The Seafront

Classic English seaside esplanade with a sand and shingle beach, pier remnants, Marine Park Gardens, the Butlin's resort, and a sun record that is genuinely hard to beat.

The seafront is the reason Bognor Regis exists as a town of its present size. The Esplanade runs east to west along the shore, connecting the main beach to the residential areas at either end. The beach itself is a mix of sand and shingle, with more sand exposed at low tide than many visitors expect, particularly along the central stretch. The promenade provides a level walking route along the full length of the seafront, with benches, shelters, and viewing points facing the English Channel. The remains of Bognor Pier, which was built in 1865 and has been progressively reduced by storms and neglect, are visible as truncated stumps at the southern end of the High Street. The pier was once a major attraction, but by the late twentieth century only a short section remained, and it is now closed to the public. Marine Park Gardens, between the Esplanade and Waterloo Square, provide a small formal green space near the seafront with flower beds and seating. The area includes amusement arcades, fish and chip shops, and ice cream kiosks of the kind found at every English seaside resort. The Butlin's resort occupies a large site at the eastern end of the seafront, bringing thousands of visitors. Several hotels and guest houses line the Esplanade and the streets immediately behind it. The seafront is the focus of the summer season, the Birdman Rally, and the annual events that draw visitors to the town. In winter it is quieter, with dog walkers and locals making the most of what is, statistically, one of the sunniest stretches of coastline in England.