Make the most of the summer holidays and enjoy some fantastic family-friendly activities on a budget across the Arun District of Sussex by the Sea this season.

We understand the cost of living may pose some challenges to your itinerary this summer, particularly during the six-week break, which is why we have put together a list of some fantastic free, low cost and ‘added value’ activities and events available to enjoy across Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Bognor Regis

If you’re planning a day by the coast then you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the  Beach on the Beach - a huge sandpit located on the East Beach promenade offering children a safe place to play even if the tide is high, and right next door there’s a free play park where the youngsters can soak up the fresh sea air too.

If we’re fortunate enough to enjoy the Great British sunshine, or even when there are clouds on the horizon, the Splash Fountains at Place St Maur, next to the Regis Centre and between the seafront and the High Street are a fantastic way of cooling off, with plenty of independent shops and eateries nearby. Or, why not treat yourself to a proper locally made ice cream while you watch others having fun –Sweet Flamingo Ice cream overlooks the fountains and Pinks Vintage Ice Cream Parlour is just few steps west along the prom.

Discover more about Bognor Regis and download or follow the Heritage Trail of your choice, ride the Promenade Train or visit Hotham Park for some great nature walks, cycle rides, Adventure Golf and shade from that sun when you need it. Take a more active journey along the promenade and use the activity equipment provided for free use and check out the town’s fabulous outdoor activities too!

Volunteer or cheer on the participants in the weekly free Bognor Regis ParkRun or even better, join the local running community in Hotham Park, every Saturday for adults and every Sunday for children.

Don’t forget all those summer events, mostly free to attend or great value. Take a look at lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on for all the latest ideas, from Kids’ FREE Sunshine Days on August weekdays to great ways to discover nature at Pagham Harbour and MUCH more. Keep checking back as new events are regularly added to the calendar.

Arundel

Steeped in history, Arundel is the destination this summer if you love quaint and cobbled!

Visit the Museum in Mill Road right opposite the castle entrance, to discover the rich history of Arundel and enjoy a great range of events at a very reasonable cost. Before heading into town, download the free i-spy trail from the website and meet the people of Arundel

Count how many footsteps it takes and how many different independent shops there are as you climb the High Street from the Market Cross; into Tarrant Street, Maltravers Street and up to the historic St Nicholas’ Church  and Cathedral.

Look out for organised events at Visit Arundel – many of which might suit your budget or could even be free! Don’t forget to check the details of the annual Arundel Festival of the Arts for ten days of amazing entertainment at the end of August each year.

Take a stroll along Mill Road from the town to Swanbourne Lake  and on the way admire the ‘free range’ waterfowl in the roadside streams and play ‘spot the water vole’ too! Discover more at: Countryside & Walks at VisitArundel.co.uk 

Enjoy feeding more wildfowl at Swanbourne Lake, hire a rowing boat, and climb the hills into the South Downs National Park.

Carry on along Mill Road to and on to the Arundel Wetlands Centre where you could spend the whole day for a great value visit. Consider purchasing a membership package for unlimited free visits to this wonderful nature reserve and all the WWT sites across the country!

Littlehampton

Another stunning seaside location, Littlehampton offers an abundance of activities for families.

Take a pedalo ride on Mewsbrook Park Lake, or a miniature railway ride between the park and Norfolk Gardens. Or ride the Promenade train from east to west and take in the seaside views.

Play a round of ‘piratical’ adventure golf, Putting or Par 3 golf at Norfolk Gardens, all with great sea views. Or try your hand at ‘crabbing’ on the riverside, or sailing your small toy boats on the ‘Oyster Pond’ by Harbour Park which has some great savings on their summer fun rides and activities.

Pack a picnic for the beach or the Seafront Greens , or use the free BBQ sites for your portable barbecue packs  Visit the play parks and nature reserves of the district, or seek out the  town centre and riverside monolith signs and maps to discover Littlehampton’s history and heritage and meet Ozzie the Owl on Littlehampton’s Heritage Trail

If you’re visiting the coast, check out all the info you need and the latest tides and weather and  be creative with building stone sculptures at high tide and sandcastles at low tide then post your pics on social media.

Make sure you ‘tag’ Sussex by the Sea and our website partners.

Have any further budget friendly ideas that you’d love to share? Let us know on our social channels, we’d love to see your photos too, we may even select one for our ‘pic of the month!’

Keep busy and check out more of our Things To Do blogs for even more inspiration!