Looking ahead to 2023
As 2022 fades into the memory, its good to look forward to the coming year and dream of adventures to come.
What will you be looking for in your 2023 staycation?
The Arun District / ‘Sussex by the Sea’ offers a great mix of tradition, history, sports, watersports, fun, relaxation and sea, sky and Downs; all within easy reach of each other. Under 2 hours from central London in the centre of the south coast, the district offers a great base to explore Sussex and discover a whole range of adventures – with plenty of options to escape, chill, and relax too.
Read on for some ideas on how the Arun District / ‘Sussex by the Sea’ can supply all you would want, and probably more.
Spending time with friends and family?
You could enjoy great value, fully inclusive breaks and holidays at Butlin’s Bognor Regis, rediscover simple pleasures at the beach, and discover great accommodation ideas from ‘glamping’, caravan and camping sites, cosy B&Bs, self-catering cottages and apartments to top hotels.
You won’t be bored! Enjoy a range of watersports in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and on the River Arun; visit the many attractions, festivals and organised events, try a new sport, or picnic in the award winning parks and beaches; there are many opportunities to help you make memories that will last, here’s some more ideas:
Exploring and activities
Activities on land and on water can be found throughout the district from watching horse racing at Fontwell Park and nearby Goodwood to walking the dog (and the kids) in local parks, riverside and woodland in Slindon and Eartham Woods. There are urban trails to follow in all three towns and guided walks can be booked too.
A whole calendar full of organised events throughout the year will be available, arranged for you to enjoy and participate in, including ‘Pancake Olympics’, Littlehampton Waterfront Festival, Arts, Exhibitions, Trails and workshops, Arundel Arts Festival, Southdowns Folk Festival, Bognor Regis and an international Jousting Festival and more fabulous historically themed events at Arundel Castle.
Look out for our Things To Do blogs and follow our social channels for more ideas all year round.
Enjoying the natural world
The RSPB and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust look after some wonderful coastal and riverside centres in the district where you can witness wildlife in all its forms, with expertise and guidance on hand to add to the experience. There’s RSPB Pagham Harbour west of Bognor Regis, RSPB Pulborough Brooks north of Arundel and WWT Arundel located alongside the River Arun and the Castle where, along with newts and dragonflies, you’ll be able to meet pelicans and even, if you’re lucky, White Tailed Eagles who have recently been spotted locally! The district’s award winning quality parks, reserves and of course the beaches are all great places to breathe the fresh air and witness nature in all its forms.
Running parallel with our coastline we have the wonderful South Downs National Park on our doorstep – with a 100 mile National Trail between Winchester and Eastbourne and miles of wonderful, varied habitat to enjoy. Arundel is one of the gateways to the National Park with some great walks (and views) starting from Swanbourne Lake, just across the road from WWT Arundel and from Whiteways Lodge at the top of Bury Hill, north of the town.
Discovering history and local culture
Arundel Castle of course is our local ‘jewel in the crown’, the home of many events and historic and artistic treasures, as well as stunning gardens!
Arundel also has a beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral which hosts the unique (in the UK) Corpus Christi Carpet of Flowers each year, 60 days after Easter. Another unique historic experience can be found across the road from the Cathedral in the form of historic St Nicholas’ Church which is both Catholic and Anglican!
There are fabulous local museums in Arundel, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Rustington and tour guides can be booked to help you make the most of your historic interests. And don’t forget the History and Heritage Trails in all three local towns.
Nearby Chichester is a Saxon, Roman & Georgian city with Normal Cathedral and great Museum built around the Roman Baths! Modern Art is in abundance in the city and the world famous Chichester Festival Theatreoffers top class theatre and culture.
Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton all celebrate local culture and talent, with arts, festivals, exhibitions and theatre offering entertainment all year round. From Arundel Arts Festival and Arundel at Christmas to Skateboarding competitions, Watersports and Wassail events, and ‘Pagham Pram Race’ too!
Escaping, relaxing and enjoying new surroundings
If you travel to the district from London by train, relaxation tinged with excitement can be experienced as soon as you see the Sussex countryside and Arundel with the castle, church and cathedral on the skyline. There are good transport links and a whole range of fabulous accommodation in the district from cosy pubs and B&Bs to traditional and boutique hotels, inns and luxury spas which will make your stay as relaxing and memorable as you’d expect. Take a look at the accommodation listed on each our town partners’ websites Visit Arundel, Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton – and Experience West Sussex too.
Discover Sussex by the Sea in 2023 – its not just for summer!
Follow our social media channels for more local events and news shared by ‘Sussex by the Sea’ and our partners and local attractions, event organisers and tourism & hospitality businesses. You’ll find all the social channel links and contacts at: https://www.sussexbythesea.com/contact
If you’re planning to make the Arun District your base for a longer stay, scroll through our home page and click the links to our towns' destination websites and neighbouring partners Experience West Sussex and the South Downs National Park for even more reasons to stay in or close to ‘Sussex by the Sea’.
‘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.
