Parks and gardens

Bognor Regis is fortunate to have a number of open air and green spaces to escape to if you want to spot wildlife or just have a few minutes’ time out. From three fields turned into a conservation area to having a go on a putting green in the middle of town, here are seven of the best.

Bersted Brooks

This is a ‘wild area’ of nearly 50 acres on the outskirts of Bognor Regis, made up of three large fields which used to be farmed until recently. It’s known locally as The Brooks. The habitat includes mature trees, hedgerows, ditches and scrubland. Its proximity to the Aldingbourne Rife, a stream, means that it floods quite often, when ducks and waders take over, and other wildlife to spot here ranges from insects such as butterflies, meadow grasshoppers and dragonflies, to birds like the Skylark, the Yellowhammer and the Sedge Warbler so do bring your binoculars. Trees and bushes include Black Poplars and Dog Rose. Please note that one corner of the ‘Two-eights’ field is a dog-free zone to allow the Skylarks to nest safely on the ground. There is a free public car park.

Marine Park Gardens

These beautifully maintained gardens lie to the west of the town centre and are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the high street. There are carefully arranged and colourful flowerbeds, a fountain and an 18-hole putting green, which is open from April to September. They charge £2 per lost ball so bring your A-game. It’s a great location for children to let off steam and for a coffee on a bench in the winter. The beach is just across the road if you want to continue strolling or relaxing.

Hotham Park

Located near the High Street in Bognor Regis, Hotham Park is an area of 22 acres of walled parkland, with over 100 different types of trees. It first became a public park in 1947 and Sir Richard Hotham, the founder of modern Bognor Regis, built and resided in Hotham Park House (now private apartments) and he also created the grounds. The horticultural aspect of the park was chiefly created by William Fletcher between 1900 and 1940 and it was once likened to Kew Gardens. You can spot birds like Treecreepers and Nuthatches and you will also find a lake, a children’s play area, a miniature railway, adventure mini-golf and a café.

Play on the Beach is a children’s play park inspired by sea creatures located right on the Bognor Regis seafront. It includes a wide range of play equipment, along with seating and equipment designed for youngsters with disabilities. The wooden structures are modern in design, with safe and colourful floor matting and winning views out to sea.

Place St Maur

This newly created space links Belmont Street with the Esplanade in the centre of town. Built in 2022, it involves a wave-patterned paved central area with water jets that are illuminated at night, as well as shallow pools for water play (ideal for those hot summer days). It is decorated with plants and flowers, there are places to sit and there is an area for community events to be held so do check online to see what’s on when you are visiting the town.

Hothampton Sunken Gardens

Located near the town centre, this is a good place to retreat to if it’s a breezy day as these gardens are a bit more protected from the elements. Major improvement works are planned, including new benches throughout for 2023, including development of the children’s play area at the north end of the gardens with an in-ground trampoline, a roundabout, and a basket swing, as well as equipment suitable for toddlers and an Explorer area with boulders and tree stumps.

West Park

Located near the town centre and Aldwick Beach, West Park is a large, open space to relax, and enjoy throughout every season. With a cafe, children’s play area, car park and conveniences, it’s a perfect place for socialising, dog walking, or exercising. It’s one of Bognor Regis’s most loved parks for events and activities, so remember to check our events page to see what’s coming up next.