The Arundel & South Downs constituency is one of the most beautiful in England, much of it designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The constituency runs along the South Downs from Duncton in the west to the East Sussex border.  It is predominantly rural, mostly consisting of villages - in spite of its name, no single town dominates it.

The "land of wild nature and wild prospects" (Hudson) and the unique landscape of the "whale backed" downs (Kipling) have provided inspiration to artists and writers from Turner to Blake.

Agriculture and horticulture, leisure and tourism are important to the local economy.  Local historic attractions include Arundel Castle and Parham House.

The constituency was created in 1997 and, at 30 miles wide, it can take an hour to drive from one side to the other.  It will grow further when boundary changes will add the villages of Petworth, Graffham, Fittleworth, Wisborough Green and Cowfold at the next election.