Description
Bognor Regis has been a seaside fishing settlement (and occasionally also a base for smuggling operations) since Anglo Saxon times. It became a fashionable resort in the reign of George III and has been frequented by royalty on numerous occasions. Visitors to the Royal Norfolk Hotel have included the Emperor Napoleon III of France and various members of Queen Victoria's family. The resort gained the title Bognor Regis after George V stayed here to convalesce after an illness in 1929. The resort is quite flat and has an excellent promenade walk. There is a pier and a delightful park, Hotham Park, which boasts a narrow gauge railway, putting green, crazy golf, tennis court and boating lake. On the beach between Bognor Regis and Aldwick lies the wreck of a floating pontoon - part of the Mulberry Harbour which was destined to be towed across to Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944, but did not make it to Normandy and was washed up on the beach shortly after D-Day. It is clearly visible at low tide throughout the year. Bognor is a relatively small town but has some good shops and a theatre. The excursions possibilities are legion with numerous stately homes and several important towns and cities, as well as some smaller seaside towns, within easy reach. The beach is predominantly pebbly but the water is clean and the quality of the light often remarkable. Inland the scenery is quintessentially English with the splendour of the South Downs, England's newest National Park, very close at hand.
Itinerary
TOUR OPERATES SUNDAY TO SATURDAY
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
Full Day Excursion to Worthing & Arundel
We visit the large seaside town of Worthing, where Oscar Wilde wrote 'The Importance of Being Earnest' while on a visit in the 1890s. We then stop at Arundel and the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre, where working craftspeople demonstrate their traditional crafts and we can ride on the narrow gauge railway and historic bus services. (entrance included in the tour cost).
Full Day Excursion to Portsmouth & Southsea
We journey westwards along the coast to the historic naval town of Portsmouth with its fascinating harbour before continuing to Southsea with its stunning pier and promenade.
Full Day Excursion to Chichester & Littlehampton
Today we visit the historic city of Chichester situated between two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the South Downs and Chichester Harbour. The historic City of Chichester offers a selection of fascinating places to visit with its magnificent 12th Century Cathedral and fine Georgian shopping centre. Its contrasting architecture, museums, art galleries, historic houses and the renowned Chichester Festival offer a unique cultural and artistic experience. Before returning to our resort we make a brief visit to the pretty harbour town of Littlehampton, famous for the UK’s longest bench! We return to our hotel in time for dinner.
Venue Information
Situated in a delightfully sunny spot on the sea front with extensive lawns and superb Channel views, this exceptional Georgian building dates from the 1830s and has been visited by the Emperor Napoleon III of France and various descendants of Queen Victoria. The hotel is just a short walk from the pier and shops.
All 61 rooms are centrally heated with private bath or shower and WC, television, trouser press, hair dryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is an attractive lobby bar with television, a split level restaurant, two conference rooms and a bar lounge with small dance floor. Lift serves most rooms (some rooms accessed via several stairs). Entertainment is provided most evenings. Tel:01243 826222
AA Three Star Rated
Note for clients with a mobility impairment: there are only two small steps to negotiate at the hotel entrance and a ramp available. The hotel has seven ground floor rooms although none of these has a sea view. Each of the upper bedroom floors is divided into two levels and it is necessary to ensure mobility impaired clients are allocated rooms on the side of the hotel which can be directly accessed from the lift. Please ensure you submit a Special Needs form if you have a mobility impairment.