The five best local parks and gardens in Chichester and Bognor Regis
Encourage your seniors to get out and about in the community for a short walk and fresh air; take them to these popular local parks and gardens in Chichester and Bognor Regis.
West Dean Gardens | Chichester
Located just 6 miles north of Chichester, West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public in England.
Visitors can explore a wide range of historic features on a gentle walk around the grounds. From surreal trees to the restored walled garden and the 300 foot long Edwardian pergola, there is plenty to see here.
Note, there is an admission fee to gain entry to the gardens. During the summer months (March-Oct) the fee is £12 and during the winter months (Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb) £7.50. Carers receive free entry if they are visiting to support the person they are caring for.
Detailed visitor accessibility for the gardens is available online. Much of the site is accessible. There are some slopes, steps, gravel paths and some tarmac paths to be aware of.
Bishop's Palace Gardens | Chichester
A hidden treasure, nestling between the south-western edge of the Cathedral and the City Walls lie the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens. A peaceful oasis, the gardens date back to 1147-48 and have recently undergone a major refurbishment.
The addition of water features, new seating and a pergola walk, alongside improved access and the creation of a wildlife friendly garden space make this the perfect place to unwind and visit with an elderly visitor.
The garden has many great assets, including rare and champion specimen trees, a fantastic location and a peaceful ambiance. Thousands of new shrubs, trees, roses, climbers and herbaceous plants have been added recently. Open from 8am until dusk, the garden is just a short walk from the Cathedral.
Access the Gardens via Canon Lane, which is through an archway halfway up South Street on the west side. The Gardens can also be discovered behind the cathedral via the Cloisters and St Richard’s Walk. Turn right at the end. A third entrance can be found on the inner ring road, Avenue de Chartres, near the roundabout into West Street.
The Bishop’s Palace Gardens are flat and Care Professionals have no issues with using a wheelchair throughout so that senior visitors can enjoy the scenery, the calm ambience and the fresh air.
Priory Park | Chichester
Priory Park is a public park in the centre of Chichester operated by Chichester District Council. The park has a rich heritage and is bordered by the medieval city walls to the north and east which are built upon the original Roman foundations. The park contains Chichester Castle and the Guildhall.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the perimeter of the park, which is flat and suitable for wheelchairs. Conveniently tucked in the north-east corner of the park is Fenwicks Café which has indoor or outdoor seating, parasols with heaters and blankets for chilly days.
Priory Park does not have its own car parking, therefore visitors will need to park in the adjacent roads or in Northgate Car Park which is close by.
Hotham Park | Bognor Regis
Hotham Park is an area of 22 acres situated in the heart of Bognor Regis. The park is located off the High Street and has two car parks. One in the north-east quadrant, off the mini roundabout at the Upper Bognor Road/High Street junction. The other is off London Road.
There’s lots of woodland walks in the park and benches in several areas so visitors can watch the world go by if they wish. For the more adventurous visitor, the park offers crazy golf, a ride on a miniature train or boat hire on the lake.
Fortunately there is also a fantastic café with lots of indoor and outdoor seating offering a large range of drinks, snacks, meals and ice cream.
Marine Park Gardens | Bognor Regis
Established in the 1930’s, Marine Park Gardens are situated to the west of Bognor Regis in Aldwick and are opposite the beach in Marine Drive West.
In the gardens, there is a 18 hole putting green, plenty of seating, water fountain and lots of flat tarmacked footpaths. During the summer months, the flower beds are full of colour and design. All in all, a great place for a stroll, to relax and take in nature.
There is street parking available adjacent to the gardens along Kings Parade. These spaces allow for 2 hours of free parking.
