Entertainment in Bognor Regis

There are few better ways to enjoy the south coast than strolling – or sunbathing – on one of the many beaches. Here’s our guide to the best sandy spots in and around Bognor Regis.

Technically split into Bognor Regis East and Bognor Regis West beaches, with the promenade in the middle, Bognor Regis Beach is the town’s main stretch of beach totalling nearly 1km of sandy splendour. Popular year round, the beach comes with plenty of nearby shopping, parking and cafés, with several breakwaters to calm the waves making it perfect for paddling.

Where Bognor Regis beach comes with all the mod cons, Climping Beach several miles to the east is a wide, expansive slice of coastline perfect for windsurfing and quiet walks. The beach is a lot quieter than its neighbours, so finding your own bit of space is a lot easier, while there’s a nearby café, toilet and car park, with a lifeguard provided from May to September.

To the other side of Bognor Regis is Pagham Beach. A shingle beach popular with swimmers, walkers and windsurfers, the beach is also home to a nature reserve in the natural lagoon just behind the beach. It’s also got some neat bits of history on display, as you can see a World War Two harbour platform at high tide and some of the beach huts are made from converted railway carriages. Said to be one of the sunniest stretches of coastline in the UK, there are plenty of facilities in Pagham, which is just a short walk away, including toilets, cafés, shops and parking.

With a reputation as a Victorian tourist hot spot, Bognor Regis developed a strong theatre scene which continues today with the Regis Centre and the nearby Chichester Festival Theatre.

The Regis Centre is home to the 357-seat Alexandra Theatre and the 60-capacity Alex Theatre, which put on a wide range of events and productions including musicals, plays, live music, family events and comedy. Built in the 80s, the theatre is a modern space in the heart of Bognor Regis, just a short stroll from the Esplanade.

On a much larger scale is the Chichester Festival Theatre, just a short drive from our Bognor Regis hotel. Built in the 60s, the theatre is noted for its dramatic design and its impressive roster of big-name events spanning musicals, theatrical shows and drama. The theatre has attracted its fair share of big names to the stage including Noel Coward, Laurence Olivier and David Walliams, while the architecturally bold theatre overlooks the leafy Oaklands Park, and includes several bars, cafés and restaurants.

Bored of faceless multiplexes and fancy a little history with your popcorn? Well, the Picturedome Bognor is just the ticket. Built in 1886 originally as an assembly room used for roller skating, dancing and even badminton, it was soon converted into a cinema and is now kitted out with three screens including state of the art sound systems and plenty of impressive Victorian architecture. With cheap tickets, a licensed café and plenty of vintage charm, the Picturedome Bognor is a wonderful alternative to modern chain cinema complexes.