Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis is a small seaside town on the south coast of England in the county of West Sussex. It is situated approximately 70 miles south west of London. The town can trace its roots back to when it was a small fishing village. The town still has its fishermen, operating small inshore boats from the town's beaches, keeping alive the town's traditional link with the sea. Bognor is a very pleasant coastal town with many sites of historical interest nearby. The development of modern Bognor was begun in the 1780s by Sir Richard Hotham.
Hotels
We use the Royal Norfork, the latest addition to the Leisureplex group.
Town Centre
Bognor Regis has a large town centre, much of which has either been pedestrianized or made pedestrian-friendly. Since the end of World War Two the town has been subject to some piece-meal commercial redevelopment, notably in the early 1960s when a new shopping parade and road (called Queensway), a health centre and a high-rise block of flats were built on land just north-west of the High Street. In the three decades between 1950 and 1980 much residential development took place to the west and north of the town, since then mostly in-fill development has taken place, predominantly redeveloping land on brownfield sites that had formerly been used for commercial business.
The town has several areas, and buildings, that still firmly link it with its past. Good examples, and prominent local landmarks, are the Royal Norfolk Hotel and Hotham Park.
History
Bognor Regis was originally named just "Bognor", being a fishing (and one time, smuggling) village until the 18th century, when it was converted into a resort by Sir Richard Hotham.
Bognor was a part of the ancient parish of South Bersted in the county of Sussex, attaining parish status separate from South Bersted in 1828. Until 1894 it formed part of the Hundred of Aldwick, an ancient division of Chichester Rape. From 1894 to 1974 it was part of Bognor Urban District (Bognor Regis Urban District from 1929), and since 1974 it has been a part of Arun District.
The historic meeting of the crews (and associated handshake) of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project on 17 July 1975 was intended to have taken place over Bognor Regis, but a flight delay caused it to occur over Metz in France instead.
Activities and Attractions
Tourist Information
www.sussexbythesea.com
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
Wander amongst a fascinating collection of historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century in 40 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside
www.wealddown.co.uk
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered by accident during the digging of a water main trench in 1960. The discovery led to nine seasons of excavations that showed the site had developed from a military base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43 to a sumptuous Palace by the end of the first century. Between 1995 and 2002, new excavations by the Sussex Archaeological Society revealed exciting new insights into this development of this site, and especially the area in front of the Palace.
www.sussexpast.co.uk
West Dean Gardens
West Dean Gardens offers a sensational setting for you to while away an hour or a day. Extensive grounds with rare tree and shrubs, ornamental borders and a naturalistically planted pond.
www.sussexbythesea.com
South Downs National Park
Uniquely combining a biodiverse landscape with bustling towns and villages, the South Downs National Park covers an area of over 1,600 km2 and is home to more than 108,000 people.
www.southdowns.gov.uk
Bognor Regis Museum
Featuring a fascinating exhibition of historic wireless and radio equipment. Displays include crystal and valve domestic wireless and television sets from the 1920's onwards. Revisit the listening years and try your hand at Morse Code!
www.sussexbythesea.com
Arundel Castle
The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England, each having its own unique place in history and is home to priceless works of art.
www.arundelcastle.org
Events
Bognor Birdman
The Birdman is a flight competition for human powered flying machines held each sumer in the picturesque seaside resort of Bognor Regis on England's South Coast.
www.birdman.org.uk/
Sands of Time
A fun filled day at England's south coast sunshine capital, Bognor Regis. In keeping with 'The Sands of Time' tradition all your favourite events are back. Donkey rides, the open top bus, the cavalcade of vintage and classic cars, displays, exhibitions and a full range of children's activities. Not forgetting the most important event of the festival the 'Sandcastle Competition'.
www.sandsoftime.co.uk
Findon Sheep Fair & Village Festival
Findon Sheep Fair takes place annually at Findon Village in the heart of Sussex. Bring the whole family!
www.findonsheepfair.co.uk
Rox Music and Arts Festival
Come rain or shine the Bognor Regis ROX organisation soldiers on to bring a little music, a smidgen of art, a dash of colour and a load of fun and togtherness into a divided world. The ROX Festival is one of the biggest totally Free Admission Festivals still operating in England. ROX on, you crazy diamonds
www.the-rox.org