This seaside town on England's south coast has a 5-mile beach promenade and Britain's oldest working cinema. The Georgian and Victorian buildings line its calm town center.
Worthing, a seaside town in West Sussex, sits where the South Downs meet the English Channel. Walk along the five-mile promenade to see Victorian architecture, including the 1862 pier with its Southern Pavilion café. Stop at the art deco Pavilion Theatre for an evening show, or catch a film at the Dome, one of Britain's oldest working cinemas.
Getting Around Worthing
Trains run directly from London to Worthing, taking 90 minutes to cover the 58-mile journey. From the railway station, you'll reach the seafront in a 20-minute walk through the town center. Regular buses connect the seafront, residential areas, and the South Downs, making car-free exploration simple.
Beach Life and Seafront
Walk the five-mile promenade alongside beaches that transform from pebbles to sand at low tide. Head to the marked areas near Splash Point to take windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons. The 960-foot Grade II listed Worthing Pier includes an art deco Southern Pavilion, a café serving fresh seafood and local produce, and a weekend nightclub.
Arts and Entertainment
Three main venues make up the town's performing arts spaces: catch comedy and drama at the Pavilion Theatre, listen to the Worthing Symphony Orchestra at the Assembly Hall, or see touring shows at the Connaught Theatre. The Dome, operating since 1911 in its restored Edwardian building, screens current releases and independent films. During summer festivals, local artists display their work throughout Beach House Park.
Parks and Nature
Walk from the town center to reach the South Downs National Park, where a climb up Cissbury Ring rewards you with Channel views. Beach House Park contains five competition-standard bowling greens within 1920s formal gardens. Visit Highdown Gardens to see Mediterranean and exotic plants growing on chalky terraced slopes above the sea.
Local Food Scene
The mild climate allows local farms to grow salad crops throughout the year. Independent cafes and restaurants in the town center update their menus each season with ingredients from nearby farms. The seafront restaurants serve fresh fish bought directly from fishing boats at the harbor each morning.
