Arundel Tower - Image 1
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Arundel Tower

4.4
·53 reviews·Southampton, United Kingdom

Explore Arundel Tower, a medieval ruin in Southampton, and walk the historic city walls for a glimpse into the past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of ruins & walls

CrowdMedium
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Arundel Tower - Image 1

Arundel Tower

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of ruins & walls

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Arundel Tower, a medieval ruin in Southampton, and walk the historic city walls for a glimpse into the past.

4.4
(53 reviews)

"Impressive historic city wall with a unique contrast to modern buildings."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Walk the City Walls

Follow the educational signs for an immersive history lesson along the medieval walls. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Contrast

Photograph the ancient tower against modern buildings for unique shots. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arundel Tower Ruins

Arundel Tower Ruins

Southampton

Imposing medieval tower ruins, once a key part of the city's defenses, offering a glimpse into the past.

Southampton City Walls Walk

Southampton City Walls Walk

Southampton

Explore the historic medieval walls with informative signs, showcasing centuries of history.

Medieval vs. Modern Views

Medieval vs. Modern Views

Southampton

Witness the striking contrast between ancient fortifications and contemporary urban development.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Arundel Tower is part of Southampton's historic city walls. While the tower itself is a ruin, the surrounding area offers a blend of history and modern life. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best views of the medieval architecture against the backdrop of the city. Check for any ongoing renovations that might restrict access to certain parts of the walls.

Understanding the Context

Arundel Tower is a remnant of Southampton's medieval defenses, standing near a modern shopping mall. This juxtaposition offers a unique perspective on the city's evolution. While the tower is impressive, the real draw is walking along the historic city walls, which are marked with educational signs.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views of ruins & walls
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I <3 Arundel 🍝🏰🪞🌳☀️
@brookehwr
4.1K likes • 46.8K views

🚶 Walk the City Walls

Follow the educational signs for an immersive history lesson along the medieval walls. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Contrast

Photograph the ancient tower against modern buildings for unique shots. :camerawithflash:

🏰 Exploring Arundel castle on a motorhome trip was the perfect way to spend the weekend! We stayed at the lovely Little Hampton caravan and motorhome site and took a taxi to the stunning Arundel town. The highlight of our trip was definitely lunch at The Black Rabbit - the food was out of this world! We walked off our delicious meal by strolling around the picturesque town before heading back to t...
@sonniesadventures
2.3K likes • 21.7K views
Arundel Tower, Southampton, UK
nyiaz_tashmatov
13 likes • 203 views

🍽️ Dine with a View

Enjoy Italian restaurants with fantastic views of the historic walls. :knifeforkplate:

⚠️ Check for Renovations

Access to walking on the walls may be restricted due to repairs. :warning:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Arundel Tower 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 . . . #djifpv #fpv #dji #djiglobal #djipilot #djireel #dron #djishots #reeloftheday #viralreels #england #uk #arundel #arundeltower #lordoftherings #djicomunityspain #djicreator #droneadventures #firstperson #cinewhoop
aereoalberto
35 likes • 701 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Walk the City Walls

Follow the educational signs for an immersive history lesson along the medieval walls. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Contrast

Photograph the ancient tower against modern buildings for unique shots. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ Dine with a View

Enjoy Italian restaurants with fantastic views of the historic walls. :knifeforkplate:

⚠️ Check for Renovations

Access to walking on the walls may be restricted due to repairs. :warning:

📍 Use What Three Words

Helpful for meeting points, like for IKEA trips. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(53 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Arundel Tower and the surrounding city walls to be historically significant and visually interesting, especially appreciating the contrast between medieval ruins and modern urban development. While access to walk on the walls can sometimes be restricted due to repairs, the educational signs and nearby dining options enhance the experience.

"Really cool medieval ruins facing a small public space with a foundation and the mall across from it . We had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant with fantastic views of the wall. Unfortunately it was being renovated and we couldn't go on the walls but they are still impressive from below."

Tim Welch

"Very interesting to see the old City Wall next to the modern shopping mall and buildings - they were having a showing of the tennis game when I visited. Would recommend walking along the old city wall there are lots of signs that make the walk educational and also easy to follow."

Megan Wang

"Dating back to the mid to late 13th century, Arundel Tower was an imposing structure standing 60ft (18.2m) tall. It was in an important position in the town's defences and had a commanding view far out to sea. It was first named the Corner Tower but was renamed in the 14th century to Arundel Tower after Sir John Arundel, Governor of Southampton Castle 1377-39. The tower was in an exposed part of the town and was given a nickname, Windwhistle Tower. It is difficult to picture that the sea once lapped at the base of the tower when first built!"

Peter Barton

What People Like

Historic city walls
Medieval ruins
Contrast of old and new

What People Dislike

Renovation restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arundel Tower is located in Southampton, easily accessible by public transport or car. Many visitors arrive via the nearby shopping mall. For specific meeting points, What Three Words can be useful, as seen for IKEA trips. Instagram

Parking is available at the adjacent shopping mall, which is convenient for visiting Arundel Tower and exploring the city walls. Reddit

Yes, Arundel Tower is situated within the city center, making it easily walkable from most central locations. Reddit

Walking is highly recommended to appreciate the historic city walls and the contrast with modern architecture. Reddit

Southampton has a comprehensive bus network, with many routes serving the city center and areas close to Arundel Tower. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Arundel Tower is a historic ruin and part of the public city walls, so no tickets are generally required to view it from the outside. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, Arundel Tower and the surrounding city walls are accessible at all times. However, access to walk on the walls might be restricted during repair periods. Reddit

Exploring the Southampton City Walls, including the area around Arundel Tower, is free of charge. Reddit

Arundel Tower is a ruin and is not accessible for climbing. Its historical significance lies in its preserved structure and its role in the city's defenses. Reddit

While specific tours for Arundel Tower might be limited, guided historical walks of Southampton often include this significant landmark as part of their itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the medieval ruins of Arundel Tower, walk along the historic city walls with educational signs, and appreciate the unique blend of old and new architecture. Reddit

Yes, you can walk on sections of the Southampton City Walls, which are marked with informative signs. However, check for any ongoing repairs that might cause temporary closures. Reddit

Dating back to the mid-to-late 13th century, Arundel Tower was a crucial defensive structure, offering views out to sea and named after Sir John Arundel. Reddit

The contrast between the ancient tower and modern buildings offers great photographic opportunities. Capturing the full length of the city walls is also recommended. Instagram

Children can enjoy learning about the history of the tower and walls. The open spaces around the tower and the walk along the walls can be engaging. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several dining options nearby, including Italian restaurants that offer fantastic views of the historic walls. Reddit

You can find a variety of cuisines, with Italian being a popular choice for those wanting a meal with a view of the historical sites. Reddit

The public spaces around Arundel Tower and along the city walls may offer opportunities for picnics, weather permitting. Reddit

Given its central location, you'll find numerous cafes and coffee shops in the vicinity, perfect for a break during your exploration. Reddit

Many eateries in the area offer takeaway options, allowing you to enjoy your meal while exploring the historic surroundings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for photographing the tower and walls. Daylight hours are best for seeing details. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy capturing the juxtaposition of the medieval ruins with modern cityscapes. Drone footage also offers unique perspectives. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the tower and walls. A drone can provide stunning aerial views. Instagram

Arundel Tower is a ruin and not open for interior access, so photography is limited to the exterior and surrounding areas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Arundel Tower and the surrounding city walls offer an engaging historical adventure for families. The informative signs along the walls can turn a walk into an interactive history lesson for children, sparking their imagination about medieval times. Reddit

Encourage kids to spot different parts of the wall and imagine knights defending the city. The open spaces nearby provide room for them to move around. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot, making it a budget-friendly and fun outing. Reddit

🚶 History Buffs & Urban Explorers

For those passionate about history, Arundel Tower and the Southampton City Walls are a must-visit. The well-preserved ruins and extensive wall sections offer a deep dive into medieval defensive architecture and urban development. Reddit

Take your time to read the educational markers, which provide detailed historical context. The unique juxtaposition of ancient fortifications with modern cityscapes offers a rich subject for exploration and photography, appealing to urban explorers who appreciate such contrasts. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Arundel Tower and the city walls provide a wealth of photographic opportunities, especially for those interested in historical architecture and urban contrast. The interplay of ancient stone against modern glass and steel creates visually striking compositions. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles and lighting conditions. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the texture of the stone. Drone photography, where permitted, offers a unique perspective on the scale and layout of the fortifications within the city. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Arundel Tower

Arundel Tower, originally known as the Corner Tower, dates back to the mid-to-late 13th century and was a formidable part of Southampton's medieval defenses. Standing approximately 60 feet tall, it commanded a strategic position with views extending far out to sea. Its importance in the town's defense system was undeniable. Reddit

In the 14th century, the tower was renamed Arundel Tower in honor of Sir John Arundel, who served as the Governor of Southampton Castle from 1377 to 1379. Due to its exposed location, it earned the nickname 'Windwhistle Tower.' It's remarkable to imagine that when first constructed, the sea lapped at its very base, a stark contrast to its current inland position amidst modern urban development. Reddit

Today, Arundel Tower stands as a significant historical ruin, a tangible link to Southampton's past. Its presence next to a modern shopping mall offers a unique visual narrative of the city's evolution, making it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. Reddit

Exploring the Southampton City Walls

The Southampton City Walls are an extensive and remarkably well-preserved network of medieval fortifications that once encircled the town. Walking these walls offers a journey through centuries of history, providing insights into the strategic importance of Southampton as a port city. Informative signs along the route detail the history of each section, making the exploration both educational and engaging. Reddit

While Arundel Tower is a prominent landmark, the true experience lies in traversing the walls themselves. Visitors can often walk along significant portions, enjoying panoramic views and imagining the city as it was in medieval times. It's advisable to check for any ongoing repair work, as this can sometimes lead to temporary access restrictions on certain sections. Reddit

This historical walk is a popular activity for locals and tourists, offering a unique perspective on Southampton's heritage. The blend of ancient stone structures against the backdrop of modern city life creates a compelling visual experience, perfect for photography and historical appreciation. Instagram

Arundel Tower: A Medieval Landmark in a Modern City

Arundel Tower presents a fascinating juxtaposition of history and modernity. As a remnant of Southampton's medieval defenses, its imposing structure stands as a testament to the city's past strategic importance. Once a vital part of the town's fortifications, it now sits adjacent to a bustling shopping mall and contemporary buildings. Reddit

This contrast is a key element of the Arundel Tower experience. Visitors can marvel at the ancient stonework while simultaneously observing the vibrant, modern city life unfolding around it. This unique setting makes it a compelling subject for photographers and a point of interest for anyone curious about how historical sites integrate into evolving urban landscapes. Instagram+1

The area around Arundel Tower is also a hub for dining and leisure, with restaurants offering views of the historic walls. This allows visitors to enjoy a meal while reflecting on the centuries of history that the tower and surrounding walls represent. Reddit

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