UnApologetically Mel

Two for the price of one — Arundel and Amberley Castle!

​

Arundel Castle built over 1,000 years ago (yes, really!), is one of the oldest and grandest castles in the UK. I first spotted it appearing out of nowhere as we arrived by train — and I couldn’t help but hold my breath, waiting to get close and take it all in.

 

The castle buzzed with visitors coming in droves, and we happily strolled along with the crowds, soaking in the grandeur.

​

By nightfall, we stayed in a local inn with a direct view of Arundel Castle, watching a lone light flicker in its grand windows — because, believe it or not, over the centuries it has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk, who still live there today (yes, a living, breathing piece of history!!).

​

Next stop -  Amberley Castle, the setting for my birthday celebrations. The Christmas decorations were still up, fires were roaring, and the evening culminated in a truly magnificent birthday dinner — Michelin-star-level, with the best seats in the house and service so impeccable it felt almost butler-like.

​

The next morning, we were the only guests — yep, completely alone — so we had the castle grounds and gardens all to ourselves. It felt like the world had hit pause.

 

We wandered through ivy-draped walls, tiptoed across stone bridges, and poked around every nook and cranny, snapping pictures and being delightfully silly, like we’d tumbled straight into the pages of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden.

​

It’s the ultimate birthday celebration—living out my fairy-tale castle bucket list with two stunning castles!