There’s plenty to do in Bognor Regis this half-term 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 are some suggestions of things to do this May half term:
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 Esplanade, from Butlins to Whittingtons 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. Tickets are £1, available from the driver.
Bognor Regis Land Train Photo Peter Flude
Butlin’s Day Visit
For a special treat, how about a day visit to Butlin’s Bognor Regis this May half term holiday? 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)
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 Proprietor 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. Museum’s web details – http://www.bognormuseum.org
Bathing machine at Bognor Regis Museum
Ice cream by the sea
Nothing beats having a delicious ice cream on a sunny spring 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, 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.
The Sweet Jar, Bognor Regis Photo by Peter Flude
Bognor Regis Carnival
Bognor Regis Carnival is a colourful and lively celebration of the town’s culture and community. It takes place on Saturday 27th May 2023, with a parade of floats, bands, dancers, and performers along the seafront and through the town centre. The theme for this year is ‘Country and Western’, so expect some cowboy hats, boots, and probably some ‘giddy-ups’! The carnival is free to attend and watch, and is followed by a street party on Sunday 28th May, with live music, street food, children’s entertainment, and more. Bognor Regis Carnival is a wonderful way to spend the May half-term with your family and friends. Find out more by visiting: https://www.bognorregiscarnival.com
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.
Photo Peter Flude
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, settle in with a good film in beautiful surroundings. To check half-term listings please visit: https://www.picturedromebognor.com
Picturedrome Cinema Photo by Julia Claxton
Arun Leisure Centre
Arun Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility that offers something for everyone. 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. Whether you want to relax, exercise, or have fun with your family and friends, Arun Leisure Centre is the perfect place to visit for May half-term and beyond. Visit their website for more information: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/arun-leisure-centre
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 kickabout 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.
Bognor Regis is a fantastic base to explore the local area on a budget this half-term. As part of the government’s Help for Households campaign, you can travel on any Stagecoach bus service for a single fare of no more than £2. Visit the Stagecoach website for details of this special pricing which operates until the end of October 2023.
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