Named in the Domesday Book, this small seaside town now a cosmopolitan – some might even say bohemian – cultural hotspot with a thriving culinary and arts scene
Once written off as Brighton’s ‘drab half-brother’ – even the ‘Terry and June’ of Seaside towns according to one stuffy broadsheet – Worthing is now the epitome of coastal cool thanks to its buzzing culinary and arts scene.
With a MasterChef champion in its midst, an exciting new café on the end of the Sussex town’s jewel in the crown, the iconic, and award-winning, Art Deco pier, an annual multi arts festival, three theatres and one of Britain's oldest cinemas, The Dome in a grade II-listed building, which has a Projectionist's Bar, there’s plenty to savour here.
Indeed, there must be something in the air and, no, it’s not the smell of fish and chips even though Worthing did start off as a mackerel fishing hamlet before it was gentrified into an elegant Georgian resort. We’re talking about words, literary flair, and, well, genius. The town is literally awash with culture and creativity.
Not only did Oscar Wilde famously wrote The Importance of Being Earnest here – locals claim it was at The Crabshack, a family-run eaterie that’s still a firm favourite - but Harold Pinter was a resident too. The Nobel Prize winning playwright wrote The Homecoming in just six weeks in 1963 while living in Ambrose Place with his wife Vivien and son David. A Blue Plague now adorns the elegant house.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Worthing also has stunning coastal views – some of the best in Sussex which explains the 10-year waiting list for beach huts - as well as vistas to the South Downs. The iron Age hill fort, Cissbury Ring, lies within the borough that boasts leafy avenues, historic buildings galore, and a beach with kitesurfing for the ultimate way to let off steam.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
With easy access to Brighton, Chichester and London, Worthy is ideal for commuting, but it has more than enough here for a growing family. The A23, A24 and A27 make it easy for drivers to get around, though, like all towns, it can get busy in the summer as it’s the perfect place to staycation. Tourists and residents can all pop down to Portsmouth, Southampton or even take a short ferry ride over to the Isle of Wight for a weekend away.
FOOD AND DRINK
Food comes with a side order of seaside charm in Worthing. From the beachfront Coast Café at East Beach, with its art studios, paddle boarding, and crazy golf, through to Perch on the pier, boasting the best panoramic views around, there’s plenty to whet the appetite.
MasterChef Kenny Tutt is the culinary heavyweight in town with two restaurants, Pitch which serves modern British classics and casual dining spot Bayside Social for sharing plates.
The Crabshack was named in The Guardian’s ‘10 of Europe’s best beach restaurants’ in 2019, is just a few steps from the stony beach and serves cocktails with prawn cocktail and dressed crab while The Woods burger joint is the talk of the town, serving American-style dining using locally-sourced ingredients.
GOING OUT
The Pavilion Theatre sits at the end of the pier, which was named Pier of the Year for the second time in 2019, and has a packed programme of film, musical performances and theatre.
Away from the seaside, scale the Downs to Cissbury Ring – named after the circle of trees on top of the Iron Age hillfort – for spectacular views, or head to High Salvington Windmill to see this historic windmill still working.
Time a visit to nearby Angmering Park Estates – a private, traditional agricultural and sporting estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park - and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing bluebell displays.
SHOPPING
There are myriad antiques stores and galleries in Worthing and High Street favourites galore down Montague Street and South Street.
For gifts from a Sussex artisan and crafts head to the Montague Gallery or for unusual, modern jewellery that holds lasting memories as it contains the ashes of loved ones, The Forge Gallery is a must-visit.
Warwick is lined boutiques and independent shops including Haggle It, a clothing store with no prices where you can practice your powers of persuasion and negotiation.
For a new kitchen, there’s nowhere better than Colliers Kitchens, who’ve been trading as a family business in Worthing since 1935. And if you’re having trouble sleeping or just need a new bed, Jones & Tomlin are the specialists for premium beds in town. One visit and you’ll sleep easy!
EDUCATION
Our Lady of Sion is a co-educational, inter-denominational school for children aged 3 – 18 years that nurtures the potential of every pupil. Priding itself on offering an inspiring, affordable education in a caring, family community for 400 pupils, the school offers an ambitious start where pupils are given every opportunity to learn, succeed and achieve wonderful outcomes at GCSE and A Level.
Located in the heart of Worthing, in West Sussex, with the beach on the doorstep, the school takes full advantage of their proximity to local sports and cultural facilities, making childhood memories along the way. www.sionschool.org.uk
MUST DO
Step back in time at Worthing Museum where you can see Queen Victoria’s underway and bathing along with one of the country’s most significant costume collections.
More than 30,000 pieces make up collection with some clothes even dating back to the 17th century. There are also notable toy and dolls collections, archaeological finds and historic art works. The museum is free and the perfect place to spend a rainy hour or two. wtm.uk/collections/
MUST SEE
Stroll along the Grade II listed Art Deco pier which was built in 1862 which has a classic amusement arcade dating back to 1935 sandwiched between two white 1920s Pavilions. Take time to savour the food and views from the Perch on the Pier café that was built at the far end of the pier in 2022 and now offers accommodation nearby for discerning guests before catching a brilliant performance at the Worthing Pavilion Theatre.
MAKING THE MOVE
At £322,261, the average Worthing house price is half the equivalent property in London, according to Zoopla, and more affordable than neighbouring Brighton and Hove. With more space for their money, a wide choice of properties and the allure of a beach life with plenty of outdoor activities, the town is attracting couples and families.
Terraced properties line the remnants of the old fishing town, York Road and along the sea front while there are leafy avenues of Victorian town houses west of the station and around Victoria Park with price tags of £500,000-£1.2m.
