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Seasonal Sussex by the Sea Falls for October!

Oct 18, 2023

Take the opportunity to discover and enjoy the colourful, if distinctly cooler, season of autumn in Sussex by the Sea here in the Arun District of West Sussex.

 

This October’s Half Term there are Halloween inspired events, Fireworks and pumpkins galore – along with historic characters coming to life at Arundel Castle and a spot of cold water swimming at Arundel Lido to give you the chills – and tempt you out of doors.

 

Take a look at our suggestions below and follow our social pages for even more inspiration – shared direct from our ‘cool’ local attractions and hospitality businesses.


Arundel

 

Bignor Roman Villa  - Bignor Pumpkin Patch - VisitArundel.co.uk 7th – 31st October 2023

 

New this year Arundel Pumpkin Patch

 

Arundel Farmers’ Market – 16th October - will no doubt have pumpkins, squashes and plenty of other seasonal vegetables.

 

Aldingbourne Country Farm  - Witching Woodland Walks and Halloween Spooktacular to explore.

 

Arundel Lido – Not ‘spooky’ but definitely ‘chilling!' 

 

Arundel Castle - Characters Through History weekend 25th and 26th October – the final big event before the castle closes for the season on the 29th October 2023. Check the castle’s website for 2024 opening dates.

 

Arundel Museum  - Discover the history of Arundel, take part in a Children’s Art Workshop (23rd October) and view the brand-new Exhibition : Rebuilding Arundel Castle 1870-1900 from 13th October – 24th January 2024

 

WWT Arundel – There’s Eek! Week and more at this wonderful location in the watery countryside by the River Arun.

 

And fireworks at nearby Fontwell Park Racecourse on the 4th November.


 

Bognor Regis

 

Bognor Regis Football Club Fireworks and Kids Disco - 22nd October

 

Bognor Regis Museum are hosting their Halloween ‘Ghost Hunt – 24th – 28th October

 

Butlin’s, Bognor Regis: ‘Spooktober’ Half Term Breaks – and more

 

Discover nature and some wonderful autumn colour in Hotham Park and explore the Heritage Trails on the seafront and throughout the town.

 

Check out the Love Bognor Regis Facebook page for some clever, and different ways to support your local town centre businesses this Halloween.

 

And visit the Love Bognor Regis website for even more ideas to help you enjoy this famous seaside town all year round.


 

Littlehampton

 

The Beach, Littlehampton continue with their varied range of activities for all and East Beach Café have Half Term activities for the youngsters - and there’s a Tourism & Hospitality Networking event at East Beach Café on the seafront on Tuesday 17th November

 

Littlehampton Museum Visit the children’s Roman’s Exhibition before it closes at the end of October.

 

Rustington Museum – has the opportunity to make Autumn decorations and Masks

 

Enjoy Littlehampton HarbourHarbour ParkMewsbrook ParkLittlehampton Wave Leisure Centre and Beach & Riverside Walks – there’s a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday 21st October too, with activities and entertainment to celebrate the completion of the newly refurbished town centre.

 

Plus – Fireworks! - the biggest local event of them all is the annual Littlehampton Bonfire Procession and Seafront Greens Fireworks on Saturday 28 October!

 

See Visit Littlehampton  and Littlehampton Town Council for more inspiration and events.

 

If you know of any other Fireworks Displays happening in the district , let us know on our Facebook page – look out for and add to the comments on our dedicated Half Term and Fireworks post coming soon.

 

While you’re here, why not check out our other Things To Do blogs and our Social Media plus more partners Experience West Sussex and the South Downs National Park for even more inspiration!




‘Sussex by the Sea’ and Arun District Council provide this information in good faith, as provided by partners and event organisers, or researched and published on various local websites and social media channels. Please click the links provided and contact the event organiser/attraction/business or venue direct to confirm current details.

02 May, 2024
As Sussex by the Sea springs into life over the May bank holiday, we wanted to share with you some of the fabulous activities and events you can partake in over the three-day weekend. Whether you’re visiting Arundel , Bognor Regis , Littlehampton or all three, we’re sure you’ll find plenty to do across the coast that offers the most. Bognor Regis Take a gentle stroll along the promenade, visit the famous Bognor Regis Time Portal free to use, immersive experience , dive into a world of buzzing games and excitement at the arcades, but the thrill doesn’t stop there, take a break and refuel from one of the many food vendors , tantalising your taste buds with treats that are as diverse as they are delicious, or simply, relax, unwind and bask in the breathtaking views that stretch before you whilst you enjoy the sea breeze. Explore the picturesque Victorian green spaces of Hotham Park , with lush gardens, a boating lake, miniature railway, and plenty of space for picnics and leisurely walks, as well as the glorious Hotham Park cafe , offering a delicious bite to eat with indoor, and outdoor seating. If you're travelling with family, consider a day at the award winning Butlin's , an iconic action packed family holiday resort offering entertainment, activities, and fun for all ages! Littlehampton If you're feeling adventurous, you could try your hand at water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, or paddleboarding, which are popular along the East Beach coast. Indulge in some traditional British seaside cuisine by trying fish and chips or sampling locally caught seafood at one of the town's restaurants or seafood shacks. Visit Harbour Park , an amusement park located right on the seafront. Enjoy rides, games, and attractions for the whole family, including a mini-golf course and adventure playground. Take a stroll around Littlehampton Harbour and watch the boats coming and going. You can also book a boat tour or fishing trip from the harbour if you're feeling adventurous. Arundel Visit some of Arundel's beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Arundel Castle Gardens with their ‘allium extravaganza’ or Swanbourne Lake, where you can relax, picnic, and admire the natural beauty. Take a boat tour along the River Arun and enjoy a scenic journey through the countryside surrounding Arundel. Learn about the area's wildlife, history, and landmarks from knowledgeable local guides. Explore the town's shops, boutiques, and cafes, and pick up some souvenirs or locally made goods to take home with you. For more information on things to do across the Arun District , check out our other blogs, or visit the Visit Arundel , Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton websites.
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 , Visit Littlehampton and Events 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…
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