Arundel is a beautifully preserved medieval market town in the South Downs, West Sussex (England). The town is so old that it appears in Domesday Book, the land survey commissioned by King William I in 1086. At the time, it had only four households!

A visit to Arundel must include the castle, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the cathedral and a wander around the town. We came across the ruins of a medieval Dominican friary along the River Arun. Very atmospheric!    

Arundel is close to Chichester, about a 20-minute drive. Chichester is another beautiful medieval market town with an interesting cathedral, whose romantic Arundel Tomb inspired the poem by Philip Larkin. 

After visiting the castle and grounds and the town, it was time for refreshments. Since it was the afternoon, a cream tea sounded amazing. We headed to Belinda’s Tea Rooms (13 Tarrant Street)

As we walked into the charming 16th-century house, we felt we went back in time. Or, rather, that we crossed to another dimension of cosy fireplaces and home cooking. Antique teapots and pottery on window sills and shelves, delicious-looking cakes, exposed ceiling beams harked back to another century.

I absolutely adore cream teas. To me, they represent England. So I ordered Belinda’s Cream Tea: 2 homemade scones, jam, and clotted cream. Hubby was craving apple pie, so that’s what he had. And lashings and lashings of hot tea (for some reason, we say this all the time, it’s become a favourite phrase!) 

The apple pie tasted very delicious and appley (is that a word?) We don’t like overly sweet pies, and this one had the perfect amount of sweetness. My scones were the right size, not too big, not too small. 

Here’s the thing with cream teas. Do you spread the jam first and the cream on top? Or is it the other way round? I did both, to be on the safe side. 

Where do you stand on this issue?