We didn’t really have a plan when we visited Britain, other than starting in London then driving in a clockwise direction. After a couple of days in Kent, we decided to head for Chichester to see the cathedral. We didn’t get there. On the way, we espied an enormous castle rising majestically out of the landscape.

Built in 1067, Arundel Castle was damaged during the English Civil War, then restored in the 18th & 19th centuries.

It has been the home to the Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years.

The grounds are magnificent, scattered with stunning outbuildings.

The views across the South Downs are breathtaking.

It’s easy to imagine the knights in shining armour clattering up the worn stone steps.

The Fitzalan Chapel, founded in 1390, is still the burial place of the Dukes of Norfolk. The window is a little more impressive from inside.

We left Arundel a lot later than anticipated

and continued westward. We detoured to enquire about the fares and timetable for the Isle of Wight ferry. Before we knew it, we were in the queue.

Leaving Portsmouth behind,

with a locally brewed beverage in hand

we crossed the Solent

and settled in at the Windmill Inn, Bembridge.