World Beach Day: Discover the Beaches of Bognor Regis and Beyond
There aren’t many things we love more than a day by the sea, so World Beach Day on 1st September feels like a pretty good excuse to celebrate our little stretch of the West Sussex coastline.
One of the best things about Bognor Regis is that the beach isn’t reserved for summer. From sunny days with a picnic and an ice cream to crisp autumn walks wrapped up in a coat, our coastline can be enjoyed throughout the year.
And there’s plenty to explore.
Start in Bognor Regis and you can follow the coastline east or west, discovering beaches with completely different personalities along the way. Some are perfect for a traditional day at the seaside, while others offer somewhere peaceful to walk, watch wildlife or simply sit and listen to the waves.
So, which direction are you heading?
Bognor Regis Beach
Let’s start right here.
Arrive at Bognor Regis Beach at high tide and you might find yourself wondering, “Where’s the sand?”
Give it a little time.
As the tide retreats, it reveals a vast blanket of sand stretching along the coastline, perfect for paddling, building sandcastles and enjoying a proper seaside walk.
With the promenade running alongside it and the town centre just a short stroll away, you can easily combine a trip to the beach with lunch, coffee, shopping or an ice cream from one of Bognor Regis’ brilliant independent businesses.
Go west
Turn right along the promenade and the coastline gradually becomes quieter, taking you towards West Beach, Aldwick and eventually Pagham.
West Beach
If you prefer your beach days at a slightly slower pace, head west.
West Beach offers beautiful coastal views towards Pagham and Selsey, and on a particularly clear day you may even spot the Isle of Wight in the distance.
It’s still unmistakably Bognor Regis, just a little more peaceful than the busier areas around the pier.
Aldwick Beach
Keep walking west and you’ll soon find yourself in Aldwick.
With its quieter shoreline and views out across the English Channel, Aldwick Beach is a lovely place to escape for a walk without travelling far from Bognor Regis.
Pack a picnic, bring a book or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by. The Waverley, Aldwick Beach Café and West Beach Café offer many a seat outside to enjoy watching the world go by too.
Pagham Beach
Continue west and the landscape begins to feel wilder.
Pagham Beach is a large expanse of pebbled coastline where you can quickly feel as though you’ve escaped somewhere much further away.
The beach curves around towards Pagham Harbour, an internationally important wetland and a brilliant destination for nature lovers, walkers and birdwatchers.
It’s a very different seaside experience from central Bognor Regis, and that’s exactly what makes exploring this stretch of coastline so interesting.
Go east
Turn left from Bognor Regis Pier instead and there’s another collection of beaches waiting to be explored.
East Beach
If West Beach is the peaceful sibling, East Beach is where you’ll find more of the traditional seaside buzz.
Its central location makes it easy to grab food, drinks or an ice cream before finding your spot on the beach. The pier and arcades bring plenty of classic seaside nostalgia, while the play area gives younger visitors somewhere else to burn off some energy.
And, of course, when the tide heads out, there’s plenty of sand waiting to be discovered.
It’s an ideal spot if you want to enjoy the beach while keeping everything Bognor Regis town centre has to offer within easy reach. It’s also the closest beach to Butlin’s, so a convenient spot if you’re looking to escape to the beach for the day!
Felpham Beach
Keep following the promenade east and you’ll arrive in Felpham.
There’s nearly always a buzz about Felpham seafront. Walkers, cyclists, runners and dog walkers share the promenade, while sailing boats can often be spotted out on the water.
Pick up a coffee from one of the nearby independent businesses and take a stroll along the prom, or find a spot to sit and enjoy the view.
It’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite with locals.
Middleton-on-Sea and Elmer Beaches
Carry on beyond Felpham and you’ll reach the more rustic coastline around Middleton-on-Sea and Elmer.
These beaches have a distinctly local feel and are perfect for those simple seaside afternoons when all you need is a picnic, some fish and chips and a view.
On a clear day, you can see for miles along the Sussex coastline, with views stretching towards Brighton and sometimes even further.
Go a little further afield
One of the benefits of making Bognor Regis your base is just how much of the Sussex coastline you can explore within a relatively short journey.
If you’ve already discovered our local beaches, why not venture a little further?
East and West Beaches, Littlehampton
Neighbouring Littlehampton also has two beaches offering very different seaside experiences.
West Beach is the quieter and wilder of the two. Its sand dunes, boardwalks and protected habitats make it a great choice for walkers and nature lovers.
East Beach offers more of the traditional family seaside experience, with Harbour Park nearby alongside seafront kiosks, cafés and plenty of places to stop for something to eat.
East and West Wittering
Head further west and you’ll eventually reach East and West Wittering.
West Wittering is famous for its huge sandy beach and views towards Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. Its wide-open landscape makes it particularly popular for long beach days and coastal walks.
Nearby East Wittering has a different character, combining its beach with a thriving village where you’ll find independent shops, cafés and places to eat.
Together, they’re another great option for exploring more of the West Sussex coastline during a longer stay in Bognor Regis (it’s worth noting that in busy periods you have to book parking at West Wittering beach, and you can expect heavy traffic during their peak times too).
Make Bognor Regis Your Starting Point
Whether you head east or west, you don’t need to travel far from Bognor Regis to find a completely different coastal experience.
But sometimes you don’t need to travel anywhere at all.
Watch the tide reveal the sand, take a walk along the promenade, grab something from one of our local independents and enjoy having the sea right here on our doorstep.
World Beach Day might fall on 1st September, but our beaches are here to be enjoyed 365 days a year.
