Bognor Regis – Then and Now

Everywhere you look in Bognor Regis, stories of cherished yesterdays mingle beautifully with the vibrant energy of today! From the timeless fun of our iconic Pier and the classic joys of our enhanced seafront, to the amazing evolution of Butlin’s, the historic charm of Hotham Park buzzing with laughter, and the welcoming buzz of our town centre – we celebrate our roots while embracing exciting new chapters.

The Pier

A true icon standing proudly against the tides, it’s weathered storms and seen generations enjoy the seafront. While we might remember strolls along its full length in days gone by, its resilience is incredible. Today, it continues to be the heart of classic seaside fun – hear the cheerful sounds from the Pier Arcade, enjoy an ice cream (or 2!), or relax with friends at Legends Sports Bar right at the entrance. It’s a cherished part of our coastline, linking fond memories with the vibrant fun of today, always offering those fantastic sea views!

Beach and promenade

Sun-drenched days, building sandcastles, the happy squeals of paddling in the sea – our gorgeous Bognor Regis beach holds timeless seaside memories for so many! And today, it just keeps getting better. Smart investment in sea defences means our lovely coastline is protected for future generations to make their own memories. The prom itself, always the perfect place for a family stroll, cycle or breathing in that fresh sea air, has had fabulous upgrades making it wonderfully flat and accessible. With a whole host of eateries to choose from, beach on the beach and parks for families,it’s the perfect blend of cherished tradition and seaside atmosphere!

Butlin’s Resort

For many, it brings back happy memories of classic family holidays. This Bognor Regis institution has certainly seen some amazing transformations over the decades! It’s evolved spectacularly from its early days into a truly modern, top-class destination thanks to millions of pounds of investment. While we might fondly remember the original chalets, today you’ll find stylish resort hotels like the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave, and the absolutely incredible Splash Waterworld complex! With exciting new activity centres and dining hubs planned too, Butlins brilliantly carries its legacy of family fun into the future, buzzing with fantastic energy right here in our town.

Hotham Park

Hotham Park is one of those special Bognor Regis gems where history and modern fun live side-by-side. You can almost feel the echoes of Sir Richard Hotham’s time as you wander through the beautiful grounds, perhaps near the boating lake that families have enjoyed for years. This award-winning park (with numerous Green Flag Awards!) perfectly blends that historic charm with fantastic features for today. Kids (and grown-ups!) love the Wildforest Falls Adventure Golf, the charming miniature railway, and the excellent play areas, while the stunning gardens and popular café offer perfect spots to relax. It’s a wonderful green heart for our community, linking peaceful heritage with lively fun all year round.

High Street and Town Centre

Remember popping to the shops on the High Street years ago? Our town centre holds so many memories, and while it’s certainly evolved, there’s a real buzz developing today! Positive changes, like making parts of the High Street pedestrian-friendly, have created lovely, safer spaces to stroll, browse, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Great efforts are underway to enhance the look and feel, especially in areas like the London Road precinct with new paving, seating, signage and planting making it even more welcoming. It’s fantastic to experience today’s vibrant mix – familiar high street favourites sitting alongside unique independent shops and cafes that give Bognor Regis its special character.

Our Grade 2 Listed train station

Step back in time and into the future at our wonderful Bognor Regis Train Station! The magnificent Grade II listed building is a stunning welcome, showcasing beautiful Victorian architecture from when it first connected our town. But this historic gem isn’t just about its past; it’s embracing the present brilliantly. Alongside serving as our vital rail link, the station complex has transformed into a vibrant community hub. It now proudly hosts The_Track, an innovative coworking space buzzing with ideas, the delightful Heygates Bookshop for finding your next great read between journeys, and a welcoming coffee shop perfect for grabbing a treat. It’s a fantastic example of how Bognor Regis celebrates its rich heritage while creating dynamic spaces for today!