Fun activities in Bognor Regis this summer

There’s plenty to do in Bognor Regis this summer ranging from free fun to special treats. The area is blessed with gorgeous beaches stretching along the West Sussex coastline which make for a great day out with the kids. And it’s not only Bognor Regis’s beaches, rockpools and hours of spring sunshine that we love – if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a BUMPER guide to some suggestions:

Bognor Coastal Art Trail

Kick off the summer hols with a pop of colour! Bognor Coastal Art Trail offers an exciting opportunity to see local artists working and display their art in their own creative spaces. The Trail is a seven-mile strip that stretches from Pagham to Elmer. The art trail runs the last two weekends in July. Explore one Trail at a time, or hop around the Venues as you choose; the aim is to offer you the chance to enjoy the art and hospitality of our talented local artists. Find out more here: https://www.bognorcoastalarttrail.co.uk

Enjoy a ride along The Promenade on the Land Train

Taking a ride on the land train in Bognor Regis is a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the seaside town and its attractions. The land train runs along The Promenade, from Butlin’s to Whittington’s Kiosk, close to the main crossing to the town centre. The land train operates from April to October, weather permitting, and is a fun, affordable way to experience the charm and beauty of Bognor Regis seafront. Tickets are £1.50 per adult and £1 per child, available from the driver.  Visit the operator’s Facebook page for up to date times and prices.

Music in the Park: Sunday Afternoon Concerts

Pack up a picnic and enjoy live music on the bandstand in Hotham Park this summer! With bands performing in July and August, you can experience a range of musical styles including Jazz and Blues, Pop and Rock, and Americana and Country.  Stay up to date with all the latest information, dates and gig times here: https://www.facebook.com/BognorRegisTCEvents

Bognor Regis Camera Club’s Annual Exhibition 2024

Bognor Regis Camera Club’s Annual Exhibition will be held from Sunday, July 28 2024 to Saturday, 3 August 2024 at the Regis School of Music Centre in Bognor Regis. The exhibition will display 200 photographic prints, over 200 digital images on a large TV type screen and several specialised panels all the work of Camera Club members. Open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Bognor Regis Concert Band Performance

The Bognor Regis Concert Band will be performing a wonderful selection of music at two, free, afternoon events at Hotham Park this summer. Concerts are currently scheduled for Saturday 27th July, and Sunday 25th August from 2.30pm. Follow the Town Council’s event’s page on Facebook and website for the latest updates.

Pokémon Swap Day & Lego Make and Take: Kids Stuff Bognor Regis

Kids Stuff Bognor Regis will be holding free activities for children this summer including Pokémon Swap days and Lego Make and Take days. Scheduled dates are:

Pokémon Swap (10am – 12pm)

Tuesday 23rd July
Friday 2nd Aug
Monday 5th Aug
Thursday 15th Aug
Tuesday 27th Aug

Lego Make and Take (11am – 1pm)
Sunday 28th July
Sunday 11th Aug
Sunday 1st Sept

The events will be weather dependent, so be sure to check their social media page for the latest details: https://www.facebook.com/bognorkidsstuff

Bognor Regis Museum

Bognor Regis Museum is a treasure trove of local and social history that showcases the fascinating past and present of our lovely seaside town. You can explore exhibits of rocks and fossils, vintage cameras, Alice’s Vintage Kitchen, and the story of Bathing Machine Operator, Mary Wheatland. You can also learn about Sir Richard Hotham, who transformed what was a small fishing village into a fashionable resort.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, plus Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Bognor Regis Museum is a great place to visit for families and history lovers alike. Visit the Museum online at: http://www.bognormuseum.org

Summer Holiday Sundae Making Workshops

Indulge in a sweet experience at Pinks Parlour’s Summer Sundae Creation workshops! Join Mrs Whippy as she guides you through the art of sundae making, sharing her gelato-making expertise to help you craft the perfect sundae. Find more information and early-bird offers here: https://www.pinksparlour.co.uk/shop

Hampshire Avenue Fun Week

Get ready for three days of free activities on Hampshire Avenue recreation ground, running 30th, 31st July, and 1st August 2024 from 12pm – 3pm. Follow the Town Council’s event’s page on Facebook for the latest news and updates: https://www.facebook.com/BognorRegisTCEvents

Funshine Days

Throughout August you can enjoy free children’s activities taking place on the Bandstand on Bognor Regis seafront, the Skate Park, and the Bandstand at Hotham Park, all from 11am until 3pm.

Dates for promenade bandstand Funshine Days are:
Tuesday 6th August: Bognor H20 Day – inc. Surf Simulator
Thursday 8th August: Punch & Judy
Tuesday 13th August: Malcolm the Magician
Wednesday 14th August: Non-stop gaming buses

Dates for Skate Park Funshine Days are:
Wednesday 7th August: Skate workshop – Team Rubicon
Thursday 15th August: Scooter workshop – Team Rubicon

Dates for Hotham Park bandstand Funshine Days are:
Tuesday 20th August: Nick Clark Balloon Modelling
Wednesday 21st August: Bamboo Tamboo & Steel Drums
Thursday 22nd August: Zaz the Clown
Tuesday 27th August: Poi & hula hoop workshop
Wednesday 28th August: Circus skills and slack line workshop
Thursday 29th August: Street dance workshop

These events are subject to final sign-off from Arun District Council, and are weather permitting. Please follow Bognor Regis Town Council Events Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

The Magic of Books Day 2024

Returning for a third year on Sunday 4th August, Heygates Bookshop will be once again celebrating all things books! Cosplay from the book world is encouraged, and there will be free stickers for all those who come dressed up. Have your photo taken entering Platform 9 3/4, come face-to-face with a real-life Dalek from Dr Who, or even try to pull the sword from the stone like Kind Arthur!

This year you’ll find the DeLorean from Back to the Future parked in Station Square for all you time travellers. There will be story times throughout the day and a chance to win a signed, limited-edition copy of The Devine Commodore by Robert Rankin. Be sure to check the Heygates Bookshop events page for more details as they are announced: https://www.facebook.com/events/1006359377055464

Butlin’s Day Visit

For a special treat, how about a day visit to Butlin’s Bognor Regis this summer? Enjoy a day of non-stop fun with access to the Splash Waterworld and fairground and enjoy live shows in the Skyline Pavilion, plus lots more! You can book your visit here: Find Exciting UK Day Visits | Butlin’s (butlins.com)

The 2 O’clock Club

The 2 O’Clock Club is a monthly afternoon entertainment event now hosted at The Salvation Army Church in Bognor Regis. Entertainment could include anything from a Shanty group, a singer of 60s and 70s hits, or even a variety of musical theatre. Expect a warm welcome, some friendly chat, and a hot drink and biscuit as part of the ticket price.

The 2 O’clock Club is on the first Tuesday of the month, and with tickets just £6 for concessions and £7 full price, it’s an affordable and welcoming afternoon’s entertainment in the centre of Bognor Regis. Tickets can be booked online at www.alexandratheatre.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01243 861010 (open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm). Upcoming dates for The 2 O’Clock Club are: Tuesday 6th August and Tuesday 3rd September.

Bognor Regis Book Day – DINO DAY

Celebrate Book Day in the beautiful surroundings of Hotham Park on Friday 16th August, 12-4pm. A themed day of free children’s activities, including storytelling on the bandstand, arts and crafts, and a book swap. The theme of this year’s Bognor Regis Town Council’s Book Day is – ‘DINO DAY’. The event will welcome the amazing Ranger Chris, and his dinosaurs (semi – finalists of 2022 Britain’s Got Talent). The UK’s most interactive dinosaur entertainment provider, known for the ‘live dinosaur’ experience, as well as an outstanding collection of dinosaurs. Realistic walking dinosaurs, small interactive puppets, animatronics, fossils and replicas. Find out more and stay updated here: https://www.facebook.com/BognorRegisTCEvents

Bognor Regis Library

Bognor Regis Library has a range of activities planned for children during the summer holidays. Here are some of the events that your children can participate in:

Rhyme Time: A fun and interactive session for children aged 0-5 years, where they can sing and dance along to nursery rhymes and songs. This event takes place every Monday from 10-10:30 am.

Board Games for Families: A great way to spend quality time with your family while playing board games. This event takes place every Tuesday from 2-4 pm.

Construction Club: A creative and imaginative session for children aged 5-11 years, where they can build and create using a variety of materials. This event takes place every Thursday from 3:30-4:30 pm.

Storytime: A fun and engaging session for children aged 0-5 years, where they can listen to stories and participate in activities. This event takes place every Saturday from 11-11:30 am.

You can also check out their new library gardens! Find all the latest times and details here: https://arena.westsussex.gov.uk/-/details-of-bognor-regis-library

RSPB Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve

Join the expert team at the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve this summer! As well as guided walks and bird watching, there are plenty of activities for young ones to get involved with while enjoying being outside in nature. Some events are ticketed, but modestly priced. Find out what’s taking place at their What’s On page: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on

Bognor Regis Mini Golf

The team at Bognor Regis Mini Golf have you covered for a fun way to spend time outside with your loved ones.  Enjoy the fresh air and the scenic views of the seaside while playing a friendly game of mini golf. Weather permitting, the course will be open daily until 8pm. Prices are £6 per person, or £4 for children under 10. For the latest opening times and prices visit: https://www.facebook.com/bognorregisminigolf

60 Minutes of Classical Music

Wind down and enjoy a magical evening of classical music at The Bognor Club. 60 Minutes of Classical Music presents a serene journey through the timeless compositions that have enchanted audiences for centuries. Find information about the concerts taking place over the school holidays and booking here: https://www.60minutesofclassicalmusic.co.uk/programme

Concerts take place on the first Wednesday of the Month, with tickets as low as £4 for under 25s.

Beach clean

Participating in a local beach clean-up is an excellent way to spend your time over the school break. Not only is it a productive and rewarding activity but also a meaningful contribution to preserving the natural beauty of our coastlines. It’s a fun and hands-on way to teach younger generations about the importance of environmental stewardship. You can find the details of the next scheduled clean-ups with the fabulous Bognor Litterpickers here: Bognor Litterpickers

Bognor Regis Heritage Trails

If you are seeking something educational and fun with the kids this summer, check out the Bognor Regis Heritage Trails. With these six unique walks you can enjoy learning more about the stories that lie behind what turned a little fishing hamlet on the south coast of England into the thriving seaside resort that it is today. Discover the Heritage Trails: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/hidden-history

Hard copies of the Trail Guides are available at Bognor Regis Library for free or at the Museum.

Fossil hunting at Bognor Regis Beach

Bognor Regis is a great London Clay location, which makes it excellent for fossil hunting, especially for certain types of insects, plant remains, brachiopods and bivalves. Some of the shells are huge, too. Look particularly around Bognor Rocks (while being careful), west of the pier and along to Aldwick Rocks for some of the best finds. More details on what to look out for can be found on the UK Fossils Network and remember to take a spade and a hammer. If finding fossils seems a bit daunting, start out by seeing who can find the best shells and stones.

The Bognor Regis Time Portal

Visit the innovative, free to use, immersive experience located on Bognor Regis’s seafront. Using augmented reality technology, the portal allows us to get a glimpse of life in the 19th century, with recreations of the wooden bathing machines that once lined the beach brought back in three dimensions for you to explore. You will need a smartphone or tablet with a mobile signal to view the augmented reality. The experience has sound, so headphones are recommended at busy times. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/brtimeportal

Picturedrome Cinema 

Located opposite the railway station, the Bognor Regis Picturedrome Cinema is a Grade II-listed find. The cinema might be steeped in history and newly refurbished, but the prices are reassuringly old-fashioned, and you will notice the difference when comparing tickets, drinks and snacks with the prices of the bigger cinemas in the area. So, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, or even if it doesn’t, settle in with a good film in beautiful surroundings. This summer’s blockbusters include: Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, as well as more high-brow offerings from theatre and opera. To check listings please visit: https://www.picturedromebognor.com

Arun Leisure Centre

Arun Leisure Centre is the perfect place to visit this summer. You can enjoy swimming in the two pools, working out in the gym or cycling studio, playing squash or football, or joining a fitness class. Arun Leisure Centre also has a cafe and a 6-court sports hall. During the summer holidays they’re offering day camps for 5–12-year-olds (children must have finished reception) that are packed with exciting things to keep the kids active and entertained during the school holidays. Find out more here: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/arun-leisure-centre/latest-news

Ice cream by the sea

Nothing beats having a delicious ice cream on a sunny day in Bognor Regis. You can choose from a variety of exciting flavours and toppings at one of the many ice cream and gelato parlours in town, such as Pinks Parlour, Sweet Flamingo, Whittingtons Banstand Seafront Kiosk, The Sweet Jar, Bognor Regis Pier, and Bognor Rock Shop. Enjoy your ice cream while strolling along the beach, the pier, or the promenade, while taking in the views of the sea and the sky.

Walk or bike ride along The Promenade

Take in the sea air and enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along The Promenade! The Promenade is a shared use path with no vehicles, which gives you a 2-mile-long stretch of flat tarmac, connecting Aldwick with Felpham. This allows you to explore at your leisure the many cafes along the way, from West Park at one end to The Lobster Pot & The Boat House at the other. Or you can hop off into the town centre or the local shops at either end. Visit our Guide to discover three cycling routes to plan your ride! https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/cycling-in-bognor

Relax on the beach with a picnic

Pack your favourite snacks, a cosy blanket, and head to the beach for a relaxing picnic. Whether you’re with family, friends, or enjoying some solo time, a beach day is the ideal way to unwind and soak up the natural beauty. Don’t forget to bring a good book, some music, and plenty of sun cream! Embrace the simplicity and joy of a day spent by the sea. Check out the beautiful beaches that Bognor Regis has to offer and remember you can check tide times on the Love Bognor Regis menu bar: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/see-do/nature/beaches

Hotham Park mini golf, miniature railway and play park 

The range of activities in Hotham Park makes it an ideal family destination. The play park and open green spaces are all free to use and perfect for keeping the kids entertained for a while. Take a picnic and a football for a kick-about or scooters and bikes to explore the many pathways. There’s also mini golf and a miniature railway on-site.  You’ll find full details of opening times and charges below.

Hotham Park Railway: https://hothamparkrailway.co.uk

Hotham Park Mini Golf: https://isslifestyle.co.uk/sites/hotham-park-bognor-regis

Illuminate Bognor Regis

Taking place on Sunday 25th August is the marvellous Illuminate Bognor Regis! From 8.30pm the illuminated walking parade will leave the coach and lorry park in London Road, traveling south down London Road into the Precinct, down to the High Street and then along York Road before arriving at the Place St Maur for prize-giving. There will be a short firework display from the end of the pier at 10pm and a funfair on The Promenade all bank holiday weekend. Stay updated on details here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14846241163

Flower Power, a Summer of Love, ‘Puppy Love’

Bognor Regis Carnival will be holding another event on West Park on Sunday September 1st. The event will be a family fun day and dog show called ‘Puppy Love’. Visit the Carnival’s Facebook page for full details of the event as they unfold.