15 Best Things To Do In Bognor Regis (2023) + All The Budget Tips

Bognor Regis is the perfect place for a getaway. The West Sussex coastal town has some of the most beautiful shingle beaches in the country and long hours of sunshine. There is, however, much more to discover if you know where to look. If you are in town and looking for things to do in Bognor Regis, this article is for you.

Bognor Regis was originally a fishing and smuggling village, but it has since undergone a series of transformations that have helped it become one of the finest resorts in England. Whether you’re alone or with family and friends, this town promises fun and entertainment with its numerous attractions.

Table Of Contents

1 15 Must-Do Things In Bognor Regis
2 Spending A Day In Bognor Regis On A Budget
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Conclusion

15 Must-Do Things In Bognor Regis

Here are our top 15 picks for things to do in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

1. Visit The Bognor Regis Museum

A visit to the Bognor Regis Museum is the perfect place to kickstart your exploration of this resort. The Bognor Regis Museum helps you learn about Bognor’s origins by covering notable characters in its history.

Tip: The Bognor Regis Museum offers free admission for everyone, so you don’t have to worry about buying tickets. Just make sure you confirm the opening times before visiting.

You’ll also find many fantastic collections on display, including vintage railway posters, sets of fossils and ancient cameras and posters.

2. Explore The Hotham Park

The Hotham Park, the largest park in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, is filled with numerous exciting activities for you to try. The land for this estate previously belonged to Sir Richard Hotham, the man who made Bognor Regis into a seaside resort.

A visit to this park allows you to explore Hotham’s elegant Georgian mansion, which has been developed into luxury flats for holidayers. The 9-hectare park has a miniature railway, a conservation area that promises adventure, a boating pond and a crazy golf putting green for entertainment.

The Hotham Park’s miniature railway is only open on weekends from April to September.

3. Watch A Show At The Regis Centre

Believe us when we say Bognor Regis has it all. There’s even something for lovers of live music, comedy and plays. All you have to do is head down to the Regis Centre.

The Regis Centre has room for up to eight wheelchairs, and guide dogs are welcome.

The Regis Centre, located in Belmont St., Bognor Regis, was built in 1980. Being the only performing arts centre between Portsmouth and Worthing, it attracts many big names, particularly stars of the comedy world.

No matter when you visit, you can find a show to suit your tastes at the Regis Centre because it hosts a variety of shows all year round.

4. Golf Time!

Is there any better activity to enjoy during a vacation than golfing? You’ll cherish your time at Bognor if you’re a golf lover due to the presence of the Bognor Regis Golf Club. Take on a golfing challenge with your friends or other vacationers on an established scenic golf course with a putting green.

The golf club is private-owned and run by its members. You’re welcome to join in on the fun, even if you’re only a temporary visitor. All you have to do is make a prior arrangement by contacting the Regis Golf Club office.

5. See A Movie At Picturedrome Cinema Bognor Regis

Bognor’s Picturedrome Cinema is the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a big-screen experience at this resort. The cinema lies in the beautiful, Grade II-listed converted assembly rooms opposite the railway station.

Picturedrome Cinema features three screens showing mostly mainstream movies. There’s also a live screening of opera, theatre and ballet in case you crave a different experience in this building.

6. Visit St Mary’s Church

In Felpham, just 2 miles (3.2 km) away from Bognor centre, you’ll find St Mary’s Church. This Grade II church has been around since the 12th century, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re a fan of mediaeval architecture.

St Mary’s Church is a short distance from Felpham Beach, one of the few beaches for dog walkers in Bognor.

Some of the most notable parts of this building that you should look out for are the north arcade from as far back as 1200 and a chancel from 1300.

7. Enjoy The Marine Park Gardens

The Marine Park Gardens are the place to visit if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street. This garden, located next to Aldwick Beach, west of Bognor, has herbaceous borders.

The Marine Park Gardens are made up of carefully arranged, colourful flower beds that extend over a long and narrow plot of land. They were laid out in the 1930s and continue to bloom today.

Tip: Visit the Marine Park Gardens on a hot summer’s day to see the flower beds and herbaceous borders at their best.

The Marine Park Gardens also have an 18-hole putting green where you can hang out with your friends and play a quick game of crazy golf.

8. Seize The Day On Bognor Regis Beach

Bognor Regis East Beach is one of the biggest attractions on this resort, promising an amazing experience for all kinds of people.

It offers many water sports that you can engage in with your friends, and there are vast areas of sand for children to roam around.

Dog walkers are not allowed on the beach during peak tourist season.

9. Check Out William Blake’s Cottage

This seaside cottage in Bognor was once the home of the famous English poet William Blake. In fact, it was in this cottage that he began to work on his popular poems, Milton and Jerusalem.

These days, the Blakes Cottage Trust runs the cottage, and it’s a great place to visit if you want an insight into the life of the poet.

The best way to reach the cottage is to walk down the seafront from Bognor Regis and make a left before Felpham Sailing Club. If you have enough time, walk a bit further down the road to see the Fox Inn, which Blake frequently visited.

10. Chill On Aldwick Beach

Aldwick Beach, located just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from Bognor Regis East Beach, is a great option if you want a calmer and quieter seaside location to relax.

Aldwick Beach, also known as West Beach, consists of a sloping bank of pebbles that gives way to lots of rocks you can explore during low tide.

The beach also has some colourful beach huts where you can relax, and there’s a small cafe that sells tasty foods and drinks.

11. Stroll Along The Bognor Regis Pier

The Bognor Regis Pier is one of the most iconic buildings in this seaside resort. The pier, more than 300 metres long, suffered a fire in 1974 before being shortened by storms in the mid-1960s and 1999.

The Bognor Regis Pier served as a Royal Navy observation station during World War II.

Now 107 metres long, the Bognor Regis Pier remains a great place to take in the sea air and watch the shingle beaches. It also hosts a nightclub called Sheiks, where you’re welcome to party with your friends. There’s also an ice cream parlour and an arcade for kids.

12. Walk Along The Promenade

Bognor’s promenade stretches for 2.75 miles (4.4 km) from Aldwick to Middleton-on-Sea. Walking along this promenade allows you to catch scenic sea views and enjoy the refreshing breeze.

Tip: Bognor Regis experiences unpredictable weather, so be prepared for rainy and sunny days.

You’ll find ‘flex on the beach’ fitness trail stands, cafes, pubs and restaurants on the promenade. On a summer’s day, you can walk this fitness trail to get some exercise, while the cafes and restaurants serve a variety of food, snacks and drinks.

Bognor is only a short distance from Arundel. See here for a list of fun activities to try out in Arundel.

13. Choose A Book At Heygates Bookshop

If you’re a bibliophile, you should consider stopping by Heygates Bookshop. Heygates Bookshop is filled with thousands of books, including old, new, collectables, first editions and comics.

The bookshop located at the Bognor Regis Railway Station has been around since 1968, and it is one of the most attractive locations for book lovers to visit in Bognor.

It has a welcoming staff always ready to show you around and engage in conversations. All of the books are reasonably priced, and you can get them even cheaper if you bring in other books to trade.

14. Explore The Town By Cycling

Cycling around the resort is one of the best things to do in Bognor Regis if you want to explore it thoroughly. The resort and its surrounding areas have two great cycling routes that are suitable for riders of all skill levels.

The first cycling path connects Bognor to Littlehampton on the east, and the second connects it to Chichester on the west. You may also consider cycling into the South Downs National Park.

Bognor is home to the University of Chichester’s Bognor Regis campus, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

15. Restaurants, Bars & Shopping In Bognor

Due to the influx of tourists, there has been a boom in Bognor’s food and beverage business. There are now numerous bars, restaurants and pubs that appeal to different tastes.

You’ll find restaurants and bars overlooking the waters that bless your eyes with scenic sea views while giving your palate a treat.

You may also want to spend some time shopping in this resort, and Bognor has various independent shops and chain stores to cater to your needs.

Also, check out some fun things to do in Haywards Heath, another beautiful town in West Sussex.

Spending A Day In Bognor Regis On A Budget

If you are in a hurry or don’t have much money, you can spend a day in Bognor and explore its attractive destinations with a proper plan. The website Champion Traveler estimates average costs of about 130-360 pounds per day, but it’s a broad estimation, and you can go less without accommodation.

Start by enjoying the promenade and seaside at Bognor Regis East Beach. Take in the fresh air and visit the snack shops to get something to eat.

Bognor frequently hosts festivals and events that can add an extra layer of fun to your trip but also increase spending.

Next, head to Hotham Park to explore Sir Richard Hotham’s former mansion. The mansion is a great place to visit with children, and it offers various intriguing activities for the whole family.

Depending on your preference, you can spend the rest of the day exploring other locations such as the Bognor Regis Museum, Bognor Regis Pier, Bersted Brooks, Marine Park or Picturedrome Cinema. If you need help finding teh resort, learn about Bognor’s county, West Sussex. and its location.

Hire SDVH’s 4×4 cars and explore Bognor Regis in style. We also offer a wide range of budget car options that can help you cut costs on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bognor Regis Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bognor Regis is worth visiting. It has some of the finest shingle beaches in the UK, and there are many top attractions for you to explore within the resort. Bognor is a fantastic place to visit for a family break or if you want to enjoy a refreshing weekend.

The Bognor Regis Museum, Marine Park Gardens, Hotham Park, Regis Centre and Bognor Regis Pier are just a few of the locations that you can look forward to exploring when you visit.

What Is Bognor Regis Known For?

Bognor Regis is known for its sunny climate. Bognor Regis, West Sussex, is the sunniest spot in Britain, with more than 1,902 hours of sunshine every year. It also has a reputation as one of the best traditional seaside resorts in Britain, so it is a great place to visit if you’re a holidaymaker looking for a relaxing environment.

What Is The Beach Like In Bognor?

The beach in Bognor has calm seas and moderate waves. It has a family-friendly atmosphere, which makes it great for tourists with children. Bognor’s beachfront also has a promenade lined with many shops where you can take a stroll. There is also a range of amenities and entertainment options for visitors.

Is Bognor Regis Cheap To Live?

No, Bognor Regis is not cheap to live in. The average cost of living in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, is £1,193, putting it among the top 30% of the most expensive cities in the world. However, the cost of living in Bognor Regis is reasonable when you compare it with some of the UK’s larger towns and cities, such as London, Oxford and Bournemouth.

What Is The Weather In Bognor Regis?

The weather in Bognor Regis is warm and temperate. Bognor Regis has the longest hours of sunshine in the UK, and you also get to enjoy significant rainfall in this town all year round.

The average temperature on a warm summer’s day is 18°C (64°F), and the warm season runs between June and September, ideally for going to the beaches. It’s usually cold between November and March, with an average daily temperature of 10°C (50°F).

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of things to do in Bognor Regis, it is evident that this West Sussex coastal town has a lot to offer. You can look forward to a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, whether you’re visiting alone or with family and friends. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the finest things Bognor has to present!

15 Best Things To Do In Bognor Regis: From Pier To Picturedrome