Taking a fresh look at the South Coast’s sunny secret – and there’s plenty to surprise you about Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis, which can lay claims to be the UK’s sunniest town, is challenging perceptions as it works to become a new hub for creative digital businesses on the South Coast. The ambitious town is building on its holiday heritage to reach its potential as a 21st century seaside destination, where the backdrop of coastal views and unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park stimulate bright ideas and blue sky thinking. This is a place that nurtures skills, learning and business growth whilst valuing fun, adventures and the Great British seaside experience.
SUNSHINE COASTLINE
Bognor Regis is officially recognised by the Met Office as being the sunniest place in Britain, with over 1,900 hours of sunshine every year. With sunshine, clean air and an award-winning beach, it’s clear to see why generations of holidaymakers have chosen Bognor Regis as their destination for a restorative seaside escape. This is the home of sea views and coastal panoramas, where the natural backdrop and unspoilt charm inspire blue-sky thinking and bright ideas.
Travel a little out of Bognor Regis and you’ll find quaint villages, rolling hills and ancient castles, or venture along the coast to find sand dunes, sailing clubs and an abundance of wildlife. Its prime position on the edge of the South Downs National Park means easy access to open space, greenery and sea views that give you the opportunity to pause, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
Bognor Regis looks to the future, but is equally proud of its heritage and royal designation. The town is the result of Sir Richard Hotham’s 18th century vision to turn the small fishing hamlet of Bognor into a seaside resort that would attract nobility away from the increasingly busy Brighton and Margate. His vision was achieved, resulting in an impressive list of royal visitors. The greatest accolade came in June 1929 when King George V approved the suffix “Regis”, and as a result, the town became known as ”Bognor Regis”.
Navigating the compact town, you’ll uncover a mix of quintessentially British architecture through the centuries with Victorian and Edwardian townhouses sitting alongside Georgian resort design, and the much-coveted Regency homes that line the seafront. Guides and tailored walks help visitors discover the people and places that make Bognor Regis so special, unlocking the very best of the rich history and literature (bognorregistrails.co.uk/).
Bognor Regis is a place to explore, a town full of character and stories from history – revisit 20th century childhoods in the arcades, explore seaside culture at the beautifully curated museum, splash around with seafront water sports or run with your dog along the beach that George V chose for his convalescence in 1929.
ARTS & EVENTS
The beautiful scenery and evocative environment around Bognor Regis was immortalised by William Blake as ‘England’s green and pleasant lands’ when he wrote Jerusalem whilst living here in the 19th century. The town continues to have a strong arts community, and a new “POP!” space opened earlier this year to promote the work of local artists, crafters and makers.
SHOPPING & EATING EXPERIENCES
Bognor Regis town centre is beautifully compact, with everything located within a gentle 20-minute walk, and the various gateways to the town centre less than a minute from the sea. There’s a broad range of retail and dining experiences to be enjoyed, extending from well-known high street names to unique, independent stores and quirky boutiques.
Be sure to visit the covered Edwardian Arcade, and take time to explore the many side streets that run from the main town centre – including Bognor Old Town within the Steyne Conservation Area – to experience the full range on offer.
Bognor Regis has experienced a boom in new food and drink businesses, offering a variety that’s certain to appeal to all palettes. This is a place where you can reactivate childhood memories with a 99 (and a flake, or not), or opt for award winning, artisan gelato, made on site. Choose traditional fish and chips on the beach, a light lunch in one of the scenic parks, or overlooking the sea, or experience the wealth of flavours and styles in the heart of the town. With a lively evening scene, the town offers a range of options from fine or relaxed dining, and craft beer micropubs to funky cocktail bars.
A BOLD FUTURE
Bognor Regis is a place to watch with interest over the next few years. The town is embracing the future as a 21st century coastal location by proving itself as a place that values and nurtures skills for the future. With a new collaborative workspace and arts space operating from a once disused railway building, the town is growing its creative digital community. Its highly successful and well-loved university produces thousands of talented graduates every year, and the impressive Tech Park is helping to nurture future stars in science, technology, engineering and maths. Bognor Regis is a town full to the brim with potential ready to be explored: start-ups, SMEs and independent creatives are choosing to set up in Bognor Regis to benefit from great local business support, close links to Brighton and London, and the great quality of life on offer.
The town is already benefitting from investments in regeneration, with the recent upgrade to the Place St Maur creating a beautifully landscaped continental style plaza with seating and water features, directly connecting the seafront and the town centre. Major work to transform the Regis Centre and Alexandra Theatre site will be starting within the next year, developing an impressive new façade and adding to the existing facilities, including an exhibition pace and larger capacity auditorium.
DON’T MISS THIS SUMMER
Bognor Regis has a proud reputation as a place for quirky entertainment and English eccentricity. As the town that inspired Billy Butlin and brought you the International Birdman competition, expect to enjoy a little bit of seaside silliness alongside a warm welcome.
Bognor Regis will be celebrating its royal connections with the town centre brightly adorned with flags and bunting celebrating all through the summer season.
Drive Through Time: 3 July
Funshine Days: From 2 August
POP! Bognor Regis: Check website for details of artists, crafters and makers exhibiting at the POP! unit at The Arcade.
TASTE! Bognor Regis Street Food Weekend: 20-21 August
Bognor Regis Kite Festival: From 27 August
Proms in the Park: 3 September
Southdowns Music Festival: From: 22 September
