Hotels near the Corpus Christi Carpet of Flowers

On the eve of Corpus Christi each year a magnificent 90-foot carpet of flowers is placed down the central aisle of Arundel Cathedral. The flowers signal the start of this celebration, and are followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

Duke Henry, having seen the carpet of flowers in the village of Sutri outside Rome, introduced the practice to Arundel in 1877. The tradition was broken during the First World War but revived in 1919, and has continued ever since, with parishioners undertaking the elaborate preparations.

The flowers get trampled on during mass on Corpus Christi, so the day before is the only chance to see them and thousands come for the spectacle. There are numerous floral arrangements around the cathedral and flower arrangers are invited to take part in the display designs.