Splash

Right on the seafront at Bognor Regis, Splash is the sort of place that keeps families occupied for a solid afternoon without breaking the bank. It's a water play area - think fountains, splash pads, and shallow pools designed for younger kids to run about in during the warmer months. Nothing fancy, but on a sunny day it does the job brilliantly.

The appeal is straightforward: it's free, it's right there by the beach, and if your children are under ten, they'll likely want to stay longer than you'd expect. Parents can sit nearby with a coffee while kids cool off. The setting helps - you're yards from the promenade, so you can drift between Splash and a proper beach visit without much hassle.

Timing matters here. Summer weekends get rammed, and on cooler days it's frankly a bit pointless. Go midweek in July or August if you can, or on a warm May afternoon before the school holidays when it's far quieter. Allow an hour or two depending on how easily your lot gets distracted.

If you're staying at Butlins Bognor Regis - just under a mile away - you'll pass Splash constantly. It's a decent companion activity for when Butlins feels too intense, or a cheap alternative if you're camping elsewhere nearby like Rowan Park. It's not a reason to visit Bognor in itself, but if you're already there with young children, it's well worth knowing about.