Bognor Regis

The pier stretches boldly into the English Channel, a defiant finger pointing towards France and better weather. Bognor Regis carries its royal connection with typical British irreverence - George V famously delivered his verdict on the place, though his exact words remain unprintable in polite company. These days, the seaside town has embraced its slightly tatty charm rather than fighting it.

Butlins still dominates the eastern end of town, that great concrete monument to British holiday optimism. Love it or loathe it, the resort brings thousands of families here each summer, filling the promenade with the sound of children's laughter and the smell of chips. The beach itself runs for miles in both directions - proper sand, not shingle, which puts it ahead of Brighton in my book.

Walk west towards Pagham and you'll find a different world entirely. Pagham Lagoon attracts serious birdwatchers, while The Stunted Oak offers woodland walks away from the seaside crowds. St Wilfrid's Chapel sits quietly near Pagham Beach, a reminder that this coastline has been welcoming visitors for centuries, though medieval pilgrims probably had different expectations than today's holidaymakers.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the train from London Victoria takes just over two hours, depositing you practically on the seafront. From Chichester, it's a quick 20-minute drive south. The surrounding countryside is proper Sussex downland, rolling green hills dotted with churches like St Thomas à Becket's that have watched over these communities for hundreds of years.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough away to escape the crowds when you fancy some peace.