Bognor Regis is a great option for a UK staycation. For more than a century, even kings and queens have enjoyed visiting the area, for the inspiring coastline, beautiful weather and uniquely traditional seaside experience. All of the things that you love about a British seaside resort are here to see and do – take a walk along the promenade, have a paddle in the sea, check out the amusements and treat the family to an ice cream or fish and chips. But the town is also subtly changing, with an increasingly young population thanks to the University of Chichester campus, new restaurants and hotels springing up and a hint of progression on the sea breeze.
Historic Hotels and Luxurious Beach Huts
Popular accommodation options include The Royal Norfolk Hotel, which is situated right on the seafront. With notable views of the coast, this hotel dates back to the 1830s and has been visited by Emperor Napoleon III of France and various descendants of Queen Victoria. There’s also the highly rated Beachcroft Hotel 1.5 miles east along the coastline. In 2019 a series of contemporary Beach Hut Suites were launched, which are located right on Felpham’s beautiful beach and have uninterrupted sea views. They accommodate up to two adults and two children in a mezzanine level double bed and a separate bunk bed room. While you’re there, check out Blake’s Bar and Beach Terrace on the seafront, which is also run by the hotel. It’s open every day from April to October and they don’t take table bookings so just turn up and take pot luck.
Beach huts at Felpham beach, by Peter Flude
Book an Airbnb
As you would expect from Airbnb, there is an eclectic mix of properties for rent in and around Bognor Regis. Up to 12 guests can stay at Sian’s five-bedroom beachfront house, rated 4.74/5 and classed as a ‘rare find’ by the site. This is right by the beach and Sian is a superhost. Alok’s three-bedroom Victorian house is also very close to the beach and the centre of town and guests love the comfortable beds and the size of the rooms. It’s rated 4.75/5. Tom’s one-bedroom loft is very central with the train station a one-minute walk away and guests find it clean and comfortable. It has a rating of 4.78/5.
Butlin’s
Billy Butlin set up his amusement park here 90 years ago. Since then it has grown to become the much loved flagship holiday park – Butlin’s Bognor Regis – a popular destination for people of all ages who are looking for a UK summer staycation. The new family pool was launched in 2019 at a huge 6,300 square metres and the Sunday Express describes it as ‘a seriously cool pool for children and adults’. It features a helter skelter waterslide, stick of rock-themed slides, a tidal wave on the hour and cleverly designed family changing rooms. There is a fairground with rides, shows, accommodation ranges from rooms to apartments and three nautical-themed hotels and premium accommodation and you get a great deal included in the price.
Go Glamping
Being so close to the South Downs naturally means that there are great opportunities to camp and there are options to suit every budget, from caravan parks and fields to pitch a tent in to something a bit more luxurious. Lagnersh Camping is three miles from Bognor Regis and a peaceful five-acre site. The wonderfully named Bucket and Spade touring site in Sidlesham, eight miles away, has the Delilah Shepherd’s hut, sleeping two, or the Rusty Shepherd’s hut, sleeping four. The Safari Lodges of Concierge Camping in Bosham, 11.2 miles away, resemble the sort of place you would hang your hat in the Serengeti, with timber frames and a canvas exterior. They feature an outdoor seating area, underfloor heating (about as far from a damp groundsheet as you can get), range cookers and fridges, freezers and dishwashers.
