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The Dukes of Norfolk have been at the center of British history for centuries, and their castle, though much of it was rebuilt in the 19th century, houses an outstanding collection of art, furnishings and historical objects. Architecturally impressive are the 11th century gate and keep, and the castle itself, that was reconstructed numerous times. In the earlier 19th century, Queen Victoria was so unimpressed with the then faux-gothic castle that she commented "pity the architecture is so bad." The castle library survives from her time and is one of the most original, plush and evocative Victorian libraries in England. The current late-19th century castle is architecturally rather academic and has not achieved the patina of age, but is satisfying nonetheless.

The castle complex including a chapel, grounds, and a new garden in a whimsical 17th century style, along with the adjacent village of Arundel, make this historic site well worth a day trip.