THINGS TO DO

Things to do

19 Mar, 2024
Enjoy some well-earned rest this long Easter weekend, with some fantastic family activities taking place across the Sussex by the Sea towns of Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. Whether you’re looking for coastal strolls, woodland adventures, shopping galore, or a great place to enjoy locally sourced food and drink, there’s a wealth of things to do locally for your Easter break. Escape to the beach Easter marks the beginning of spring, and what better way to celebrate than by soaking up the sun at Bognor Regis and Littlehampton’s stunning beaches? Whether you're lounging by the water, strolling along the promenade, or enjoying delicious fish and chips or a drink with a view, both towns offer the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the coast. Get walking! Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a scenic walk through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, its ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. With its abundance of wildlife and stunning vistas, the South Downs National Park offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature this Easter. Activities and Events Keep an eye out for Easter events and activities happening in Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton during your break. From Easter egg hunts and craft workshops to special Easter-themed performances and shows, you can find out more on Visit Arundel , Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton . Treat yourself No Easter getaway would be complete without indulging in some delicious treats. Head to one of the many cafes, bakeries, and sweet shops dotted across Sussex by the Sea, and treat yourself to some mouth-watering Easter-themed treats, from hot cross buns and chocolate eggs to traditional British pastries. With stunning coastlines, charming parks, and exciting attractions, the Arun District of Sussex by the Sea offers the perfect destination for an unforgettable Easter getaway. Read more Things To Do blogs on our website.
15 Mar, 2024
There’s nothing quite like breathing in the fresh, spring air during a beautiful stroll in your favourite place.
26 Feb, 2024
As winter bids farewell and the promise of spring lingers in the air, West Sussex beckons families to embrace the season's beauty and embark on delightful adventures. Whether you're drawn to historic castles, charming seaside towns, or vibrant events, Arundel, Bognor Regis, and Littlehampton offer a treasure trove of activities for all ages. Here are some family-friendly suggestions to make the most of your springtime in West Sussex.
River Arun with wildlife
25 Jan, 2024
Our beautiful Arun District is a haven for wildlife and home to many species of animals, insects, flora and fauna.
The South Downs near Arundel in the Arun District
17 Jan, 2024
It's never been more important to be mindful about the way in which we travel.
17 Jan, 2024
Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy some seasonal activities on a budget in the Arun District / ‘Sussex by the Sea’ this Winter! If you’re looking for free, low cost or perhaps ‘added value’ days out, activities and events to enjoy in Arundel, Bognor Regis & Littlehampton - without stretching the purse strings, we have some suggestions for you to investigate. 
16 Jan, 2024
The Arun District of West Sussex is home to 15 miles of shingle and sand coastline with two ‘Seaside Award’ winning resort towns and some beautiful Sussex villages with quieter rural beaches. There are two very different harbours to enjoy too, the busy Littlehampton Harbour where the River Arun meets the sea and the quieter open coastline of the RSPB Pagham Harbour . Wherever you go, the coast is overlooked by the ever-present South Downs offering many walks, cycling and horse riding routes with plenty of opportunities to observe Sussex at its best - all year round. Here are our top tips and helpful resources so you can make the most of the coast in ‘Sussex by the Sea’. 1. How to get here Each of our towns have railway stations that connect to London (Victoria) and other towns along the South Coast and inland to Arundel and the South Downs. Bognor Regis and Littlehampton stations are just a short walk or bus / taxi ride to the main beaches. If you are visiting the beaches of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton this summer by car, it’s a great idea to plan in advance. There are plenty of parking spaces with easy access to the seafront, in both resorts, although the weekends and Bank Holidays of course can be very busy. You can find all information, including parking charges and directions, on the Arun District Council website The promenades in both resorts are designed for ‘shared use’ with access to wheelchair users, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy the fresh air, sea breezes and those big blue skies. There are many places to eat, attractions, seaside shops and bars to cater for all, including of course plenty of ice cream, seafood and fish & chip options, and the town and village centres are within easy walking distance of the beaches. Look out for freshly caught fish and seafood to buy and try out the local activity of ‘crabbing’ at Littlehampton. 2. Stay Safe Most importantly, make sure you stay safe at the coast and on our rivers. We want you to go home with nothing but happy memories! Please take time to see and follow advice from the experts when enjoying the water and don’t forget the sunscreen too! Please see details of Lifeguards at Littlehampton and Bognor Regis Beaches during the main season. Beach Patrol Officers are also on duty in the summer months, so make sure you say hello and listen to any advice they offer as the very local experts! 3. Dog-friendly If you’re planning a beach trip with your four-legged friend, it is helpful to understand the areas of the beach where they are welcome, however, most popular areas are restricted during the summer months, so that all visitors can enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. Between 1 May and 30 September each year, you cannot take your dog onto these main areas of the beach: Bognor Regis – from Bognor Regis Sailing Club ramp to Gloucester Road Felpham – from Canning Road to Felpham Sailing Club Littlehampton – from East Pier to Norfolk Road Dogs should be kept on a lead when walking on the promenades alongside these areas. Here’s more information about the dog-friendly beaches of Sussex by the Sea plus more guidance on how we can all enjoy the beaches safely. 4. Experience local wildlife Some great places to visit for nature by the coast include: Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve Littlehampton's West Beach and inland WWT Arundel , RSPB Pulborough Brooks plus of course the ever present nearby South Downs National Park For some great hints and tips on observing the county’s nature take a look at Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Sussex Bay Kelp Project in our Living Seas . Relax in the shade of the summer trees, witness the changing seasons and admire the plants and wildlife in one of the district's many Green Flag award winning parks most within walking distance of the beaches. Plan your activities or relaxation with all the weather, tides and other useful information you might need and read our series of useful Things To Do blogs . 5. Stay local for longer There are many quality places to stay in ‘Sussex by The Sea’ from camping, glamping, tourer and caravan sites, holiday villages to cosy B&Bs, boutique guest houses, coaching inns and top class hotels and spas, including at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis. Check online booking channels and the Where To Stay Pages at Visit Arundel Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton and contact the proprietors to book your stay. There's more to discover across the beautiful county of West Sussex. Search for even more ideas and inspiration at: Experience West Sussex and the South Downs National Park .
15 Jan, 2024
January marks National Dog Walking Month! We’ve created a blog of ideas on how you can share the delights of ‘Sussex by the Sea’ with your four-legged companions…
Christmas lights
13 Nov, 2023
There are plenty of fun festive activities to enjoy in the Arun District this November and December. From switching on Christmas lights to conferring the Freedom of Arundel on the 18th Duke of Norfolk, there is something for everyone in our local area during this festive season.Christmas lights – ‘Switch On’ dates for your diary See the information below for each town and don’t forget that there is FREE parking on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. Littlehampton Lights Switch On – 18 th November Soak up some Christmas spirit at the Littlehampton Christmas Lights Switch on event and Late-Night Shopping on the 18th November. The High Street will be packed with festive cheer and lots of local retailers will be staying open late, so you can snap up your Christmas gifts. Enjoy live music and entertainment as well as food stalls, artisan stalls and the opportunity to visit Father Christmas! See more at: Events – Visit Littlehampton and their social media channels. Bognor Regis lights Switch On – 25 th November Come and join the festive fun in Bognor Regis from 4pm- 7pm and soak up the atmosphere with plenty of seasonal activities and things to do, as well as live music, entertainment and stunning digital projections! Read more about this event here: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-switch-on/ Follow the “ Enchanted Woodland ” Light Trail through Hotham Park to the “ Ice Rink in the Park” for a magical Christmas experience from 4 th – 17 th December. Watch out for more information coming soon on our social media platforms and See more ‘What’s On in Bognor Regis’ information at Love Bognor Regis and their social media channels. We are also delighted to share that the ‘Ice Rink In The Park’ (London Road Coach Park) will be open 23 November 2023 to 02 Jan 2024 inclusive. Arundel Christmas lights Switch On – 1 st December December 1 st 2023 will be a double celebration in the historic town of Arundel. Not only will the Christmas Tree lights be turned on, to launch the traditional Christmas Festival, but on the same occasion, the Mayor of Arundel will confer the Freedom of Arundel on Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18 th Duke of Norfolk, the hereditary Earl Marshal of England, whose responsibilities include organising major ceremonial state occasions. “So many people wished to witness and participate in this very special event that there was not a room in the town large enough to accommodate them. So, we decided to hold it in the Town Centre, at the heart of the conservation area, where everyone who wished to could take part”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt, Mayor of Arundel. “The Freedom of Arundel is only conferred in rare and exceptional circumstances. Since 1945 this honour has only been conferred on 7 individuals and the Royal Sussex Regiment. It took account of the contribution that the Duke had made to national life through organising both the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth ll and the Coronation of King Charles lll. This has earned the Duke of Norfolk respect and gratitude across the country, and in doing so it has enhanced the reputation of Arundel. People in Arundel told me that they felt proud that “our Duke” had not only organised the Coronation but was centre stage throughout”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt. Conferring the Freedom of Arundel also marks the contribution that the Duke has made to life in Arundel, and the exemplary effort which he has made to maintain sustainability and biodiversity on the Norfolk Estate, including his project to extend curlew from their northern stronghold on the Yorkshire Moors to the Peppering Estate in West Sussex. Keep an eye out for more festivities throughout December, as part of the wonderful annual Arundel at Christmas event and don’t forget the November and December Monthly Farmers’ Markets (3rd Saturday of each month) and much more. Find out more at: VisitArundel.co.uk and their social media channels. Several of the villages in Sussex by the Sea will be holding seasonal events too. Follow our social media channels for the latest information shared as its published.
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