The Worthing weekender

Two deck chairs on Worthing pier

Enjoy some classic seaside pastimes in Worthing, the jewel in West Sussex’s coastal crown.

There’s something for everyone in the convivial beachside town of Worthing. Peruse eclectic art at the East Beach Studios, feast on fresh seafood right on the beach, discover the ancient ruins at Cissbury Ring or simply eat ice cream and play crazy golf. Here, it’s all about the simple pleasures in life.

Ideal for: Couples, families, friends
Interests: Shopping, walking, history, art, culture, food
Main areas: Worthing, Angmering-On-Sea, Findon, Hangleton

Day one

  1. With its convenient rail links to the South East and easy access to the A27, Worthing is a great option for visitors all year round. One day isn’t enough in West Sussex’s most popular coastal resort, so make sure you stay a while to experience everything the area has to offer.
  2. A good place to start is on the seafront where you can get your bearings and take in some fresh sea air. Stroll along the pleasant promenade, browse art at the East Beach Studios and discover the ornate pier dating back to 1862; here you can catch a show in The Pavilion Theatre, try your hand at the slot machines in the amusement arcade, grab some brunch at Perch on the Pier, or enjoy a spot of fishing.
  3. For those after more of a sport- and leisure-filled day, there are plenty of options. Head to the state-of-the-art Splashpoint Leisure Centre with its six-lane, 25-metre competition pool, indoor leisure pool with flume and deft-defying three-metre diving board. To the west of Worthing in Goring is Learn to Kitesurf, a friendly BKSA-approved school where you can sign up for kitesurfing lessons under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.
  4. After all that activity you’ll probably be hungry, so it’s time to seek out the wonderful Crab Shack on Marine Parade. This is one of a handful of outstanding Worthing eateries that have sprung up over the past few years and is well worth a stop off. The crispy squid and local dressed crab are to die for.
  5. Then it’s time for a spot of shopping. All the usual High Street chains are here, but seek out Warwick Street if you’re looking for a collection of more quirky, independent shops – Retro Daisy and Heavy Gretel are our favourites. Rowlands Road and Portland Road are also home to cool independents, cafes, bars and restaurants.
  6. If you’re visiting in the summer months, see if you can catch an open air performance of Shakespeare by the Rainbow Theatre at the stunning Highdown Gardens, a short 10-minute car ride from town.
  7. Bed down for the night in Worthing – there are a number of good hotels to choose from and Airbnb has a handful of properties available to rent that will give you a true taste of town from a local’s perspective. Luxury Beach House Rental in Angmering-On-Sea (a 15-minute drive from the centre) offers visitors luxurious seafront beach accommodation that you’ll never want to leave.

 Day two

  1. Today it’s all about discovering the countryside and outdoor activities on offer, all within a stone’s throw of Worthing. Head to the pretty village of Findon – a 10-minute drive away – and park in the National Trust-owned Storrington Rise car park in Findon Valley.
  2. Pick up the footpath that takes you to Cissbury Ring, the largest and most historic hill fort in Sussex dating back over 5,000 years. This circular downland walk takes around three hours and boasts ramparts of 1.5 miles and fine views out to sea. Some historians say the Iron Age fort housed a mint where riches were safeguarded from invading Vikings. Look out for the butterflies and New Forest ponies that graze on the scrubland as you explore the ruins.
  3. Back in the village, it’s time to enjoy a pint and home-cooked late lunch at The Gun Inn, a family-friendly pub that has stood in the village for over 500 years. This is a great country pub that shouldn’t be missed. In the warmer months there’s a lovely beer garden too.
  4. A short hop from Findon you’ll find Roundstone Farm on the A259, just past Goring-by-Sea. With one of the biggest and best selections of crops in the south, this family owned farm is Pick Your Own heaven. From June to September visitors can pick everything from strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants to beetroot, sugar snap peas and butternut squash. It’s a fantastic way to spend the afternoon and shop for fresh, local produce.
  5. There are also weekly car boot sales, an on-site tea room and farm shop where you can buy food from other West Sussex producers. It’s the perfect way to end any trip to Worthing. See you next time!
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