Worthing

Introduction

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex, you will find Worthing to be a coastal destination situated between Brighton and Chichester. The northern reaches of the borough blend into the natural landscape of the South Downs National Park.

During your visit, you can experience the local maritime atmosphere and explore the Art Deco Worthing Pier, which has been recognized as the best pier in Britain.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by acknowledging the coastal character of this seaside destination. You will find a town that has transitioned from a small fishing hamlet into an elegant resort with deep literary roots. As you explore, you can trace its history through its connection to figures like Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen, as well as its ancient geological past involving extensive flint-mining operations in the nearby hills.

When planning your itinerary, consider these local highlights:

• Experience the coastal atmosphere of the promenade, which features palm trees and a revitalized Splash Point area.
• Visit the site of the Dome Cinema or head to the western end of the promenade for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Explore the nearby South Downs located just north of the town.
• Be aware that while the town is generally safe, you should exercise caution as the town centre can become rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights.

Getting there

You can reach Worthing by train from London Bridge or Victoria stations, with the journey taking approximately 75 minutes. If you are traveling from Gatwick Airport, the train ride is shorter, taking about 45 minutes. The coastal rail line also connects you to neighboring towns like Brighton and Chichester, while trains provide access to Portsmouth further west. The main railway station serves the town just northwest of the centre.

Driving provides convenient access via several major roads: the A27 runs through the north of town connecting it to Brighton and Chichester, while the A24 links Worthing to London and the M25 as a dual carriageway. For those arriving from Gatwick Airport, the A264/M23 offers a dual carriageway route. Alternatively, you can take a National Express bus to the seafront bus station near the Dome Cinema.

Getting around

You can easily explore the compact town centre on foot, as the main shopping district on Montague and South Streets is situated just one block from the seafront. For those preferring to cycle, you can take a route from the train station to the seafront or follow the coastal path eastward toward Lancing and Shoreham. A portion of the coastal cycle route between Brighton and Worthing is also partly traffic-free.

The town is well connected by an extensive public transport network:

• Southern Railway operates trains from Worthing's main station as well as four suburban stations—East Worthing, West Worthing, Durrington-on-Sea, and Goring-by-Sea.
• Stagecoach provides regular bus services throughout the area, including the Pulse service between Durrington and Lancing via the town centre and the 700 Coastliner between Brighton and Littlehampton.
• Compass Buses also offers local transit within the town.
• National Express operates coach services to and from London, arriving at the seafront near the Dome Cinema.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations throughout the area, ranging from traditional family-run establishments to modern budget options. In East Worthing, you can stay in bed and breakfast establishments along or near Brighton Road, where sea front rooms provide views of the fishing beach and the English Channel.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you may choose from several distinct settings:

• A traditional family-run hotel set in a Georgian building with character, featuring its own lounge, cocktail bar, and games.
• A plush sea-front hotel located on Marine Parade.
• A budget hotel situated near the Museum & Art Gallery.
• A guest house located a short walk from the sea.
• A spruced-up old pub with rooms and dining options in Angmering.

Food & drink

Explore a wide variety of international cuisines across the town centre, particularly within the pedestrianised Warwick Street area or in the West End near Montague Street and Rowlands Road. For an intimate atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine on Warwick Street, visit Pomodoro e Mozzarella. If you prefer Chinese food, choose between China Palace, which offers a cooked-to-order buffet, and Fortune Inn on Chapel Road. You can also find Indian dishes at Shafiques on Goring Road, where you can request a window seat to watch the local world go by.

For your daytime cravings, visit Bath Place to choose between Thai Lunch Box for traditional sandwiches and Thai food, or Parklife for a wide selection of milkshakes. If you prefer seafood, head to the coast for Crabshack at Marine Parade, the pier-end restaurant Tern, or Coast, which serves organic ice cream and focaccia sandwiches in a seaside setting. In the West End, enjoy contemporary decor and service at Crescent Road Cafe Restaurant, or experience live jazz and a plush atmosphere at Food on New Street. For a rustic feel with locally sourced ingredients, visit the deli-style cafe Pestle & Mortar on Portland Road.

The local drinking scene features a variety of pubs throughout the centre, including several well-known micropubs like Brooksteed, which boasts a stylish interior. You can enjoy traditional cask ales and jazz at the Hare & Hounds, or experience a revitalised craft beer selection at Selden Arms. For those seeking seafood and cocktails in a stylish but informal setting, Indigo Bar & Restaurant serves seasonal ingredients from local sources.

What to see and do

Explore the coastal atmosphere of Worthing by strolling along the promenade or taking a bike ride from a local shop on the seafront. You can head toward the art deco pier to admire the views from Splash Point, which features a rainbow mist water feature and seating area. For those seeking activity on the water, you can hire stand-up paddle boards and kayaks at East Beach. If you prefer land-based exploration, cycle along the coast or venture onto the South Downs. Visit the historic Highdown Gardens for scenic views of the town or explore the nearby Cissbury Ring, an impressive Iron Age hillfort located in the South Downs National Park.

Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery to see Victorian costume collections, sculpture gardens, and archaeological artifacts. You can also follow the Art Trail to visit various local studios and craft spaces. For a unique cinematic experience, catch a film at the Dome Cinema, one of the country's most atmospheric early cinemas. If you enjoy live performances, choose between the West End productions at the Connaught Theatre, shows at the beach-side Pavilion Theatre on the pier, or concerts with excellent acoustics at the Assembly Hall. Other local highlights include:

• The restored High Salvington Mill, a post mill from the late 18th century.
• A reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the English Martyrs Catholic Church.
• Brooklands Park and lake, a coastal park featuring a replanted former golf course.
• Watching local sports such as basketball at the Worthing Leisure Centre or cricket at Broadwater Green.

Three days in Worthing

Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving in Worthing via the Southern Railway or by driving from nearby locations such as Portsmouth or Brighton. Once you arrive, take some time to settle into the local atmosphere and prepare for your stay in this coastal destination.

Day two, explore the local area and visit Art Deco Worthing Pier to experience the seaside scenery. You can also spend your time wandering through the South Streets or exploring nearby areas like Lancing and Shoreham.

Day three, you can enjoy a final day of relaxation before departing for your next destination, whether that be heading toward London or other nearby locations in West Sussex.