Bognor Regis, a seaside town with a history intertwined with British royalty, has fallen from its former prominence to become one of the UK's most critically reviewed resorts. Once a destination that attracted King George V and bustling crowds, it was recently named by the consumer group Which? as the joint-worst seaside resort in Britain, receiving low ratings for its beach, food, drink, scenery, and tranquility.
A Royal Past and a Holiday Boom
Until the 18th century, Bognor was a modest fishing village. Its transformation began in 1784 when Sir Richard Hotham established it as a seaside resort, building grand houses to attract visitors. The town's prestige grew significantly in 1929 when King George V chose Bognor for a convalescence period. His successful four-month stay was so impactful that it is rumored to be the inspiration for the addition of 'Regis' to its name, though a less flattering anecdote attributes the king's last words to be "Bugger Bognor."
The Butlin's Era and the Rise of Foreign Travel
The opening of Butlin's in 1960 marked a new era for Bognor Regis, turning it into a popular holiday destination for working-class families. The resort's success mirrored that of other Butlin's locations, attracting visitors with entertainment and beauty pageants. However, the 1960s also saw the rise of affordable foreign package holidays, which began to draw Britons away from domestic seaside resorts.
Signs of Decline
Over the subsequent decades, Bognor Regis experienced a period of decline. The town's pier suffered damage from storms and fires, and many Victorian buildings were demolished in the 1990s for redevelopment. High street closures and an increase in crime have contributed to its diminished reputation. Pollution has also become a significant issue, with the bathing water at Aldwick beach classified as poor since 2022 due to suspected contamination from surface water drainage.
Modern Challenges: Crime and Reputation
In recent years, Bognor Regis has faced challenges related to crime and antisocial behavior. The town's overall crime rate is 133 crimes per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the West Sussex average and placing it among the top five most dangerous medium-sized towns in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Violence and sexual offenses are the most common crimes, with figures remaining high in recent years.
With its beach water quality concerns and high crime rates, Bognor Regis continues to grapple with its image. In 2025, it scored just 36 percent in a ranking of the worst British beaches, with its own beach receiving two out of five stars, and other aspects like food, drink, and scenery earning just one star.