Hotham Park

Miniature railway, boating lake and gardens

Hotham Park is the finest public park in Bognor Regis and one of the most pleasant green spaces on the West Sussex coast. Located just north of the town centre, between the High Street and Upper Bognor Road, the park combines mature trees, landscaped gardens, a boating lake, a miniature railway, a cafe, a children's playground and open grassy areas in a setting that serves the community throughout the year.

The park takes its name from Sir Richard Hotham, the eighteenth-century entrepreneur who attempted to develop Bognor as a fashionable bathing resort. Hotham built a grand house on the site, and although the house no longer stands, the parkland he created survives as a public amenity. The mature trees, some of them very old, give the park a sense of established grandeur that newer parks cannot easily replicate.

The miniature railway is one of Hotham Park's most popular attractions, particularly with families. The railway runs on a circuit through the park, and rides are available during the warmer months and at special events. Children are delighted by it, and adults find it charming in a way that is hard to explain rationally. The combination of small trains, a garden setting and the simple pleasure of riding through the trees makes it one of those attractions that works precisely because it does not try too hard.

The boating lake provides another family activity, with pedalos and small boats available for hire during the season. The lake is surrounded by planting and sits within the landscaped heart of the park, making it a pleasant spot for a gentle paddle and a rest. Ducks and other waterfowl add to the scene.

The children's playground has been updated over the years and now includes equipment suitable for a range of ages. The playground is well used by families from across the area, and the combination of the play area, the cafe and the park's other attractions makes Hotham Park a natural destination for a morning or afternoon with children.

The park hosts events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema screenings, music events, seasonal celebrations and community gatherings. These events draw people from across the Bognor area and contribute to the park's role as a communal meeting place. The summer events programme is particularly popular, taking advantage of Bognor's sunshine record and the park's natural amphitheatre qualities.

The cafe in the park provides refreshments for visitors, from coffee and cake to light lunches, in a setting that is hard to improve upon. Sitting in the park with a drink, watching the miniature railway pass and the children playing, is one of the genuinely pleasant experiences available in Bognor.

Hotham Park is maintained by Arun District Council and is well looked after, with the gardens, pathways and facilities kept in good condition. The Friends of Hotham Park, a volunteer group, supports the park through fundraising, events and practical work. The park is free to enter and open throughout the year, and it serves as the green heart of Bognor Regis.