This Sussex town may have a royal title but it has been labelled ‘worst in the UK’

This Sussex town may have a royal patronage, but has previously been described as being one of the worst seaside spots in the country.

The seaside resort of Bognor Regis can be found in the Arun district, in West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

It was developed in the 18th century, and welcomes thousands of sun-seeking visitors each year.

But, despite this, the town often gets a bad reputation, despite its fancy name.

History of Bognor Regis in Sussex

Bognor is one of the oldest recorded Anglo-Saxon place names in Sussex, with the area originally just called Bognor.

It was once a fishing (and smuggling) village, and remained so until the 18th century, when it was converted into a resort by Sir Richard Hotham.

It also has links to the Second World War, with the wreck of a floating pontoon lying on the beach between Bognor Regis and Aldwick.

The pontoon was once part of the Mulberry floating harbours used by the Allies to invade the French coast on D-Day, on June 6, 1944.

It broke free in a storm on June 4, the day before it was due to go over the English Channel to Arromanches, and was abandoned, before it washed up on the beach shortly after D-Day.

One of the main attractions in Bognor Regis today is Butlins, which has been open for decades.

Butlins founder Billy Butlin saw an opportunity to create a similar amusement park in Bognor Regis to the one he had in Skegness.

A post shared by Butlin’s | UK Family Holidays & Breaks (@officialbutlins)

After purchasing land on the corner of Lennox Street and the Esplanade, he constructed his amusement park there and called it “Butlin’s Recreation Shelter”.

This was followed in 1933 by the Butlin Zoo on the seafront.

In 1958, Bognor Regis town council announced that they had reached an agreement with Butlin to take on the 39-acre Brookland site to build a holiday camp.

The Butlins holiday camp in Bognor Regis first opened to the public in 1960 and remains today.

How did Bognor Regis get its royal title?

Bognor’s “Regis” (“of the King”) suffix was granted by King George V in 1929 following a royal convalescence.

King George V moved from Buckingham Palace to Bognor to recover from his serious illness in 1929, the town council website explains.

He had caught a chill in November 1928, which had affected his right lung and a move to sea air was described as “advantageous”.

The residence selected was Craigweil House, and in February 1929, the King arrived for 13 weeks of recuperation.

In the period between February and May 1929, the sea air “proved to be advantageous to the King, although it was winter time when he recovered his health in Bognor with beneficial effects”.

It is reported that Bognor Urban District Council petitioned the King to bestow the suffix “Regis” on the town, which was granted.

The change of name from Bognor to Bognor Regis formally took effect in July 1929.

Bognor Regis may have royal title but is labelled ‘worst in UK’

Last year, a Which? survey of almost 4,000 members, revealed that Bognor Regis was the worst seaside town in the UK.

Bognor Regis scored 36% in its destination score, a 2/5 for its beach score and accommodation and a 1/5 for everything else.

Which? said Bognor Regis received just one star for its seafront, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet and value for money.

It said the town was described as “dirty”, “run down”, “depressing” and as “a seaside town that’s forgotten it’s next to the sea”.

It added that some visitors had a “more positive view”, with one saying they “loved the lights along the pier at night” and another arguing that investment in Bognor Regis “could recover its glory days”.

Arun District Council hit back at Which?’s assessment of Bognor, stating that there is “a lot to celebrate” about the town.

The local authority highlighted several attractions in the town, including the green flag award-winning Hotham Park, independent shops and eateries, the beach, the Arcade and Butlins.

It also spotlighted the Alexandra Theatre, which was undergoing a £15 million regeneration project, and the refurbishment of the Esplanade.

Bognor Regis has plenty going for it and offers great things to do for families (Image: Getty Images)

A spokesman for the council said: “The town is full of people who care, who volunteer, support local events, and welcome visitors with open arms.

“Next time you hear someone talk about Bognor Regis, remember – it’s all about perspective.

“If you choose to look for the good, you’ll find a town full of charm, character, and community spirit.”

This year, the Marine Quarter project, focused on Bognor Regis’ seafront, is aiming to boost the area’s maritime character while delivering environmental benefits.

Search for an article