places to visit near worthing west sussex

Top Things to Do in Worthing, West Sussex - Worthing Must-See Attractions

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

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Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

Home > Places to Visit > Things to Do in Worthing

Things to Do in Worthing

Visit Worthing Pier

Worthing Pier was designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson and opened in 1862. It is a grade II listed and has been named Pier of the Year in both 2006 and 2019.

The Pavilion theatre is located on the landward end of the pier, there is an arcade in the middle of the pier and then the sea end is home to the Southern Pavilion, which is currently under refurbishment and will be turned into another Perch location.

Take a walk along the beach

As well as a beautiful pier, Worthing has a great beach, with a 5 mile long promenade (as the pebbles can be quite hard to walk on!).

Whilst dogs are allowed on the promenade, they are not allowed on the main beach at Worthing between 1st May and 30th September. We personally prefer parking in Goring-by-Sea, to the West of Worthing, where you can usually find a space along Marine Drive. From here you can then walk West along the seafront until you reach the Bluebird Café, which makes the perfect stop for refreshments and is dog-friendly!

Dogs are allowed on the beaches here all year round and the beach is a bit sandier.

Cycle to Brighton

If you fancy getting a bit of exercise in, why not cycle to Brighton ? There is a cycle route running from Worthing to Brighton that is about 11-12 miles and will take about 1 hour, or 2 hours there and back.

If you don’t own a bike, you can hire a Donkey Bike which can be picked up from one of the hub locations located around Worthing, which include Worthing Pier, Worthing Lido and from the Premier Inn. All you need to do is download the app to register and book your bike.

Visit High Salvington Windmill

The High Salvington Windmill is Grade II listed and dates back to approximately 1776, With the help of volunteers, it has been restored back to working order. It is located just north of Worthing, in Findon Valley, just off the A24.

Cycle to Perch for brunch

If you don’t fancy cycling the full distance to Brighton, why not cycle to Perch on Lancing beach. There is a clearly marked cycle path which makes it an easy route to cycle, and is off road.

Perch is modern café/restaurant which serves up some great brunch and lunch options and offers a great view over Lancing beach while you eat!

Take a walk up to Cissbury Ring

Cissbury Ring is located on the South Downs, just north of Worthing. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cissbury Ring is well known for being the largest hill fort in Sussex, and the second largest in the country, and it offers up some spectacular views over the county.

An array of butterflies can often be found at Cissbury Ring, including chalkhill blues, marbled whites and Adonnis.

The best place to park is at the Storrington Rise car park, which is located just off the A24 and is free and open 24 hours a day. This car park is approximately a 20 minute walk from Cissbury Ring.

Pick fruit at Roundstone Farm

Roundstone ‘PYO’ farm is the perfect day out for families where you can pick a wide range of fruit and vegetables. There is a tractor-train that takes you where you need to go around the farm.

Check their available crops online before your visit so you know what you can expect to pick!

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16 really great things to do in Worthing

Like seaside kitsch but also looking for cool stuff? Here are the best things to do in Worthing right now, from amazing seafood to art deco masterpieces

It’s the nostalgic seaside resort that blends historic charm with slowly-regenerating coastal cool. Beloved by Oscar Wilde and sung about by Suede, Worthing is home to an award-winning pier, superb street art and an impressive food scene. Its art deco architecture, beautifully preserved, makes it one for the design lovers too. Grab an ice cream, go for a paddle and prepare for a seaside trip to rival a day in nearby Brighton – these are the best things to do in Worthing right now.

RECOMMENDED: Explore nearby Brighton and Petworth  

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Best things to do in Worthing

Take a walk. Worthing’s pebble beach might discourage all but the most determined posers, but the palm trees, candy-hued beach huts and a driftwood sculpture garden make for a thoroughly photogenic stroll along the prom. Start at Marine Gardens , home to a putting green and several local bowls clubs (what do you mean, you don’t follow the league?), then head eastwards, past the Lido , a glorious 1920s bandstand which featured in Stan & Ollie . You’ll find the work of enigmatic local street artist Horace scattered all over town. He paints famous residents past and present – including Gwendoline Christie, Billy Idol and ’90s royalty Dave Benson Phillips. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, take shelter at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery . Home to one of the largest costume collections in the UK, it’s the ideal place to embrace your inner dandy – Worthing fan Oscar Wilde would approve.

Stop for lunch

Perched right on the seafront, Crab Shack is famed locally for its fresh, innovative seafood (try the cockle popcorn). Pitch  – run by 2018 ‘MasterChef’ winner Kenny Tutt – offers a gourmet revamp of a seaside classic in the shape of chorizo-and-manchego doughnuts. Beat the afternoon slump at Baked , a social enterprise cakehouse where the counter groans with as many as 20 different varieties of brownie. And because you can’t possibly paddle without an ice cream in hand, the ace Boho Gelato   serves a rotating menu of out-there alternatives and vegan options, all of them delicious. Be sure to lick fast: Worthing’s seagulls are some of the most voracious on the south coast.

Drink like a local

The town has no shortage of beach bars and traditional boozers, but a crop of new neighbourhood micropubs are encouraging a local taste for craft ale and House of Hackney interiors. The best of the batch are Brooksteed Alehouse and The Grizzly Bear – stumbling distance from Worthing and West Worthing railway stations respectively, so there’s always time for a quick half before the journey home. 

Soak up the vibes

One of Britain’s oldest working cinemas, the Dome exudes Jazz Age glamour for a fraction of the price of your local Picturehouse – even better, it has a balcony bar overlooking the sea. You’ll find Worthing’s artist quarter a quickstep away: it comprises  East Beach Studios , a row of converted beach huts selling paintings, handmade jewellery, ceramics and sculptures by local creatives. Don’t miss Coast , a pleasingly ramshackle beach café that regularly hosts live music, DJs and the town’s most discerning dogs. 

Get back to nature

Kitesurfing is really taking off around these parts, so book a taster session with one of Worthing’s many instructors . Or if you prefer turf to surf, head up to the South Downs and take a spin round Cissbury Ring , the largest hill fort in Sussex. Steeped in legend, brimming with butterflies and grazed by a herd of hungry New Forest ponies, on a clear day this neolithic landmark has views all the way to the Isle of Wight.

If you only do one thing

2019’s Pier of the Year, Worthing Pier was built in 1862 and has endured fires,  wars and several dodgy nightclubs  to remain the jewel in the town’s crown. In recent years its Southern Pavilion has been restored to its former glory as an elegant art deco tea room, offering panoramic views across the waves. The views of the sunset from beneath its pillars are the stuff of local legend.

And if you stay the night, wake up here

Sadly Jane Austen’s holiday rental of choice is now a Pizza Express, but Airbnb has plenty of charming places to lay one’s bonnet. This Grade II-listed fisherman’s cottage is built from bungaroosh: a mix of beachy debris, found (like stoolball, pond pudding and the word ‘twitten’) almost exclusively in Sussex. Inside it’s all stripped wood, stable doors and chic iron bedsteads, but the location is the real beauty. Just a pebble’s throw from the beach, it’s ideal for hauling back your catch of the day. Even if it comes in batter. From £130 per night. 

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Top Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

Stonehenge and Bath - Day Tour from Brighton

Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Air Rifle Shooting - One Hour

Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Worthing (West Sussex, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Worthing (West Sussex, England)

A seaside resort on the south coast, Worthing officially became a town at the turn of the 19th century after Princess Amelia, daughter of George III holidayed here.

Thanks to a lot of post-war construction, Worthing is now in the middle of a continuous band of seafront development, from Littlehampton in the west to Brighton in the east.

Awaiting you in Worthing are seafront gardens, Georgian townhouses and lots of monuments that hark back to the heyday of English seaside holidays, like a well-preserved pier and magnificent Edwardian cinema.

There’s also lots of Art Deco architecture, a vibrant arts community as well as epic scenery and prehistoric sites in the giant chalk hills of the South Downs.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Worthing :

1. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

This excellent town museum is in an Edwardian hall from 1908, at what used to be Worthing’s library.

The museum’s acclaimed textile and costume collection is one of the largest in the UK, rich with pieces from the Regency and Victorian periods, but also chronicling the dramatic changes to women’s fashion in the 20th century.

There are engrossing displays of local archaeology, including axes from Neolithic flint mines in the downs, the Patching hoard of Roman gold coins and the remnants of an Anglo-Saxon longboat.

One enthralling exhibit is an Ancient Egyptian vase with a Greek inscription unearthed at an Anglo-Saxon cemetery.

The art gallery has painting by Ivon Hitchens, William Holman Hunt and Lucien Pissarro, and sculpture by the Estonian Modernist Dora Gordine.

2. Worthing Pier

Worthing’s fine Victorian pier is almost 300 metres long and dates to 1862. Like all English piers, this one has suffered calamities over the years like storm damage, but, unlike most, it has retained its historic pavilions.

The 650-seater Pavilion Theatre is Worthing’s main venue for musicals, plays, stand-up comedians and touring bands.

From there you can saunter along the pier, which has iron gaslights, painted railings and sweet stained glass panels for shelter from the wind.

In the middle is an amusement arcade from the 1930s, while at the far end is the Southern Pavilion, with a function hall and tearoom.

3. Highdown Gardens

The botanist and horticulturalist Sir Frederick Stern established this spellbinding garden at a former chalk quarry in 1909. Embedded in downland with vistas of the Channel, the quarry had almost no soil and unfavourable planting conditions.

But Steyn toiled for 50 years to show that plants could flourish on chalk.

The species he introduced to Highdown are now a National Plant Collection of unusual trees and plants.

The gardens are at their best in spring and summer when snowdrops, anemones, daffodils, crocuses and then peonies and bearded irises all take turns to bloom.

4. East Beach

Worthing has a long pebble beach on both sides of the pier, backed by a promenade with cosy copper-topped shelters.

Maybe the prettiest part is to the east of the pier, for its imposing Georgian and Victorian townhouses around Steyne Gardens and monuments like the Dome Cinema.

A bit further along are the East Beach studios, where pavilions on the promenade house studios for Worthing’s growing community of artists and crafts-people, making and selling paintings, sculpture, clothing, ceramics, carvings and jewellery.

For family fun there’s crazy golf, as well as an array of amusements at the Worthing Lido.

K66 board sports organises stand-up Paddleboarding lessons and trips, and provides all the equipment you’ll need.

5. South Downs

With a National Park in Worthing’s back garden you may be itching to get out into the countryside for walks and bike trips.

The South Downs are a range of rolling chalk hills across southern England from Hampshire to East Sussex.

In 2011 this became the newest National Park in the UK, conserving a 626 square-mile patch of quiet green countryside.

One long -distance walking trail that crosses the downs and passes close to Worthing is Monarch’s Way.

This route follows Charles II’s escape from England after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and concludes just east of Worthing in Shoreham where he set sail for France.

6. Cissbury Ring

One very rewarding excursion in to the South Downs is this Iron Age hill fort for only three miles from the centre of Worthing.

Formed sometime around 250 BC, Cissbury Ring is on an isolated hilltop at Worthing’s highest point, and has awesome views in all directions.

Up here you can make out Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, Beachy Head near Eastbourne and the Isle of Wight.

The fort is the second largest in the UK, spreading over 60 hectares and encircled with ditches and banks where the fort’s colossal wall used to stand.

Human activity at Cissbury Ring goes back much further as a Neolithic flint mine burrows into the hill, with shafts up to 12 metres deep.

7. Tarring High Street

In the Worthing borough, Tarring is a suburb a mile or so west of the town centre, and much older than Worthing proper.

The church and Archbishop’s Palace here are from the 13th-century, and the houses along the meandering high street go back further than their Victorian and Georgian facades suggest.

The high street is now mostly residential, and at the older south end are some very pretty flint and cobble cottages, as well the Parsonage Bar and Restaurant in a fine 16th-century half-timbered building.

A couple of historic pubs here, the Vine and George and the Dragon are good for lunch or a pint.

8. St Andrew’s Church, West Tarring

Also worthwhile in Tarring is the Medieval parish church, with a spire that can be spotted a long way off.

St Andrew’s was founded in the 11th century, while most of its surviving stonework is Early English Gothic from the 13th century and its Perpendicular tower and chancel were reconstructed in the 15th century.

Worthing was rife with smuggling in the 18th and 19th century, and one resourceful scoundrel, William Cowerson used the church’s table tombs to stash alcohol and other contraband.

See the highly ornate Perpendicular east window in the chancel, and the tower’s beautiful west door with 15th-century hood mould.

The chancel screen also dates to this time, and has six misericords, two of which have carved heads.

9. Connaught Theatre

A dazzling 20th-century monument, the Connaught Theatre off Chapel Road has a curving facade in the Streamline Moderne style of the 1930s.

This Art Deco exterior encompasses what used to be two separate buildings constructed earlier in the 20th century, as a theatre and cinema.

As a repertory theatre the Connaught helped introduce some of the country’s most beloved actors, like Ian Holm, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

Projection equipment was installed in the 80s, and the theatre is now mainly used as a cinema.

10. Dome Cinema

Dating to 1911, the Edwardian Dome Cinema is one of England’s oldest operating cinemas.

This neo-Baroque building on the beach was commissioned by the Swiss impresario Carl Adolf Seebad.

Then called the Kursaal, this was a multi-use amenity for health cures, exhibitions, concerts, roller-skating but also to see shows at the Electric Theatre, West Sussex’s first ever cinema.

The German name was dropped during the First World War and the Dome became a full-time cinema from 1918. The Dome’s future was in doubt following financial difficulties in the 80s and 90s, but a campaign led to a complete restoration, with glorious Art Nouveau details brought back to life in the foyer and halls.

There are now three digital screens showing the latest releases and also putting on parent & baby, disability and subtitles screenings.

11. High Salvington Windmill

A prominent landmark on the downs to the north of Worthing, the High Salvington Windmill dates to around 1750. The mill was built on an exposed patch of upland, catching the winds blowing off the sea at almost 100 metres.

Following intervention by the council, the mill is in full working order, and every other Sunday opens its doors so you can view the inner workings.

The mill ground flour for Worthing for almost 150 years before switching to animal feed in 1905 and then lying in a state of disrepair for most of the 20th century.

Conservation work continued through the 1980s and the mill started producing flour once more in 1991.

12. Park Crescent

Opulent developments like Park Crescent appeared at spa and seaside towns all over England in the Georgian period.

The elegant Park Crescent takes its cues from the Royal Crescent in Bath, with a serpentine arc of Neoclassical townhouses on a small ridge overlooking parkland.

This Grade II-listed ensemble has 14 houses, each three storeys tall, as well as two intentionally quaint cottages ornés that are now hotels.

You’ll enter Park Crescent via a triumphal arch with three portals, one for carriages flanked by two for pedestrians . Their arches are supported by caryatids, depicting Atlas in the central portal and maidens on the two outside.

13. Marine Gardens

A classic English seafront garden, this public park was laid out in 1930 and sits on Marine Parade a mile or so west of Worthing Pier.

This part of the seaside promenade is tracked by some sensational Art Deco villas and apartment blocks from the 30s.

Stop by at Marine Gardens in summer and you’re sure to see Worthing’s older residents playing bowls in front of the handsome pavilion.

The park also has a putting green, for some light family fun, as well as ornamental gardens around a pond on the west side and a restaurant for afternoon tea to the east.

14. English Martyrs Catholic Church

The exterior of this local church at Goring-by-Sea may look a little nondescript, but there’s something very special inside.

Look up and you’ll be wowed by the only reproduction of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world.

The work is on a 2/3 scale, with colours matching the newly cleaned ceiling in Rome.

It was painted in 1987 by the parishioner Gary Bevans after a pilgrimage to Rome for the beatification of 85 English Catholic martyrs.

The incredible thing about this work is that Bevans had no formal training.

Worthing has a couple of golf clubs on the cusp of the South Downs National Park, both of which are well-reviewed.

Founded in 1905, Worthing Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses in its undulating downland, as well as a seven-hole par 3 for your approach play and short game.

This is a private club, but members are welcome, and summer green fees are £55 for the championship Lower Course and £30 for the Upper Course on weekdays, and £65 and £40 on weekends.

Hill Barn Golf Club is also exceptional and has a course designed by Fred Hawtree, who laid out Royal Birkdale.

On the downs you’ll get invigorating views over Worthing and the Channel.

Green fees here are £28 on weekdays and £34 on weekends.

For a more relaxed round, the Brooklands Golf Centre, east along the waterfront, has a nine-hole par 3 and a putting green.

15 Best Things to Do in Worthing (West Sussex, England):

• Worthing Museum and Art Gallery
• Worthing Pier
• Highdown Gardens
• South Downs
• Cissbury Ring
• Tarring High Street
• St Andrew's Church, West Tarring
• Connaught Theatre
• Dome Cinema
• High Salvington Windmill
• Park Crescent
• Marine Gardens
• English Martyrs Catholic Church

Top Things to Do in Worthing, West Sussex

Places to visit in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

Stonehenge and Bath - Day Tour from Brighton

Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Air Rifle Shooting - One Hour

Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

20 Fun Things to Do in Worthing, England

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Worthing is an often overlooked seaside town in West Sussex. While visitors flock in overwhelming numbers to Brighton, just 11 miles down the coast, Worthing never feels crowded.

Yet it has everything you want from a classic English beach town—a beautiful pier, pebble beach with deck chairs, stylish Art Deco architecture, and plenty of entertainment.

In recent years you’ve been able to find surprisingly good food too. As well as the essential ice cream and fish and chips, gourmet and vegan eats abound.

It also seems to have its own microclimate and locals boast that it’s always sunny in Worthing. It’s certainly one of the sunniest places in the UK.

We’ve been visiting friends in Worthing for years and recently spent a month there to explore more.

Here are our picks for the best things to do in Worthing from mini golf to museums, parks to paddleboarding, as well as day trips to the nearby South Downs National Park.

Worthing is a compact, walkable town. You’ll find a map at the end of the post with all these Worthing attractions.

Best Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do near worthing, map of worthing attractions, is worthing worth visiting, more england posts.

All these places to visit in Worthing are within walking distance of the pier.

1) Explore the Iconic Worthing Pier

Worthing Pier is the town’s most beloved landmark and a must do in Worthing.

The Grade II listed Art Deco pier was built in 1862 and won UK Pier of the Year for the second time in 2019.

It’s a lovely place for a stroll day and night. The changing light, weather, and tides mean it looks different every time. It’s especially beautiful in the evening golden hour.

The white 1920s Pavilions mark each end of the pier and in-between you’ll find a classic amusement arcade (dating back to 1935) and ice cream stand.

I love the shimmering colourful stained glass windows in the middle which feature local information and artwork. When we visited the latest exhibition celebrated the sea with photos, poems, and art.

In 2022 the Southern Pavilion at the far end of the pier was revamped into the new Perch on the Pier cafe. It’s a stunning space with sea views on all sides and delicious food. See our guide to the best restaurants in Worthing for more details.

At the other end, the Worthing Pavilion Theatre hosts a variety of performances.

2) Stroll Along the Promenade

Another Worthing highlight is the wide, flat pedestrian promenade that runs next to the beach. It stretches for five miles and is the best place in Worthing to walk, run or cycle.

Along the way, you’ll discover local artwork, kid’s playgrounds, fun activities, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

My favourite direction for a walk is west from the pier (towards Goring) where the promenade is wider and more protected from the road.

You’ll pass Worthing Lido (once a 1920s bandstand, now an amusement arcade), a variety of food trucks and a pop-up sauna on weekends, colourful beach huts, and the Waterwise Playground.

Heading east of the pier towards Lancing you’ll find even more attractions—the Edwardian Dome Cinema, fishing boats, Rocks water fountain, mini-golf, beach volleyball courts, artist huts, Gull Island Playground, and paddleboard hire.

Two of the best places to eat in Worthing with a sea view are on this section—Coast and Bayside Social.

For runners, the free 5k Parkrun event takes place on the promenade on Saturday mornings.

3) Sunbathe or Swim on Worthing Beach

Worthing has a long shingle or pebble beach that’s a great place to relax on a sunny day. In summer you can rent deckchairs for £4 a day.

Even on weekends it never feels too crowded and it gets quieter the further from the pier you venture.

On sunny days the water is a surprisingly vibrant teal.

High tide is best for swimming—even in winter, you’ll find some hardy swimmers taking the plunge. In May the water temperature was 12ºC and I enjoyed my swims, but it’s too cold for most people until high summer.

Low tide is the best time for a walk—the sea retreats and exposes the sandy section of the beach which is easier to walk on than the pebbles.

This is also the time to go rock pooling. If you have kids, one of the best free Worthing activities is to pick up a Marine Warrior backpack (£30 returnable deposit) from the Worthing Coastal Office—it has all the gear you need to explore life in the rock pools.

4) Relax in a Sauna on the Beach

One of the most unusual things to do in Worthing is to enjoy a sauna on the beach—something we never expected to see!

Fire, Salt & Sea is a wood-fired Finnish-style sauna in a vintage horse box that pops up on the beach on Fridays to Sundays.

The sauna has a glass door and window so you can enjoy the sea view while you steam. It seats six people and you book a private session.

It’s best to book in advance to guarantee a slot, but they do sometimes have walk-in availability (and this can work out cheaper for a couple). We booked for 30 minutes but it went quickly, so it might be worth going for an hour.

I recommend booking for hide tide so that it’s easy to jump into the sea in the middle of your session to cool off (water shoes will make this easier on the pebbles).

5) See Worthing’s Beautiful Gardens

Worthing has many small but beautiful and well-maintained gardens.

Just east of the Pier, Steyne Gardens is a small seafront park with a Triton fountain, benches, and a grassy area for picnics. It hosts winter ice skating and other events throughout the year.

A little further on, walk past the mini-golf course and the tiny but lovely Denton Gardens to reach Beach House Park. This is the largest park in central Worthing and features many beautiful flowers and trees, an avenue of maple trees, and a community garden.

There’s also a bowling green, the Palm Court Pavilion cafe for breakfast or afternoon tea, and an unusual memorial to WWII carrier pigeons.

In the other direction from the pier, a 25-minute walk along the prom will take you to the 1930 Marine Gardens. Here you’ll find a fountain, bowls, putting, and a simple cafe. It’s close to the Waterwise Playground.

A more off-the-beaten-track park that’s worth a wander is Amelia Park. It’s a shady little park with benches to enjoy the quiet, but what makes it stand out is its location next to the curving Park Crescent.

This Georgian street features huge Grade II listed houses from the early 1800s and is reached through a grand arch. It feels like the setting of a Jane Austen novel.

6) Ride Bikes Along the Seafront

To make more progress along Worthing’s promenade, I recommend renting bikes.

You can find the orange Donkey bikes at various spots near the pier—unlock them using their app, return them to any official stand, and you’ll pay based on how long you had them (just under three hours cost us £7 each).

Before you set off on your bike ride, check the weather. It’s best when it’s not windy as otherwise, the ride will be difficult in one direction.

From the pier, you can cycle in either direction past all the Worthing attractions listed in #2.

I like the wider section of the promenade going west (and this is a good way to get to Marine Gardens quickly), but after about 20 minutes of cycling you reach a narrow path by the Goring by the Sea beach huts and either have to get off and walk or ride on the road.

For a longer ride, you are better off going east. There’s a bike path all the way to Brighton but Shoreham is a more achievable goal (11 miles/2-hour return) where you can explore its fort, estuary, houseboats, and cute town centre with plenty of cafes.

After cycling first to Goring, we only made it to Lancing on route to Shoreham.

Lancing is a great destination as the cycle path and promenade are away from the road and it’s very pleasant cycling between the grassy green and beach lined with colourful huts. If you are in need of sustenance, Perch cafe is right on the beach.

Just past Lancing is the Widewater Lagoon where you can see lots of birdlife.

7) Stand Up Paddleboard or Kayak in the Sea

Renting a standup paddleboard (SUP) or kayak is a fun way to get out on the water and see Worthing from a different perspective.

K66 near Coast Cafe rents boards for £20 per hour including a wetsuit and life jacket. You must have experience of sea paddleboarding to rent; if not, book a lesson with them.

Paddleboarding is best on a calm day and within four hours of high tide. See the K66 webcam for current conditions.

K66’s opening hours depend on conditions, but they are usually open Wednesdays to Sundays (and Bank Holidays) from 10am to 6pm (8pm on busier days). They close in winter.

Another option in Goring by the Sea is GLO Wellbeing which rents paddleboards on the beach and runs river SUP trips.

If you are even more adventurous, you can learn to kite surf in Goring or Lancing . It’s a popular sport in this area where the wind is often up.

8) Compete at Beach Volleyball

Another fun Worthing activity is to rent one of the sandy beach volleyball courts and challenge your friends or family to a game. It’s harder than it looks, though!

Book a court at Sideout , pay by Paypal, and you’ll get the code to access the courts. There’s usually a ball available to borrow.

9) Visit Worthing Museum and Gallery

One of the top things to do in Worthing on a rainy day is to visit the excellent and free Worthing Museum.

The museum has one of the largest costume collections in the UK with clothes dating back to the 17th century. You can also learn about the history and geology of the local area and admire many archaeological finds.

Special exhibitions mean it’s a museum to return to. When we visited we learnt about the history of Worthing as a seaside resort in A Trip to Worthing —seeing the old bathing suits was fun.

They often have creative workshops here too.

Worthing Museum and Gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check their website for opening hours on the other days.

10) Watch a Film at a Classic Cinema

Worthing has two of the oldest cinemas in the UK.

The Edwardian Dome Cinema dates back to 1911 and is an iconic sight on Marine Parade. It feels charmingly old-fashioned inside and you can buy a drink from the bar to take into the film with you.

Prices are very affordable, especially on Mondays.

The 1914 Art Deco Connaught Theatre also shows films and hosts live events.

11) Play Mini Golf

Playing a round at Splash Point Mini Golf just off the promenade is one of the best things to do in Worthing with kids.

There’s no fancy American themeing here and it feels old-fashioned in a charming way. The 18 holes appear simple but the bumpy course can be quite challenging.

It’s open on weekends and school holidays.

Another option is Marine Gardens which has a putting green.

12) Play a Board Game at Dice

One of the best indoor activities in Worthing is to visit the Dice Board Game Lounge .

For a small fee you can spend as long as you like in this cafe working your way through their array of games. The friendly staff is happy to make recommendations and show you how to play.

Food and drinks are also available.

We had a fun lunch here playing Jaipur and eating vegan sandwiches and quesadillas and would love to return. It’s a great activity when the weather is bad or you want to socialise without the focus being alcohol.

Dice is open Tuesdays to Sundays and closed on Mondays.

If you are looking for more rainy day activities in Worthing, you could go bowling at AMF Bowling , paint pottery or make UV slime at Art-Ful Cafe , or test your puzzle-solving abilities at Mindworks Escape Room .

13) Eat and Drink from a Seafront Food Truck

On a sunny weekend, one of my favourite activities in Worthing is to head to the seafront for a moveable feast from the food trucks on the promenade.

You can find seafood, tacos, jacket potatoes, mac and cheese, locally-made gin and more. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick and affordable meal in the perfect location.

If you are visiting during the week when the trucks aren’t around, grab some fish and chips from Blue Ocean and eat on the beach instead.

See my guide to the best places to eat in Worthing for more details.

14) Enjoy a Meal with a Sea View

Worthing has some fantastic restaurants with sea views. My favourites are Perch on the Pier (delicious food and stunning views at the end of the pier), Bayside Social (creative tapas on the promenade), and Coast (a casual cafe next to the beach).

My Worthing restaurants guide has more suggestions.

15) Indulge in an Ice Cream

You can’t go to the seaside without having an ice cream. For a classic 99, I think Molloys next to Worthing Pavilion is the best spot (I like to upgrade to a waffle cone).

For unique flavours, pick up a cone or cup from Boho Gelato inside Pizzaface restaurant. I still dream of their sour cherry gelato (flavours change regularly so you might not be able to get your favourites when you return).

G-Lite on pedestrian Warwick St is the place to go for classic Italian gelato.

16) Support Local Artists

Worthing has a thriving art scene and the local galleries are an excellent place to pick up a souvenir or gift. Some places to check out include:

• East Beach Studios – Several local artists sell their work in these converted beach huts.
• Two Faced Twins – These two sisters make stunningly vibrant artwork of local scenes. Their shop by the pier has everything from greetings cards to statement pieces.
• Colonnade House – This small art gallery has changing exhibitions of local art.
• Montague Gallery – Lots of art and gifts by a range of artists.

17) Shop in the Town Centre

If you want to do some shopping in Worthing, as well as the art shops above, you can find many independent and high street stores.

Head to the Royal Arcade (small but pretty), pedestrianised Warwick Street, and Montague Street (for high street and charity shops).

HISBE is one of the best places for food shopping with many items available plastic-free.

Back to Contents

These places to visit near Worthing require a car or bus ride to get to.

18) Walk Up Highdown Hill

A lovely countryside escape just 20 minutes from Worthing is Highdown Hill in the South Downs.

The grassy hill isn’t very steep and you can choose to walk as far as you like. We did the 2.2 mile Highdown and Highdown Hill loop walk which took us 45 minutes.

From the top of the hill there are excellent views of Worthing, Brighton, and the distant white cliffs of Beachy Head. Once you’ve reached the top it’s fairly level and you pass fields of yellow rapeseed fields and an old windmill.

After your walk you can visit Highdown Gardens or get refreshments at The Highdown pub (which has a large beer garden) or tea room.

19) Admire Highdown Gardens

Highdown Gardens are located just before the start of the walk up Highdown Hill.

The flower-filled chalk gardens are a beautiful place to relax. In April the tulips and cherry blossoms were in bloom.

They are open every day from 10am until dusk and are free to visit.

20) Climb Cissbury Ring

Cissbury Ring is another fascinating place to visit in the South Downs National Park. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Worthing and is ideal for history and nature lovers.

It’s the second largest hill fort in England dating back to 400BC. For 300 years it was used for defence before the inside was used for agriculture.

There are a variety of walks you can do in the area. We parked at the free Storrington Rise car park and did a 2.2 mile/45-minute loop up the hill and around the top.

We didn’t find the walk up the grassy hill difficult and from the top you can enjoy views of Brighton and the south coast beyond. On a sunny day it’s a pleasant place to wander with butterflies, flowers, and wild ponies. It would be beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Worthing is an underrated gem on England’s south coast and is well worth a visit if you are looking for a relaxed seaside holiday. It’s ideal for a trip that combines the beach, countryside, good food, and fun activities.

• 15 Best Restaurants in Worthing: Food Trucks to Fine Dining
• The Ultimate Dales Way Itinerary and Planning Tips
• Dales Way Packing List for Men and Women

Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!

“locals boast that it’s always sunny in Worthing.”

Of course they don’t.

Reply ↓

It must just be the locals we know then 😀

A nice, considered and through review of our wonderful Sussex town. Just a suggestion but Beach House Park also contains the official memorial to the Royal Sussex Regiment and their involvement in the Battle of Boars Head. (Just yards from the Warrior Birds memorial. It’s known as “The Day Sussex Died” when many of the regiment were killed in WW1. Worthing together with most of the county’s towns and villages lost hundreds of their men. To us Sussex folk it’s pretty important and reminds us all of their supreme sacrifice and that peace is hard won and easily lost. Thanks for featuring us glad you had a great time! “We wunt be druv” Best, @SussexSimon

Thank you for the information, Simon.

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Top 19 things to do in Worthing, West Sussex

• by Martina Kokesova
• October 28, 2021 November 3, 2023

When you think of West Sussex, you will likely imagine pictures of Arundel Castle or Chichester. But many people forget about Worthing. However, this seaside town, which was once a small mackerel fishing hamlet, is well worth a visit. It is charming, has hidden gems, and lies only 15 miles from the sunniest place in the United Kingdom . You might wonder what else would entice you to visit this coastal town. Let’s take a look at what are the best things to do in Worthing right now .

Worthing Pier – Winner of Pier of the Year 2019

Why is Worthing worth visiting?

Because Worthing is one of the largest seaside towns on the South Coast. It lies at the foot of the South Downs National Park . It is also an excellent getaway to West Sussex and the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing by the shore.

Worthing has a perfect location if you would like to explore the Sussex Coast and Countryside.

Worthing is famous for  its  award-winning pier ,  the unique microclimate  and  one of the oldest cinemas in Britain . This classic English beach town has  one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Britain  and  the world’s only replica of the Sistine Chapel . Worthing also has beautiful art-deco architecture.

OTHER FUN FACTS ABOUT WORTHING:

Did you know Worthing officially became a town at the turn of the 19th century after Princess Amelia holidayed here? The youngest daughter of George III was not the only notable visitor to Worthing in West Sussex. Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens and even Jane Austen spent time in Worthing.

No time to read now? Save the best things to do in Worthing, West Sussex on Pinterest to read it later.

Top things to do in worthing, west sussex.

Set your Sat Nav to Worthing, West Sussex. Here are our picks for the best places to visit in Worthing and day trips you should not miss when planning your perfect escape.

1. Worthing Pier

Worthing Pier with its elegant art deco room.

A trip to Worthing in West Sussex would not be complete without a visit to  Worthing Pier . In the past, the pier had a simple promenade deck. Today, it has an Art Deco Design with stained glass panels and is  a Grade II listed building .

The history of Worthing Piers dates back to 1862. The town’s most beloved landmark remembers fires, wars and several dodgy nightclubs. Iconic Worthing Pier won UK Pier of the Year for the second time in 2019.

Visiting Worthing Pier is one of the best things to do in Worthing because it is  perfect for a promenade above the waves . Also, you can relax in the deckchairs and watch waves rolling into rocky shores. Alternatively, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage. Even if you are not keen on the drink itself, the stunning views of the town will make your visit worthwhile.

Not only the 19th-century elegant pier is the jewel in the town’s crown, but it is also an entertainment hub.

You are quite right to think that the Victorian pier is not only famous for casual strolls but also for its  amusement arcade . Spend the afternoon playing games at the arcade. You can find it halfway along the pier.

Pavilion Theatre

Also,  visit the 760-seater   Pavilion Theatre  – it is the main venue for musicals and stand-up comedies in Worthing. Those interested in fishing should know that fishing on the pier is free. Just look at the coloured discs, so you will understand where you can fish.

In 2022, the locals restored its Southern Pavilion to its former glory. These days, the Southern Pavilion is home to the new Perch on the Pier Café . This fine dining restaurant on the first floor offers gorgeous views across the waves.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Worthing Pier is open from 6 am until 10 pm during summer (depending on the weather).

2. Worthing promenade

One of the first attractions on your list of things to do in Worthing has to be to explore the beach and its promenade. If you do not know, Worthing Beach prides itself on a pedestrian palm-tree-lined promenade . It runs next to the beach and stretches for a mile .

Worthing Promenade is the best place in Worthing to walk, run and cycle. It also offers beautiful views with views of the Channel . Because of that, Worthing Promenade is one of the best places to visit in Worthing, West Sussex.

Here, you can find  the Lido  and  the Splash Point area –  popular especially with children. Walk along the promenade and enjoy the fresh air and excellent sea views. See an off-shore wind farm and  the photo exhibition of the sea swimmers.  The boardwalk is ideal for jogging and cycling. Do not worry if you don’t have a bike – you can  hire a comfy orange bike 24/7.  There are many hire pick-up areas you can choose from (e.g. near the Lido, the Pavilion Theatre or the Burlington Hotel).

Local artist display their photographs along the promenade.

Kids top picks:

If visiting Worthing with kids , there are two beach-themed playgrounds near the promenade. Gull Island and Waterwise Playground . Both are free of charge.

A 30-minute stroll from the pier will bring you to a pirate-themed adventure playground. You can find it on the promenade in West Worthing. The other one is Gull Island, located behind Coast café, just a short walk from Splash Point . Gull Island is ideal for younger children (under 8 years old).

You should know you cannot walk your dog on the main Worthing beach between 1st May and 30th September. Instead, you can walk your dog on the promenade or visit other Worthing beaches, such as East Beach or Goring Beach.

Park your car along Marine Drive and walk along Goring Gap Beach. It is a long stretch of beach that is less busy than the main Worthing Beach. Stop for the refreshment at Bluebird Café or walk to Sea Lane Café. It is another popular beachfront café in Goring.

3. Worthing beach – outdoor activities

Once you’re done strolling the promenade, why not mix things up with  outdoor activities ? While a day at the beach can be fun, it would be a shame to miss  exploring Worthing from the water . The beach is pebbly, but during the low tide, you can walk on the sand. If you have kids, it is also the perfect time to go rock pooling.

Those brave enough can  swim during the summer months  during the high tides. The water temperature is usually over 18ºC in July and August, which is enough for most people. The beach in Worthing is gently sloping and, therefore, is perfect for children.

Moreover, Worthing offers a diverse variety of outdoor activities. You can  paddle around the waterfront in a kayak  or  rent a paddleboard . Do not worry – if you forget your wetsuit, hire everything from  friendly providers . You can also  learn to kitesurf  – Worthing is the perfect spot to take those first steps!

Did you know Worthing in West Sussex is home to Olympic and World Champion windsurfers & kiteboarders?

Visiting Goring Gap beach is one of the best things to do in Worthing because this is a popular beach with windsurfers and kite surfers . This pebble beach at the west end of the main long Worthing Beach also has a large grass area. This area is perfect for a barbecue and relaxing. Also, it is quieter than the main Worthing beach.

Unusual things to do in Worthing, West Sussex

4. sistine chapel ceiling reproduction in english martyrs catholic church in goring.

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Worthing, add the English Martyrs Catholic Church to your itinerary. It is easy to see how the  English Martyrs Catholic Church  has remained  a hidden gem in Worthing . The reason for its low profile is clear enough.

The exterior of this red brick Goring-by-Sea church is, in fact, ordinary. But once you visit it, you will soon realise that the English Martyrs Catholic Church certainly is  one of the best places to visit  in  Worthing . It is because you can find here  an English Sistine Chapel . Yes, that is right,  the English Martyrs Catholic Church has a copy of Michelangelo’s masterpiece .

The church’s deacon, Gary Bevans, replicated Michelangelo’s work – and the result is more than perfect. English Sistine Chapel is maybe two-thirds of the original size, but only because the ceiling is smaller and lower than in the Vatican.

Like the Italian master, Bevans stood on a platform to paint the ceiling with his head bent up.

Visiting the English Martyrs Catholic Church is one of the unusual things to do in Worthing, West Sussex . It is because you can see the only reproduction of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world . The curved ceiling is hand-painted, and it took the artist over five and half years to decorate it. Make sure you do not miss visiting it!

5. Relax in a Sauna on Worthing Beach

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Worthing , you should know that this town offers relaxation in a sauna on the beach . Yes, you read that right – you can experience the benefits of heat bathing just metres away from the sea.

Scandinavians have been loving them for years, but for Worthing, this is one of the new attractions. Fire, Salt & Sea is an authentic wood-fired sauna pop-up where you can disconnect from daily life and try the benefits of sauna culture . This pop-up hot box with a glass door and window has a maximum capacity of 6 people. Hence, book your section in advance. Do not forget to plunge into the sea for the maximum benefits.

Book your sauna section for hide tide so it will be easier for you to jump into the sea. Also, do not forget to wear your water shoes.

6. Dome Cinema

While visiting Worthing, you should catch a movie at  the Edwardian   Dome Cinema . Dome Cinema is  one of the oldest operating cinemas in the country , missing out on the title of the oldest by just one year. Today, this historic and opulent cinema with glorious Art Nouveau details is a  grade II listed building . Because of that, Dome Cinema is one of the best places to visit in Worthing.

Dome Cinema has three digital screens where you can catch a film. Much of the original décor is still in place, and you can see it once you enter this lovely building. Don’t forget to stop at the vintage Projectionist Bar for a grown-up drink. You can also spot the original projector from Screen One.

Visiting Dome Cinema is one of the unusual things to do in Worthing because English Heritage considers it one of the best five early cinemas in England .

Try one of the classic burgers from MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt at Worthing’s Dome Cinema . He opened his new restaurant in August 2023 in one of Britain’s oldest working cinemas. New Patty Guy burger restaurant is open from 11.30 am until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday it remains open only until 9.30 pm.

7. Lancing College Chapel

We know it isn’t located in the town, but if you have made the trip to Worthing in West Sussex , you can’t leave without visiting  Lancing College Chapel . This extraordinary building lies on a hill in the school grounds of Lancing College in the South Downs National Park.

Why is Lancing College Chapel so unique?

Firstly, it is  a Grade I listed building  and  a fine example of Gothic revival architecture . Secondly, Lancing College Chapel is  the largest school chapel in the world . Because of that, Lancing Collage is one of the best places to visit in Worthing.

Once here, make sure you see  the massive rose window – the largest in England . The window consists of 30,000 individual pieces of stained glass.

Exploring Lancing College Chapel is also one of the unusual things to do in Worthing because this beautiful chapel is one of the tallest interior vaulted churches in the country.

Lancing College Chapel is open to the public from 10 am until 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. If you want to visit Lancing College Chapel on Sundays and Bank Holidays, it is open only from 12 noon. You cannot see this chapel on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Best things to do in Worthing for nature lovers

8. cissbury ring.

National Trust’s Cissbury Ring is the highest point in Worthing.

Looking for outdoor activities in Worthing? If yes was your answer, do not miss   Cissbury Ring . It is a hill fort on the South Downs, and you can find it just a short drive from the town centre.

Cissbury Ring is one of the best places to visit in Worthing because it is a popular place for a walk for nature and history lovers . According to the National Trust, the history of the most historic hill on the South Downs dates back over 5,000 years. Its large hill fort is around 2,400 years old.

Cissbury Ring  is unique because it is  the largest hill fort in Sussex . It is also  the second-largest hill fort in England . The site was even  one of the first Neolithic flint mines in Britain .

Today, visiting Cissbury Ring is one of the best things to do in Worthing in West Sussex because it offers beautiful views . It is a popular place for a walk, and you can see the remains of the Iron Age fort here. Also, if lucky, you might  spot wild ponies .

Cissbury Ring Circular Walk is a loop trail, and it takes about 1 hour and a half to walk around. The parking is free but limited.

9. Highdown Gardens

Those visiting Worthing in West Sussex during the summer should explore  Highdown Gardens . Peaceful Highdown Gardens provide an escape from the town. In the past, the gardens belonged to the famous botanist. They were  an experiment to see what could thrive on the chalk soil.

Today, visiting Highdown Gardens is one of the popular things to do in Worthing for nature lovers because  the gardens contain an extensive collection of rare plants and trees . This tranquil haven is at its best in spring and summer. Admission to Highdown Gardens is free.

10. Steyne Gardens

Alternatively, visit  Steyne Gardens,  located only a short walk from the town centre. Steyne Gardens is a lovely tree-lined open space where you can rest on benches and watch the world go by. The park, which faces the sea and a row of Georgian houses, is ideal for relaxing.

If you are lucky enough, you might even be able to  catch one of the events throughout the year . Keep your eyes peeled for  Worthing Food & Drink Festival, Classic Car Show and Armed Forces Days  in summer. And if visiting during the winter months,  Ice Rink  returns to Steyne Gardens from the middle of November until the end of February.

Things to do in Worthing for museum and art gallery lovers

11. high salvington windmill.

It is also worth visiting a High Salvington Windmill , which you can find just north of Worthing, in the area called High Salvington . Do not get confused – some locals refer to it also as Durrington Windmill. This iconic mill stands 98 m (320 feet) above sea level and takes advantage of the sea winds.

Yes, you are right to think a High Salvington Windmill is a working windmill . The locals restored this iconic landmark, which dates back to 1750. It is a Grade II listed building , and you can even see it from inside.

Finding a High Salvington Windmill is one of the best things to do in Worthing for kids because they can learn more about this old machinery . Also, kids can get an insight into the past, and you can buy the flour it produces.

Climb the steps inside the windmill to reach the top floor. This interesting working museum is open every first and third Sunday of the month. You can visit it from 2.30 pm until 5 pm between April and September.

12. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

If you have a spare hour or two while visiting the town, stop at  Worthing Museum and Art Gallery . It is the largest museum in West Sussex.  Worthing Museum and Art Gallery  are not only home to an art exhibition, though. They host temporary exhibitions and permanent collections where you can learn more about the local history and archaeology.

This museum, with clothes dating back to the 17th century, also  has the largest costume collection of everyday wear in the UK . Therefore, visiting the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is one of the unusual things to do in Worthing . You can find the museum in a fine Edwardian building in the heart of the town.

Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is free to visit. Opening times are from 10 am until 5 pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The museum is open until 8 pm on Thursday and remains closed on Monday and Tuesday.

13. Other art galleries

Maybe you do not know, but this town has a thriving art scene and numerous galleries. Some famous art galleries are Colonnade House , Montague Gallery , and Two-Faced Twins . Also, visit quirky studios and galleries of independent artists in East Beach Artist Studios . You can find them in converted beach huts.

Other things to do in Worthing – the best day trips

14. arundel castle.

Arundel Castle overlooking the River Arun and the South Downs.

After exploring Worthing, you should make time to explore nearby Arundel Castle . It is one of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England. But don’t let its beautiful décor fool you – Arundel Castle has one of the bloodiest histories of any castles in Britain.

The castle has a thousand years of history. It is a half medieval fortress and a half home. It even has a duke who lives here. Also, Arundel Castle is one of the best British castles . Therefore, visiting Arundel Castle is one of the best things to do in Worthing, West Sussex.

15. Amberley Village

After exploring Arundel Castle, stop at  Amberley village , which you can find just a short drive from historic Arundel. Amberley certainly is  one of the most beautiful villages in West Sussex . It has gorgeous thatched cottages, the Amberley Working Museum and even a castle. Also, it has  one of the richest wetlands remaining in the United Kingdom.  And the best of all? This lovely village is overlooked by visitors. Therefore, exploring Amberley village is one of the unusual things to do in Worthing.

READ MORE ABOUT AMBERLEY:

16. Bignor Roman Villa

For a slice of Roman history, head to  Bignor Roman Villa , which you can find just a short drive from Amberley. Did you know  Bignor Roman Villa   is  one of the largest Roman villas open to the public in the United Kingdom?  This villa is  famous for quality mosaic floors – some of the most complete in England . For that reason, visiting Bignor Roman Villa is also one of the unusual things to do in Worthing. Do not miss this lovely attraction dating back to 350 AD when exploring Worthing, West Sussex.

17. Petworth House

We also recommend you check out Petworth House , located 40 minutes away from the town. This gorgeous mansion was once a competitor to the grand palaces in Europe. Today, this late 17th-century grade II-listed country house is certainly one of the top attractions in West Sussex .

Exploring Petworth House is one of the best things to do in Worthing because it is one of the best National Trust attractions . This gorgeous house has an outstanding art collection, and its park offers breathtaking views of Petworth House. Make sure you add Petworth House to the top of your bucket list when visiting Worthing.

18. Brighton

As you probably know, Worthing lies only a short drive from  Brighton . Why visit this cosmopolitan city? Well, there are many reasons. It is vibrant, has a beautiful  Brighton Palace Pier  and has something to please everyone. Brighton is  home to the world’s oldest aquarium . It has the charm and history while having the modern qualities that make it a popular travel destination. It has narrow alleyways and those  unforgettable sea views . Brighton is even one of the happiest places to live and work in the UK. Because of that, a day trip to Brighton is one of the best things to do in Worthing.

READ MORE ABOUT BRIGHTON:

19. Seven Sisters

Another iconic place to visit is  Seven Sisters . The famous white cliffs are  one of the great natural wonders in England . They are a  part of the South Downs National Park.  Even though Seven Sisters are less known than their white-cliff cousins in Dover, they deserve your attention. They are more impressive and offer  excellent walking possibilities  and  stunning sea views .

For these reasons, visiting Seven Sisters is one of the best things to do in Worthing. Spend the day exploring the famous  Birling Gap . Alternatively, head to closer  Seaford Head , which offers beautiful views of the majestic cliffs.

Now you know what are the best things to do in Worthing, West Sussex!

Where to stop for a drink in worthing.

Coming to Worthing for the first time and don’t know where to stop for a drink? Let’s have a look at great spots to drink up around this seaside town.

Burlington Hotel

The Burlington Hotel – originally named The Heene Hotel, later the West Worthing Hotel.

Why go?  It is no surprise that  Burlington Hotel  is the perfect spot to enjoy undisturbed views of the South Coast. This beautiful hotel with original Victorian features is  the oldest purpose-built hotel in Worthing . Nowadays,  Burlington Hotel  is  a listed building  and  one of the landmarks in Worthing . It has an idyllic seaside location with views of the seafront promenade. This casual hotel  offers beautiful sunset views  in Worthing and reasonably priced drinks.

The Burlington Hotel isn’t, in fact, a Worthing secret. You probably don’t know, but  Charles Darwin  stayed at the Burlington Hotel in the 1880s. But he was not the only famous person who stayed there.  Oscar Wilde  stayed at the hotel while writing the best-known play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. Also,  Charles Dickens  frequently visited Worthing and stayed at the hotel. Today, you can enjoy a drink in a fully renovated contemporary bar or on a balcony. Even if you want to get a delicious meal, Burlington Hotel has got you covered.

The Cow Shed

Why go?  For cocktails and a chilled, laid-back ambience in the evening. You know you’ve made it to the Cow Shed once you see  the retro-industrial bar.  Sample their cocktail menu or taste a good pint or freshly cooked burger. All within a stone’s throw of the beach,  overlooking the pier  and also  Worthing theatre .

George & Dragon

Why go?  The George & Dragon in Tarring might be located a little further away from the town centre, but it should not put you off. Visiting Tarring will transport you back into medieval times. Yes, that is right, the gently curving  Tarring High Street is one of the most historic streets in Worthing . Tarring was once home to five pubs. Today, you can find here three. One of them is the  George & Dragon . This traditional pub is  one of the oldest pubs in the town  and has a pleasant atmosphere.  The old-fashioned pub with a smuggling history  and log fire in winter calls to be seen from inside. And it is dog-friendly, too. Don’t miss the plaque – an insurance mark shows that the building was insured if it should catch fire.

Number 24 Refreshment

Why go?  The  new stylish beachfront café bar  has an excellent location on the seafront. Plus, the bar offers something for everyone. From artisan coffee to a fantastic range of gins, cocktails and draught beers, Number 24 is  the perfect spot for a pre or post-dinner drink . Also, they have on a menu their famous ice cream, home-baked cakes and freshly cooked food.

Rose & Crown

Why go?  Looking for a  traditional local pub  to grab a beer and watch a big game? Then visit the refurbished Rose & Crown, located in the town centre. You can enjoy your drinks poured to perfection in a beer garden or inside.

Best Restaurants in Worthing:

Casa Ciro restaurant

After a long day exploring attractions in Worthing, stop at one of the local restaurants. From Italian to Mexican and Turkish, there are many great places to eat and drink around Worthing. Feeling hungry? Here are some of  the best restaurants in Worthing :

Why go?  Take your tastebuds all the way to Italy and back – without leaving England. This family-owned Italian and Mediterranean restaurant celebrates flavours of  traditional Italian cuisine . You will be spoilt for choice here. Plus, the balcony has beautiful sea views. You can find Casa Ciro restaurant on Worthing seafront, opposite the pier.

Why go?  If you’re looking for authentic Mexican street food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, grab a quick lunch at Crudo restaurant. This Worthing seafront restaurant serves the most delicious tacos, burritos, quesadillas and cocktails all day. Crudo is just a short walk from Worthing Pier next to Casa Ciro restaurant.

Why go?  If your ideal meal is simple and it is seafood, then this is the place for you. This family-owned seafood restaurant & beach bar has a large terrace overlooking the sea. The menu might be small, but it also has daily specials and catch of the day on offer.  Cosy Crabshack  is child and dog-friendly until 7 pm.

Why go?  This  Turkish spot  has become one of the best-rated restaurants in Worthing. This traditional authentic Turkish restaurant has a large selection of starters and mains that give that holiday-relaxed vibe.  Efes  might be a little away from the town centre, but it is well worth a visit.

Perch on the Pier

Why go?  Looking to  impress someone ? Then, visit the new Perch on the Pier on the first floor. This small restaurant offers a  fine dining experience  and gorgeous views.

Have you been to Worthing in West Sussex? What was your favourite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you like our post, do not forget to save it to Pinterest.

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Last updated: 07/09/2023

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You are here: Places To Visit > Worthing

Tel: 01903 221 066

One of the biggest seaside towns on the South Coast, Worthing is a lively destination for shopping, eating, entertainment and family fun by the seaside!

It's perfectly located to explore the award-winning beaches and seafront of the Worthing coast, as well as the stunning landscape of the South Downs .

Things to do in Worthing

• Discover local history, stunning artworks, unique toy and costume collections and a tranquil sculpture garden at the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery .
• Catch some comedy, live music or a musical show direct from the West End at the Pavilion Theatre , the Connaught Theatre or at Assembly Hall .
• For a lovely stroll in South Downs countryside, visit the ruined Iron Age fort at Cissbury Ring  or the beautiful Highdown Gardens , a National collection. The views from the gardens are beautiful at any time of the year and include the sea and the South Downs.
• Discover what's on in Worthing this weekend in our Sussex events guide .
• Explore Worthing to uncover an eclectic mix of internationally renowned artists, quirky open studios and galleries including Colonnade House and converted beach huts East Beach Artists Studios .
• Eat out to enjoy seasonal and locally produced food. Whether it’s fresh fish, home-made Sicilian gelato, freshly roasted coffee or vegan afternoon tea, there’s something for everyone in Worthing! Top food & drink places in Worthing.
• Worthing’s flat wide promenade is perfect for a family cycle ride to explore the area by bike. No problem if you don’t have a bike with you, download the Donkey Bike app and hire a bike .
• Take a day trip to the colourful city of Brighton , just a short train ride along the coast and one of the most diverse cities in England.

For evenings out in Worthing, you'll find plenty of restaurants and traditional pubs, with a choice of three theatres and two cinemas for after meal entertainment. Pedestrianised streets make shopping in the town centre an easy, relaxed affair – with dozens of high quality shops and boutiques.

Strolling along the palm-lined promenade on the seafront you'll find activities for the whole family – from Stand Up Paddleboarding, go-karting and miniature golf to the Art Deco architecture of Worthing Pier adding a touch of historic class to the atmosphere

Towns and villages near Worthing

Explore the Sussex countryside with these places to visit near Worthing.

• Sompting (1 mile)
• Lancing (3 miles)
• Shoreham (3 miles)
• Ferring (3 miles)
• Steyning (6 miles)
• Littlehampton (7 miles)

Time for Worthing Visitor Guide 2021

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Things To Do In Worthing

Worthing is a vibrant West Sussex coastal town just west of Brighton. It has the wonderful South Downs just to the north and looks out over miles of beach and sea. It’s also a town that has a long and interesting history, diverse architecture, and a thriving business and cultural scene, all of which make it a great place for a visit. So, if you’re heading south for the day, a weekend or a holiday here are just some of the best things to do in Worthing.

The Pier and the Lido  

Worthing’s Art Deco Pier is Grade II listed and one of a number of focal points of the town. It was officially opened in 1862 after which a pavilion was added, as was a souvenir shop. In 1913, the pier was badly damaged in a storm but then rebuilt before the pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1933. Once again it was repaired, rebuilt and re-opened. During WWII the pier was deliberately damaged to help protect against invasion. In recent years, more improvements and refurbishments have brought it back to life once more and it was named Pier of the Year in 2006 and 2019.

At the land end of the Pier are Pavilion Theatre and Pavilion Atrium Bar whilst on the Pier itself is an amusement arcade in the middle and the South Pavilion at the end. The South Pavilion has been many things over the years but is now a rather stylish café. In between the Pavilion and the amusement arcade you’ll find Art on the Pier, an outdoor gallery that showcases a range of different work by local artists, community art groups, art students and children. It changes annually and is very eye-catching.

A hop, skip, and a jump away from the Pier is Worthing Lido. No longer containing a swimming pool, it is now home to children’s rides, souvenirs and ice cream amongst other things, and is a bit of a must-visit for those with smaller children.

Museums, galleries, theatres and the arts  

Worthing has a thriving cultural scene and is home to Worthing Theatres and Museums. This is an arts and heritage charity that consists of the Connaught Theatre, Studio and Cinema, Pavilion Theatre, Assembly Hall, and the Museum and Gallery all of which means whether you’re after history, music, dance, exhibitions, film or art, there is likely to be something for you.

Not far from the Pier is the distinctive Dome Cinema which first opened in 1911. In addition to this, the town has dozens of creative outlets. If you head east along the seafront, you come to the East Beach Artists Studios which is described as a creative hub and a great place to meet local creatives and see their work. You’ll also find the Two Faced Twin Art Gallery on the seafront at Steyne Gardens and Montague Galleries in Montague Place. And let’s not forget Colonnade House which is described as “t he home of local art in Worthing, providing studio and gallery space to local creatives, artists, designers and makers”.

Worthing beach 

Worthing beach stretches east and west of the Pier for several kilometres with long stretches of promenade, beach huts, seafront cafés, and even the occasional Worthing Gin van!

It’s a gently sloping beach with a mix of sand and shingle, and at low tide, there are vast stretches to explore and great rock pooling to be had. Alternatively, walk all the way to Goring, Ferring, and beyond, or try your hand at fishing, windsurfing or swimming (if safe to do so).

The festival scene

Worthing has a number of festivals. They have a food and drink festival in September in Steyne Gardens and they have a summer seafront festival in July which includes entertainment, markets and fireworks, classic cars, American cars, vintage buses, and a fun fair. They also have The Worthing Music and Arts Festival in the early part of the year and other notable events include fireworks displays, their beer festival, Worthing Pride, Worthing Carnival, and Worthing Light Festival.

Food and drink

Worthing has got a fabulous food and drink scene. Not far from the town are Wiston Estate Winery and Highdown Vineyard which both offer tours and tastings and produce outstanding sparkling and still wines. Worthing is also home to craft gin makers including Worthing Gin and Slake Spirits (who offer tours). For beer drinkers, head to the Brewhouse and Kitchen Brewpub where you’ll find freshly brewed, hyper-local, and award-winning craft beers.

For something to eat, pull up a chair at Pitch or Bayside Social both owned by MasterChef Champion Kenny Tutt. Or head to the very popular Crab Shack on the seafront. Beyond these two, you have dozens of different eateries, many with al fresco seating.

Worthing at Christmas 

If you’re in the area at Christmas and looking for things to do in Worthing, be sure to check out the ice rink in Steyne Gardens, the Christmas tree trail and various Christmas markets.

Highdown Gardens

Just north of Worthing, where the town meets the South Downs, are Highdown Gardens . These date back to 1909 and include an incredible collection of plants from around the world and an unusual Chalk Garden. It’s open all year and there’s also a café nearby and access to Highdown Hill which is home to the rather charismatic tomb of a local legend. Highdown Hill was also a Bronze Age hillfort, with spectacular views and the local Morris Dancers (Sompting Morris) hold various events here.

The Sistine Chapel in Worthing?  

On the outskirts of the town, the Church of the English Martyrs looks like an ordinary church. Then you step inside and wow, just wow. It doesn’t matter what your religious persuasions, the 2/3 replica of the original ceiling in the Sistine Chapel (in perfect proportion) is incredible, all the more so because it was painted by a local man, Gary Bevans, who is a self-taught artist and was a sign writer.

The South Downs

You can’t visit Worthing and not step out and up onto the South Downs. One of the nearest points of interest is Cissbury Ring , the largest Iron Age hillfort in Sussex which dates back over 5,000 years. After a steep climb, you can either walk the circumference of the peak, sit and enjoy the views, or use it as a starting point for your South Downs adventures. There are various local nature reserves in the area too including Mill Hill and Lancing Ring , and of course, the South Downs offers fantastic walking. Alternatively, there is a bike hire shop (South Downs Bikes) in Goring Road in nearby Goring.

High Salvington Windmill

North west of the town, is High Salvington Windmill which was built around 1775 and was a working windmill until 1897. There is also a windpump on the site and both the windmill and pump have been beautifully restored. The windmill is open to the public on the first and third Sundays of the month between April and September.

If you’re still looking for things to do in Worthing, well there are some great independent shops and boutiques. They really do have everything here from Eccentric Chaos, an ethical supermarket, Heavy Gretal, and a rather beautiful arcade.

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Top Things to Do in Worthing, West Sussex

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

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Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

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Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

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Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

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Top Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

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Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

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Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

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Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travelers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

Top Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

Stonehenge and Bath - Day Tour from Brighton

Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Air Rifle Shooting - One Hour

Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

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Towns and Villages Around Worthing

Amberley In writing about the Sussex village of Amberley, about ten miles northwest of Worthing, one is faced with an embarrassment of riches. It has been call... more details

Angmering Angmering is a neat village, with the archetypal village green, and many lovely old houses and cottages clustering round it. ... more details

Ashington A small village straddling the main Horsham to Worthing road and with some buildings, including the church of St Peter and St Paul, lying to the west.... more details

Ashurst A secluded village, about 9 miles northeast of Worthing, in an area essentially agricultural in character with plenty to please lovers of trees and wo... more details

Botolphs St Botolph was an East Anglian abbot who lived in the 7th century. He was apparently a hermit beset by devils, whom he fought with saintly persistence... more details

Bramber Bramber is a very attractive place, although it consists almost entirely of just one village street. Until the 1920s flooding in winter was a way of l... more details

Broadwater We may find it hard to believe, but Broadwater was once the nucleus of Worthing; in fact a book of 1835 speaks of Worthing as a hamlet of Broadwater p... more details

Buncton This is a remote spot in Wiston Parish, about a mile east of Washington and eight miles north of Worthing, and not far from Chanctonbury Ring. The cha... more details

Burpham Some Sussex villages have a tremendous wealth of history and folklore, quite disproportionate to their size or importance. Burpham, about 8 miles nort... more details

Bury Many Sussex villages have been fortunate in possessing a resident who had the energy and talent to record the history and local lore of the place for ... more details

Clapham An unpretentious village, the twin of Patching. The nice old church of St Mary has a number of monuments of the Shelley family, including one with an ... more details

Coldwaltham A small village, about 12 miles northwest of Worthing, completely ignored by many Sussex books. There are a number of nice old cottages and houses in ... more details

Coombes Two miles from Bramber, and betwixt Steyning and Shoreham, this tiny Downland treasure is known to many lovers of ancient Sussex for its valuable, and... more details

Dial Post A friendly little village, straddling the A24 between Horsham and Worthing. At least I found the members of the village WI very friendly when I visite... more details

Durrington Durrington is about two miles north-west of central Worthing, bounded by Tarring, Goring and Findon. Once one of the several independent manors, it is... more details

East Preston The church of St Mary the Virgin dates from the 12th century with an added 19th ... more details

Edburton Edburton's 13th century church of St Andrew is said to have been founded by Alfred's granddaughter. It is the little grey church in Michael Fairless's... more details

Ferring When the good people of Ferring hear a ghostly church bell, they know it to be the bell of Kingston chapel - which was swallowed up by the encroaching... more details

Findon Sheep Fairs on Findon's NepcoteGreen go back to at least 1261, when a charter was granted by Henry III. Traditionally the fair was always held on 14th... more details

Fittleworth Fittleworth is situated about 15 miles northwest of Worthing. Arthur Beckett, that great champion of all things Sussex, called Fittleworth 'as sweet a... more details

Fulking At the beginning of the 19th century there were said to be 2,600 sheep in the parish of Fulking, about 9 miles east of Worthing, with but only 258 hum... more details

Goring-by-Sea The great natural history writer, Richard Jefferies, lived the final years of his life at Jefferies House, Goring. He died there in 1887 and is buried... more details

Greatham About ten miles north of Worthing and nestling close to the Arun, this has been a farming settlement since Saxon times, with building materials of sev... more details

Hardham Once an important Roman posting station on Stane Street, but now an inconspicuous hamlet close to the Arun, about 12 miles northwest of Worthing. The ... more details

Lancing Just east of Worthing, Lancing is really two villages (North and South), which over the years have become merged by residential building, replacing th... more details

North Stoke North Stoke lies about ten miles northwest of Worthing. In the spring of 1834, workmen deepening a sewer ditch on a farm in the parish of North Stoke ... more details

Parham Situated about eight miles north of Worthing, visitors come here today mainly for Parham House, the church and the park. Once there was a small villag... more details

Partridge Green Partridge Green lies approximately midway between Worthing and Horsham to the east of the A24. The name derives from John Partridge (or Partrych) who ... more details

Patching Sometimes confused with Patching, which is in East Sussex; this village is about five miles from Worthing in a most beautiful setting at the foot of t... more details

Polborough The village of Polborough is situated approximately 12 miles north of Worthing. ... more details

Poling When Phoebe Somers interviewed an ex Poling resident in 1977, he said with conviction, 'Poling was the best place in the world to live.' ... more details

Rustington In 1835, Thomas Horsfield had this to say about Rustington: ... more details

Salvington Salvington lies on the outskirts of Worthing. The parish register for 1584 records that 'John, the son of John Selden the minstrell, was baptised'. Th... more details

Shermanbury This is truly Roadmender Country, for it was here at Mock Bridge House that Michael Fairless wrote her famous and many times reprinted book The Roadme... more details

Small Dole The intriguingly named tiny village about 8 miles northeast of Worthing, is the home of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, which has its headquarters at Woods... more details

Sompting Sompting was described in the mid 19th century as 'pleasantly situated and marked by rural simplicity'. The population at that time was 519. By 1901 i... more details

South Stoke An end of a cul-de-sac village, about 8 miles northwest of Worthing, with no startling features but pleasant Sussex parkland, the river Arun, chalk do... more details

Stopham Stopham is approximately equidistant from the towns of Horsham, Worthing, Bognor and Chichester. The church of St Mary, a few cottages and the famous ... more details

Sullington About eight miles north of Worthing, the sexton at St Mary's Sullington, for 35 years was often heard to say that he would like to die doing the job h... more details

Tarring Most people now refer to it simply as Tarring, although more correctly it should be West Tarring or Tarring Peverell, to distinguish it from East Tarr... more details

Thakeham Because of its remoteness, about ten miles north of Worthing, this charming village was once dubbed 'the last place God made'. No doubt merely jealous... more details

Upper Beeding There are two Beedings in West Sussex; Upper which is four miles inland from the sea at Shoreham, and Lower, four miles from Horsham. Oddly enough Upp... more details

Warmingshurst One of the truly great men of Sussex, William Penn, lived at Warmingshurst – about 9 miles north of Worthing - for 25 years. Before settling there he ... more details

Warningcamp Warningcamp is situated about midway between Bognor and Worthing, just to the east of Arundel. Not surprisingly one of the suggested derivations of th... more details

Washington The most famous landmark of the South Downs, Chanctonbury Ring, overlooks the village of Washington, north of Worthing on the A24. The beech trees on ... more details

West Chiltington West Chiltington lies about midway between Horsham and Worthing to the west of the A24. Lord Ponsonby said, 'If West Chiltington church was in Italy, ... more details

Wiggonholt A hamlet, about ten miles north of Worthing, missing from most books on Sussex, very ancient and almost lost up a tiny cul-de-sac with a lovely view o... more details

Wiston Wiston is situated approximately six miles north of Worthing. Anciently Wistoneston, but locally pronounced 'Wisson', it lies at the foot of Chanctonb... more details

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Top Things to Do in Worthing

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

Stonehenge and Bath - Day Tour from Brighton

Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Air Rifle Shooting - One Hour

Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

Travel Guides | Inspiration | Date Ideas

UK , Destinations

A Guide to Worthing, West Sussex: A Seaside Day trip from London

Worthing is a small seaside town of West Sussex located 2 hours drive or 1.5 hours by train from London Victoria. Worthing is also located a 30 minute drive from the neighbouring town of Brighton. This small seaside town is overshadowed by the neighbouring town of Brighton however don’t let that put you off. Worthing makes for a perfect escape to the seaside from London.

Heading to Brighton as well? Check out Our 1 Day Guide for Things to do in Brighton & Hove

*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.

How to get to Worthing?

From London you can get the Southern train from London Victoria direct to Worthing in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the most direct train to reach Worthing however you also have the option to also catch a Thameslink train from London St Pancras to Brighton and then change to the Southern service to Worthing.

If you’re wanting to reach Worthing from Brighton you can either take the Thameslink service from Brighton station or if you are looking for a much cheaper and more scenic route then you can take the Coastliner bus from Worthing into Brighton which will take you around 45 minutes. Though this is a much longer route you will be able to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery as well as stop through some of the different seaside towns along the way.

When to visit Worthing?

As Worthing is not as busy as its neighbouring Brighton anytime during the summer months it great to visit Worthing. However during peak times transport and accomodation cost will become higher so keep this in mind when booking your visit to Worthing.

What to do in Worthing?

Worthing pier.

The Worthing Pier is one of the main attractions in town. The pier itself dates back to 1852 however since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt over time. When you walk onto the pier the first thing you will come across is the Worthing Pavilion Theatre, beside there is also several convenience shops selling sweets and ice creams.

You can then continue on to the Pier Amusements which is full of games for all ages. At the end of the Pier there is Perch on the Pier a British Restaurant open all day. The Pier itself is much less crowded and very well maintained compared to piers around the English Coastline. It is definitely worth a walk along no matter the weather!

Worthing Pavilion Theatre

If youre looking for some plans in Worthing for an evening or perhaps youre visiting on a day where the weather isn’t on your side, you can check out Worthing Pavilion Theatre . They host live events, films and workshops all conveniently located at the start of Worthing Pier.

Hire Kayaks/Sup

When the weather is calm and the sunshine is out Worthing Beach is the perfect place to enjoy in some water activities. Along the beach from is K66 Boardriders where you can hire Kayaks and SUP Boards. They also offer lessons with either a group or private sessions for those looking to learn some new skills.

Coastal Walks

If you’re in Worthing to enjoy the coastlines then a walk along the seaside is a perfect way to spend your day. You can walk along the coastline from Worthing to reach the next town on Lancing in around 45 minutes. The walk wraps nicely around the coastline and you can head to Perch on Lancing beach before heading back into Worthing.

Splashpoint

If you’re looking for an indoor activity for your time in Worthing you can check out Splashpoint Leisure Centre. They offer a range of different fitness classes, swimming activities as well as a sauna, steam room and heat beds to help you relax after a long day of exploring.

Day trip to Brighton

From Worthing to Brighton you can get the Coastliner bus which costs around £ 2 and takes about 45 minutes. This is not the fastest route into Brighton however it is the most scenic. On the way you also pass through other seaside towns such as Lancing, Shoreham-by-Sea and Hove. If youre looking for the faster option to head to Brighton then the quickest way is by train or by car.

Want more on how to spend a day in Brighton check out Our 1 Day Guide for Things to do in Brighton & Hove

Where to eat in Worthing?

Bakery & Cafe

Laughing Dog

Perch on the pier.

British Restaurant

New Amsterdam

Bar & Tapas

Cocktail Bar

Looking for other day trips? Check out Our Guide to Day Trips from London: Best Places to visit by Train from London

Where to stay?

The chatsworth.

The Burlington

Want to go on a weekend away? Check out Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train

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Top Things to Do in Worthing, West Sussex - Worthing Must-See Attractions

Things to do in worthing, explore popular experiences, tours in and around worthing.

Immersive Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunt in Worthing

South Downs and Seven Sisters Full Day Experience from Brighton

The Brighton story - walking tour

Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Isle of Wight - Day Tour from Brighton

Stonehenge and Bath - Day Tour from Brighton

Cambridge and Greenwich - Day Tour from Brighton

Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex

Air Rifle Shooting - One Hour

Brighton i360 Viewing Tower - Journey

Top attractions in worthing.

Other Top Attractions around Worthing

What travellers are saying

• Highdown Gardens
• Worthing Pier
• English Martyrs Catholic Church
• Worthing Beach
• Roundstone Farm
• Highdown Hill
• Beach House Park
• Marine Gardens
• Mindworks Escape Rooms
• Time Lock Escape Rooms
• Worthing Museum & Art Gallery