be found.

I don’t know why everyone has their holidays in the summer when everywhere is hot, crowded and often with premium charges.  I’ve always tried to take my breaks in late September or October so I enjoy the sights in peace and quiet.

There is so much flowing water in these gardens, you can hear it roaring behind walls and trees. Here you can see the edge of Arundel Cathedral in the background.

40 acres of paradise all to myself in beautiful October sunshine.

I particularly liked these parts of the gardens, such a wonderful surprise to be wandering around a little oasis in Egypt or Iraq.

The view back to the original Norman Keep.

Below is perhaps my favourite view that I came across, looking back from the chapel towards Arundel Castle itself.

The view from the chapel.

I took over 300 photos and really none of them do justice to the gardens of Arundel Castle but hopefully, this gives you a little taste of what they are like.

Interesting that on a very, very rare day off that I do for fun on my own what I do with others in my job.