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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views of ruins & walls
Arundel Tower
Best Time
Best views of ruins & walls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Arundel Tower, a medieval ruin in Southampton, and walk the historic city walls for a glimpse into the past.
"Impressive historic city wall with a unique contrast to modern buildings."
🚶 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Medieval vs. Modern Views
Southampton
Witness the striking contrast between ancient fortifications and contemporary urban development.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking is available at the adjacent shopping mall, which is convenient for visiting Arundel Tower and exploring the city walls.
Yes, Arundel Tower is situated within the city center, making it easily walkable from most central locations.
Walking is highly recommended to appreciate the historic city walls and the contrast with modern architecture.
Southampton has a comprehensive bus network, with many routes serving the city center and areas close to Arundel Tower.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Exploring the Southampton City Walls, including the area around Arundel Tower, is free of charge.
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.
While specific tours for Arundel Tower might be limited, guided historical walks of Southampton often include this significant landmark as part of their itinerary.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
The contrast between the ancient tower and modern buildings offers great photographic opportunities. Capturing the full length of the city walls is also recommended.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options nearby, including Italian restaurants that offer fantastic views of the historic walls.
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.
The public spaces around Arundel Tower and along the city walls may offer opportunities for picnics, weather permitting.
Given its central location, you'll find numerous cafes and coffee shops in the vicinity, perfect for a break during your exploration.
Many eateries in the area offer takeaway options, allowing you to enjoy your meal while exploring the historic surroundings.
📸 📸 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.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the juxtaposition of the medieval ruins with modern cityscapes. Drone footage also offers unique perspectives.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the tower and walls. A drone can provide stunning aerial views.
Arundel Tower is a ruin and not open for interior access, so photography is limited to the exterior and surrounding areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 History Buffs & Urban Explorers
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Arundel Tower
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.
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.
Exploring the Southampton City Walls
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.
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.
Arundel Tower: A Medieval Landmark in a Modern City
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.
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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit