Arundel is a stunning historic town whose fairytale charm captures the hearts of both visitors and locals. At Isabella Josie, we feel incredibly fortunate to craft our hats in our shop and studio on Tarrant Street.
To celebrate Arundel’s unique charm and heritage, we commissioned local artist Hope Bullen (A Little Bit of Hope) to create an artwork that showcases the town’s iconic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant community life.
Each detail of the design was hand-drawn on an iPad before being combined into a vibrant, colourful graphic that brings Arundel to life with intricate detail. This beautiful design is featured on lifestyle products such as prints, mugs, and tea towels, making it the perfect keepsake for both locals and visitors. Take home a lasting reminder of our enchanting town today!
What’s Featured in the Print?
Hope’s artwork highlights many of Arundel’s most beloved landmarks and activities, including:
Arundel Castle: A magnificent Gothic Revival treasure and the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, standing tall for nearly 1,000 years.
Arundel Cathedral: A stunning French Gothic masterpiece, renowned for its Carpet of Flowers during Corpus Christi.
Swanbourne Lake: A tranquil haven with a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book, surrounded by lush chalk valleys and abundant wildlife. Originally a millpond to power a water mill in the 18th century, the pond was later enlarged to form the lake.
Hiorne Tower: A striking 18th-century, 50ft-high triangular 'folly', built to demonstrate architectural skill.
Arundel War Memorial: A heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of the past.
Arundel Bridge & River Arun: Spanning the River Arun, this picturesque bridge connects the town and offers stunning views of the waterway, which is teeming with ducks and swans.
Farmers’ Market: A lively monthly event filled with local produce and handmade crafts.
Tulip Festival: A springtime spectacle held each April in the gardens of Arundel Castle.
Independent Shops & Cafés: Including our own Isabella Josie Hat Shops, Arundel boasts a wealth of independent, locally owned shops and businesses along The High Street and neighbouring Tarrant Street. Arundel's reputation as a haven for antique lovers is well-earned, with shops filled with unique treasures.
Bluebell Woods & South Downs: Situated on the fringes of the South Downs National Park, Arundel offers serene landscapes perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, and reconnecting with nature.
Arundel Cricket Club: An idyllic ground offering world-class cricket with breathtaking views of the South Downs.
Local Historic Pubs: The Kings Arms, Arundel's oldest pub, dates back to 1625. It is closely followed by The Red Lion, which opened its doors in the 17th century, and St Mary's Gate Inn, which became a pub in 1764. The Swan Hotel, built in 1759, features a courtyard for horses and coaches and faces the Town Quay. At one time, Arundel boasted two breweries and 30 public houses! These pubs remain hubs of social life where history meets hospitality.
Old Printing House Arcade: Housed within Arundel’s Victorian printing rooms, where The West Sussex Gazette, Sussex’s oldest regional newspaper, was published for over 150 years.
Arts Festival: A key event in the town's cultural calendar, bringing a celebration of creativity that energises the town, together with the Gallery Trail.
Historic Buildings: Victorian and Georgian architecture abounds within the town. Look out for Blackfriars Ruins near the bridge, the remains of Arundel's 13th-century Dominican friary; Arundel's Town Hall, with its symmetrical towers, arched windows, and vaulted chambers; and Jail House, known for its paranormal activity. Check out Arundel Museum to find out more.
Arundel Lido: The only remaining lido in West Sussex, featuring two outdoor heated pools and a great place to enjoy bathing and community activities.
Did You Know? Locals born in Arundel are affectionately known as “Mullets,” named after the fish found in the River Arun.
