Bognor Regis seafront looking west
It is half term week and, as we can’t go away in our motorhome due to Beano’s leg injury, I have taken this opportunity to go for a long walk along Bognor Regis seafront, which is delightful and charming and never fails to lift my spirits, even in the winter. My son was on an early shift at the Picturedrome in order to entertain children on holidays, so this is where my walk began after dropping him off at its doors. Come and join me on my morning walk and enjoy!
The Picturedrome, where my walk began
I just love this sign!
It is so often the case that one is so keen to go and discover far-flung resorts, that it is very easy to forget the natural beauty that surrounds us every day. We often go for walks on the promenade and beach and I consider myself very lucky for living down here. Even now in the midst of the worst storms in over 100 years, we have been spared the terrible damage and grief that other parts of the UK have endured. Bognor Regis also claims to enjoy more hours of sunshine per year than any other town in the UK. And let’s not forget the stunning South Downs National Park nearby for long hikes.
Then I passed the Minigolf green, right on the sea front
Bognor was the very first English resort specially developed for bathing, after Sir Richard Hotham fell in love with the little fishing village and decided to create and up market resort towards the end of the 18th century. He built his home here, Hotham House, in 1792 and it is still regarded as the best Edwardian house in Sussex. Bognor became very popular with the upper and middle classes, who came to enjoy the soothing waters, even Queen Victoria referred affectionately to it as “dear little Bognor”. So if it was good enough for Queen Victoria, it is certainly good enough for me.
You can find out more about Bognor’s history here: http://www.bognor-regis.org/History/history_home.htm
And then I got to the Pier
Bognor Regis has been our home for the last 15 years and I can honestly say we have been very happy here, buying our home, raising our child and meeting some amazing, supportive and reliable people, starting with our next-door neighbours and, of course, our colleagues at work. So why not take a couple of hours to photograph my favourite and iconic sights of our home town?
Early morning walkers on the beach, seen from the pier, looking east
The Pier from the promenade, looking east
The Royal Norfolk Hotel, opposite the beach
My walk took me west from the pier, as I was heading for the Marine Park Gardens, which I really love, and I found the damage caused by the storm being cleared by the maintenance team. You can see all the shingle on the promenade here.
The promenade covered by shingle after the storm
shingle on the pavement too.
A typical and charming seafront house
The start of the Marine Park Gardens
Signs of spring, looking towards the sea
And after the devastation of the rains and storms, there is hope in the new flowers coming through, heralding the spring.
New life
And to confirm that Spring is only round the corner, here are some early daffodils!
Daffodils, a sure sight for sore eyes!
Some more interesting buildings near the gardens
After the Marine Park Gardens, I strolled back to the beach and headed back east.
Fishing boats waiting for better weather
And the quintessential British beach huts, looking east
These ones caught my eye for their personalised decor
Fishing boats enjoying the calm after the storm
A bit of seaside chic and fun
Feeling thirsty by now?
Another British classic: the Band Stand.
Some modern accommodation on the sea front
I had planned to finish my walk at Butlins holiday resort, as I have very happy memories of bringing my son here for the day when we first moved to Bognor Regis. I always took advantage of living in the PO21 post code area, which entitled us to a day pass for £5 during the school holidays all those years ago. My son loved it, as he got to meet some of his favourite characters, like Postman Pat and Noddy and I loved the acrobats, the swimming pool with its water rides, the theme park and the cinema. I was very pleased to see young families queueing up to get in, as it brought it all back. I am sure they are all having a wonderful time now.
Butlins Day Visitors’ entrance: my final destination, with young families queuing up
Butlins from the sea front
Walking back to my car, looking west
A busy High Street with iconic buildings
There are lots of hotels and B&Bs to stay in in Bognor Regis, but if you have a motorhome, you can always stop at Rowan Park Caravan Club Site, within walking distance to the town itself and the sea. For more information look here: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/caravanclubapps/applications/uk-caravan-sites-and-parks/SiteDetails.aspx?csid=21969
Fatima Saysell 