It’s easy to see why Worthing is a hit with tourists and residents alike. With its oh-so-pretty seaside location, cool cultural attractions and captivating surrounding countryside, the West Sussex town is a must for visitors to this corner of the south coast.
If you’re planning a weekend away and searching for some destination inspiration, you’ll find that there are plenty of fun things to do in Worthing. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or travelling as a family, you have your pick of the sights to see and activities to try here. For some ideas to help you to plan your trip, read on.
Seaside fun
A lot of Worthing’s charm lies in its seafront. The award-winning pier has been the focal point of the shoreline for 160 years. Here, you can indulge in a spot of fishing, enjoy an event above the waves at the Pavilion Theatre, or take in the view of the chalk cliffs from your deckchair.
Head to the sand for some beach volleyball or hit the water and try your hand at paddleboarding. Travelling with little ones? There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy, too, from the Waterwise playground that will keep the older ones busy to Gull Island, where the under-eights can burn off some energy.
Cultural gems
Art lovers will adore Worthing. Things for the to-do list if you’re planning on exploring the local artists in the region include a visit to East Beach Studios and a promenade past the latest Art on the Pier exhibition. Colonnade House and Montague Gallery are also worth a visit.
Art can be found at Worthing Museum and Gallery, too. Exhibitions, workshops and live events all take place here, so check ahead before you travel to see if there’s anything on the agenda that catches your eye.
Countryside strolls
Within 20 minutes, you can be in the green hills of the South Downs National Park. Worthing is ideally placed at the foot of this captivating green space that stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne.
Leave the bustling beaches and seaside coffee shops behind for a trip to Cissbury Ring, the largest hill fort in Sussex that formed over 5,000 years ago. Or maybe Devil’s Dyke’s walking trails will take your fancy?
If tours of National Trust estates are more your thing, Petworth House and Park is slightly further out but well worth the drive. The 17th century house is inspired by Baroque European palaces. Head inside for a tour or wander the manicured lawns and deer park.
Free things to do in Worthing
As well as the beach and the pier there are lots of free things to do in Worthing, including Worthing Museum and Gallery, which is free to enter.
There also several gardens and parks that are worth a visit. During your stay, you can head to Highdown Gardens. What once was a chalk pit is now a national plant collection and you can take in the beautiful blooms in all their glory. Marine Gardens is popular with those who enjoy a game of bowls and Steyne Gardens is where you’ll find Worthing Ice Rink in the winter months and the Seafront Festival in the summer.
Getting to Worthing
From quiet strolls in majestic gardens to seaside fun for the whole family, there’s a lot to love and plenty of things to do in Worthing. This West Sussex town has something to suit everyone and you’re sure to have a packed schedule whether you visit for a weekend or a little longer.
There are excellent transport routes in and around the town. Book a train into the heart of this historic town, which is just 75 minutes from London Victoria and 25 minutes from Brighton.