Much maligned as a contender for the title of ‘God’s waiting room’ and once renowned for stinking of seaweed, Worthing has shaken off its sleepy retirement image and is now the coolest of Sussex seaside resorts.
It was named the best British seaside town to move to last year by both Time Out and Muddy Stilettos, meaning there’s now a whiff of excitement as well as beer battered cod and chips and the salty sea in the air.
Londoners keen to surf and go stand up paddleboarding after a day’s slog in the capital have rushed to buy their coastal des res here along with couples and young families who’ve been priced out of uber trendy Brighton, officially the UK’s favourite coastal hotspot, which is just ten miles up the road.
Nestled between the South Downs and a distinctly Sussex pebbly beach, Worthing has been a visitor’s favourite since the late 18th century, hence the plethora of Regency buildings and a staggering 213 listed buildings in the area - three are Grade 1: Castle Goring, St Mary’s Church and The Old Palace.
This makes the gentrified and historic town the perfect movie location with the recent hit Wicked Little Letters starring Olivia Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Timothy Spall filmed here. A who’s who of actors have made their debut - or their name – at the Connaught Theatre, most notably James Bond star Roger Moore, Poirot David Suchet, horror movie legend Christopher Lee, and Hyacinth Bucket herself, Patricia Routledge.
And 'Sunny Worthing' has long attracted cultural icons including Oscar Wilde who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest here while Harold Pinter was a resident. 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 house.
And as well as the arts - there’s a titular annual festival, an Artists' Open House Trail and three theatres - there’s a thriving food scene (what would you expect with MasterChef champion Kenny Tutt living here?) that boasts the glamorous Perch on the Pier, and a smorgasbord of start ups, microbreweries and cocktail bars.
There’s also the small matter of the fabulous views which are some of the best in the country as well as the county. Look one way and there’s the swathe of beach and sea, turn to the other and there’s the South Downs. So whether it’s the countryside that floats your boat, or making a splash in the English Channel, Worthing really have the best of the coast and the country.
Maybe it was Kenny Tutt winning MasterChef or the naming of locals’ favourite CrabShack being named in The Guardian’s 10 Best Beach Restaurants in Europe but Worthing has seen an explosion in restaurants opening here and a thriving culinary scene making it a foodie hotspot.
While CrabShack, which serves cocktails with prawn cocktail and dressed crab, has long been a local gem, others such as Taco Look at Me Now, Malt Café, Whiskey Rooms, Pizzaface, award-winning Indian Mahaan and Japanese-inspired Yamu Yamu have all opened here.
They join the beachfront Coast Café at artsy East Beach and the new dining powerhouse Perch On The Pier, with the best views around to whet the appetite.
Kenny has a new twist on burgers with Patty Guy at the Dome offering smashed burgers and loaded fries. And Perch Pizza is on offer at Bayside, a gleaming tower of luxury apartments that have ‘rippling’ balconies and looks like it belongs on Miami’s South Beach rather than Worthing’s Beach Parade.
GOING OUT
From enjoying the town’s pretty Highdown Gardens to taking in a show, class or event, there’s a packed calendar of things to see and do in Worthing all year round.
Take a hike up 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.
Or head to Worthing Theatres and Museums which includes the Assembly Hall, Connaught Theatre and studio, Worthing Museum and Gallery and the Pavilion Theatre – which sits at the end of the pier –, with their exciting programme of film, musical performances, live shows, classes, events and workshops (wtm.uk/whatson/).
RECOMMENDED READING
- Why you should move to Worthing in Sussex
- 9 things you probably didn't know about Worthing
- A closer look at the history of Worthing
SHOPPING
Stroll around the town and you’ll spot everything from antique stores to galleries, boutiques, High Street favourites and Haggle It, a clothing store with no prices where you can practice your powers of negotiation and persuasion at the till.
Pick up a unique piece of jewellery made by a Sussex artisan at the Montague Gallery, or venture over to The Royal Arcade – an Edwardian shopping arcade, opposite Worthing pier, for the ultimate in independent retailers.
Women will love Keep Boutique where you can ask for an in-store colour consultation and styling session, while there’s a personal shopping team on hand to help select the very best from the men’s fashion collection at Pendulum Menswear.
Wheelers Clocks, which has been established for more than 30 years, has some of the best watches, clocks and time pieces while music lovers can get their hands on a new or used electric, acoustic or base guitar at Sound Guitars where they also sell ukuleles.
Children of all ages will enjoy a visit to Gigglewick Gallery, a colourful contemporary fine art gallery and gift shop with imaginative and unique wooden toys and gifts.
And if you’re having trouble sleeping or just need a new bed, Jones & Tomlin on Chapel Road, have been the specialists for the finest range of premium beds, mattresses and bedding in Worthing since 1946.
Worthing Town Centre Initiative is a community interest company which generating revenue from activities it undertakes to improve and promote the town centre, attract visitors and help support local businesses. It organises regular markets, the Christmas lights, floral displays, advertising and marketing of the town centre and provides a directory of events and businesses.
For all your legal needs, GWCA solicitors have prided themselves on being the largest solicitor firm in Sussex and the South coast for more than 100 years, for businesses and individuals.
The firm has a range of experts covering conveyancing, financial planning, family law, personal injury, litigation, commercial property and business services, wills and probates. The team of solicitors work in eight offices in Sussex with several in the Worthing area but can also visit clients at home or at their workplace.
St Barnabas House Hospice is a Worthing-based charity that has been providing free palliative care to adults with life-limiting illnesses for more than 50 years. Staff offer care in your own home or at the in-patient unit. They hold fundraising events throughout the year and are always looking for volunteers with a variety of roles available from helping out in the gardens, at one of their many charity shops, or becoming a community champion.
EDUCATION
Our Lady of Sion school – An independent day school in the heart of Worthing for children from 3-18 years. The school is part of the worldwide network of schools and colleges founded by the sisters of Sion. Founded in 1862 and whilst proud of their heritage, is a very forward looking, vibrant and dynamic school institution. Their next whole school open day event is Saturday 12th October.
MUST DO
With a costume and textiles collection that is one of the largest in the country, and ranks as a leading resource for dress history in the UK, you can step back in time at Worthing Museum where you can see Queen Victoria’s underwear and bathing costume.
More than 30,000 pieces make up the 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/
Stroll along the Grade II-listed Art Deco pier which was built in 1862 and has survived a fire and WWII to see some of the best views in Britain. Take time to savour the food and panoramic vistas 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.
