Things To Do
in Felpham

Felpham is a seaside village in West Sussex, just west of Bognor Regis, known for its long sandy beaches and a calm, maritime atmosphere. Its quaint lanes, village green, and St Mary the Virgin church give it a quintessential English coastal character. The area offers easy access to the South Downs for scenic walks and day trips to historic towns such as Arundel and Chichester.

Locals welcome visitors with family-friendly beaches, friendly pubs, and a growing café scene throughout the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Seafront
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll along Felpham's beautiful seafront, taking in the fresh sea air and picturesque views of the English Channel. Visit the historic Felpham Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or enjoy some quiet time near the water. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from a local cafe to kickstart your day.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming village of Felpham, where you can visit local shops and enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional pub. Take a guided walk to learn about the village's rich history, including its connections to the poet William Blake. If the weather permits, consider hiring a bicycle to further explore the scenic coastal paths.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to the seafront for a magical view of the horizon glowing with colors. Choose from a selection of beachfront restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in freshly caught seafood and other local delicacies. Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, catching the last glimpses of daylight.

day 2
Visit to the Manor House
morning
:

After breakfast, set off to explore the magnificent Felpham Manor House, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Enjoy a guided tour, where you can delve into the history and significance of the estate. Take some time to wander the gardens, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Break for lunch at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and specialty coffees while soaking up the village atmosphere. Post-lunch, visit the nearby church, St. Mary's, to admire its historic architecture and tranquil surroundings. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining an art workshop to learn about local crafts.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a local bistro that reflects the best of British cuisine. After dining, take a casual stroll through the village, enjoying the quaint streets adorned with fairy lights. Cap the night off with a pint at a traditional pub, where you can mingle with locals and hear stories about the area.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥪Lunch sandwich$5-9
Coffee/tea$2-5
🎟️Cinema or venue ticket$10-15
🚆Local bus day pass$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed seaside atmosphere with easy access to the South Downs
  • Family-friendly beaches and welcoming pubs/cafés
  • Compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or bike
  • Limited nightlife within Felpham itself
  • Public transport can be infrequent on weekends and evenings
  • Some attractions require short drives to nearby towns

Places to Visit in Felpham

Visit one of these nice places.

Felpham Beach at sunrise

Long, open shoreline with soft light and reflections off the water; ideal for early-morning photography.

St Mary the Virgin Church and village green

Historic church, thatched cottages, and a quaint village green provide classic English countryside visuals.

Bognor Regis Pier

Iconic pier with sea views, amusing silhouettes at sunset, and seaside activity as a backdrop.

Arun Estuary viewpoints

Marshlands and estuary views offering silhouettes of birds and a tranquil waterscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Felpham

Felpham’s dining scene blends traditional Sussex pub fare with modern cafés and locally sourced ingredients, making it easy to find something for every palate.

Felpham Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish and chips

A classic seaside staple featuring freshly caught fish and chunky chips; best enjoyed near the coast.

Must-Try!

Cream tea

Scones with clotted cream and jam, a quintessential Sussex treat in many cafés.

Seafood platter

Assorted local seafood served with crusty bread and a squeeze of lemon.

Herbs and garden salads

Light, seasonal dishes highlighting locally grown produce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bognor Regis Market

Weekly market stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and handmade goods.

Seafront stalls

Seasonal street-food options and quick bites along the Felpham promenade.

Climate Guide

Weather

Felpham experiences a maritime climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers. The weather can be changeable, with sea breezes moderating heat in summer and bringing occasional rain throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and politeness

British etiquette favors polite language, quiet conversations in public spaces, and orderly queuing for services and transport.

Pubs and conversation

Greet with a simple hello or hi; speak at moderate volume, especially in enclosed spaces.

Tipping and service charges

Check if a service charge is included before tipping; otherwise tip modestly for good service.

Safety Guide

Safety

Coastal safety is important: watch tides and signage on beaches, supervise children near the water, and keep valuables secure in transit. Use well-lit paths at night and stay aware of traffic when walking along coastal roads.

Tipping in Felpham

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In the UK, tipping is discretionary. Round up bills or leave 10-15% in sit-down restaurants if service isn’t included.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Some small venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; beaches can be busy on weekends. Pack sunscreen, hats, and light layers; stay hydrated and enjoy late-evening strolls by the water.

Autumn

Milder temperatures with colorful coastal sunsets; seas may be choppier and winds stronger—great for dramatic seascapes and woodland walks.

Winter

Cool, often windy, with occasional rain; daylight hours are shorter. Coastal walks can be brisk but rewarding with fewer crowds.

Spring

Flowers bloom along village lanes and coastal paths; mild days with occasional showers—perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Felpham at Night

Felpham offers a relaxed, village-style nightlife with cosy pubs and cafés. For more options, nearby Bognor Regis has additional bars and occasional live music, especially in warmer months. Expect a friendly, low-key atmosphere rather than rowdy clubs.

Hiking in Felpham

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

South Downs Way – coastal section near Felpham

A scenic portion of the trail with sea views and rolling downs, suitable for day hikes.

Arun and Valley trails near Arundel

Gentle woodland and riverside routes offering wildlife sightings and tranquil scenery.

West Sussex coastal paths from Felpham toward Middleton-on-Sea

Easy to moderate coastal walks with panoramas of the Channel and marshlands.

Airports

How to reach Felpham by plane.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Major international hub about 60-75 miles away; convenient rail and road links via Victoria/Via road; reach Felpham by train to Barnham or Bognor Regis and a short taxi or bus ride.

Southampton Airport (SOU)

About 40-60 miles away with domestic and some international flights; easy access via rail connections to Chichester and Bognor Regis.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Approximately 70-100 miles away; extensive international services; best reached via rail routes heading toward London then southward to West Sussex.

London City Airport (LCY)

Around 70-100 miles away; convenient for short-range trips; transfer to southbound rail services toward Sussex or use road routes via the south coast.

Getting Around

Walkability

Felpham is highly walkable, with short, pleasant routes along the seafront and through the village. Key amenities, cafés, and the beach are all within easy walking distance, though some connections to nearby towns are best reached by bike or local transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families visit for beach days, safe waters, and nearby parks.

Retirees

Calmer pace and scenic walks attract retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Tourists and day-trippers

Seasonal visitors who come for seaside activities, markets, and short excursions to nearby towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Regional clubs and nearby cities offer matches; Sussex area has a strong football culture.

Cricket

Sussex County Cricket Club and local grounds are popular in summer.

Sailing and water sports

Coastal location supports sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding during the warmer months.

Golf

Several golf courses in West Sussex provide scenic rounds with sea views.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal traffic can be busier in summer, especially on weekends and holidays. Public transport (rail and bus) is reliable for travel to larger towns, but road travel along the A259 can slow during peak times. Plan for some delays when heading to wider attractions, and consider early starts for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Felpham.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian mains, salads, and dairy-free options are common; ask staff about daily specials and cross-contact.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GP surgeries in the area, with the nearest hospitals located in Chichester (St Richard’s Hospital) and additional services in nearby towns like Bognor Regis and Portsmouth. For emergencies, dial 999 and visit the nearest A&E when required.

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