Things to do in Bognor Regis

Six miles south east of Chichester sits the popular seaside resort of Bognor Regis, which attracts thousands of holiday makers all year round. Whether your holiday let is in Bognor itself, or a nearby village, there’s plenty to do in this bustling, vibrant town when you visit West Sussex. Here’s our top five things to do in Bognor Regis:

Bognor Regis East Beach

While there are several good beaches along the Bognor coastline, one of the most popular is East Beach. Used to film part of the TV series, Don’t Forget the Driver, East Beach sits closely to the town centre, offering easy access to shops, cafes and parking. With deck chair and wind break hire available throughout the summer months, and plenty of food and drink stalls along the promenade, East Beach is perfect if you’re after a true ‘British trip to the seaside’.

Butlin’s

You don’t have to book a holiday with Butlin’s to enjoy its facilities. With much of the resort recently renovated, Butlin’s in Bognor Regis is a fantastic day out for the whole family. Immerse yourself in a ‘Great British seaside’ environment and experience all of the following on a day pass:

• Unlimited rides at its traditional fairground.
• Live shows.
• Splash Waterworld.
• Indoor and outdoor play areas.

Under 2s are free and the resort has multiple eateries to suits all tastes.

Hotham Park

Visit Hotham Park during your holiday to Bognor Regis to enjoy over 22 acres of grounds and attractions. Ingrained in the town’s heritage, Sir Richard Hotham, the founder of modern Bognor Regis, built and resided in Hotham Park house, which still remains intact today. Among the tranquillity of shrubs, trees and open grassy areas (perfect for picnicking), Hotham Park has an 18-hole putting green and a 12-hole crazy golf course. There’s a boating lake, a neat miniature railway to ride and an adventure play area to keep the children (and big kids) entertained for hours. Home to multiple events throughout the year, it’s always worth checking the line-up at Hotham Park during your holiday dates to Sussex. One of the biggest is the Country Fair, usually held at the beginning of August, which is well worth a visit.

Picturedrome Cinema

If the rain arrives during your holiday to Bognor, escape to the Picturedrome to catch a blockbuster at a rather unique cinema. Although slightly shabby from the outside, Bognor’s Picturedrome Cinema is more like an old theatre inside. While main screens and seating have recently been renovated, you’ll enjoy a sense of stepping back in time, but with all the comforts of a modern cinema. Dating back to 1886, much of the Victorian architecture still survives, with a beautiful staircase and auditorium. In fact, the pay desk dates back to 1919 and the boxes either side of the proscenium arch are from 1911.

Aldwick Beach

If the hustle and bustle of Bognor town centre and East Beach isn’t entirely your taste, head to Aldwick Beach, just a short way west of the pier, for a calmer option. Bordered by a private residential estate and Marine Park Gardens, there’s still a café and shop for all your beach essentials and refreshments. With more space than its neighbouring beaches, especially when the tide is low, it’s perfect for beach combing and ball games.

Fresh air suggests:

• A trip to the seaside isn’t complete without an ice cream. Head to family-run ice cream parlour, Sweet Flamingo, to experience the best gelato in town, with dairy-free and vegan options available.
• You don’t have to venture all the way to the Southdowns for a good stomp. Head to Bersted Brooks for beautiful walks, with plenty of information boards along the way if you’re curious about the birds, insects and mammals that inhabit the area.
• The Lobster Pot in Felpham is a delightful spot for light bites, hot meals and local seafood dishes.