Coastliner 700 is the gateway to the “Sunniest Place in the UK”

Bognor’s balmy and barmy contrasts!

Just like the famous 700 Coastliner bus route which plies its trade diligently crossing varied scenery and connecting diverse towns and cities between Portsmouth and Brighton, Bognor Regis, one of the places served, is the ultimate destination of contrasts. The bright lights of the iconic Pier (livelier still because it’s home to a nightclub and Sports Bar!) and frivolity of Butlins juxtaposes with the tranquillity of Hotham Park and the serenity of the beach and the nearby nature reserve at Pagham. It’s a fantastic place to visit on a bus route that offers so much to see and do, hosted by the brilliant Stagecoach South.

Billy Butlin’s big in Bognor

Bognor Regis is officially recognised by the Met Office as being the sunniest place in Britain, with over 1,900 hours of sunshine every year, but it’s most synonymous with Butlins. Bognor was where Billy Butlin, the resort’s founder invested heavily, creating a world renowned holiday chain, which combines entertainment, accommodation, a funfair, festivals and much more. The heart of the Bognor resort is the Skyline Pavilion, a bustling hub with shops, restaurants and fun-packed thrills and spills, including live performances and musical acts.

Victorian grandeur and dance floor delight

For a similarly eboulliant vibe, then Bognor’s Pier is definitely worth checking out. First opened way back in 1865, when piers were the height of fashion, it brings to life its fabulous Victorian Grade II listed structure and offers wow-factor views of the beach and opportunity to soak in the sea air, whilst also enjoying the amusement arcade, trendy bar and pulsating night club. Just opposite the pier, there is a great crazy golf area with all sorts of challenging holes. At the last hole, folk get a chance to win another round if they can ring the bell with their shot!

Bus Station brilliance perfectly modelled

Another great place to visit is the Bognor Regis Museum which celebrates the town’s maritime history. However, if, like us at Great Scenic Journeys, buses and Art Deco is your gig, you will love the model of the Southdowns Bus Station, which once dominated the High Street.

Meanwhile, art afficionados can appreciate contemporary works at the Regis Centre, whilst the Edwardian Esplanade is worth a look at and the opportunity to devour the many independent shops.

A real treat is a visit in the East End of the town to the Community Interest Company’s ‘A Junk Shop’ which sells all kinds of brick a brac and is affectionately called “Grandad’s Front Room“.

A much-needed breather!

Serenity can be discovered in Bognor, though and it’s not all crazy capers and ‘kiss me quick’ fun. For an historical touch, visit Hotham Park, a beautifully landscaped green space with a boating lake, miniature railway, and a charming café. The horticultural aspect of the park was chiefly created by William Fletcher between 1900 and 1940 and it was once likened to Kew Gardens. You can spot birds like treecreepers and nuthatches here! Folk can also explore local crafts at Hotham Park House Craft Gallery.

Arts, crafts and movies

“Bugger Bognor!” He wouldn’t say such a thing? Would he?

Rocking for the Rocks!