Last Updated on September 28, 2019 by Nancie
Worthing UK: A Victorian Seaside Town to Tick All of Your Travel Boxes, contributed by Danni, who blogs at livein10countries.com is the tenth small town exposé in the series Small Town Explorer. You can find Danni’s bio and social media links at the end of this post.
The villages and towns we visit in our travels are often the hidden gems of a country or region. In this series readers are introduced to small centers around the globe, from travel bloggers who have experienced the location firsthand; featuring their uniqueness, their history, what to see and do, and often where to stay and where to dine.
Previous towns featured in the series:
Bourtange, Ravello, Italy, Sanzhi, Taiwan, Ollantaytambo, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Lafayette, Lousiana, Canmore, Alberta
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the faded glam of Victorian seaside towns in the UK. Worthing is perched on the south coast of England and has all the quirky hallmarks that you’d expect. It’s a favourite for many of us to retire to and hosts a colourful pride every year. It’s much more than just Brighton’s neighbour and you’ll find that you soon warm to Worthing’s small town, seaside-y feel.
I lived in Worthing for 6 months after moving back to the UK and really enjoyed it – so here are my best recommendations! While I spend most of my time teaching Brits how to live abroad or finding the best things to do on a Belgian layover, it’s nice to show that travel doesn’t have to be all city breaks – there’s room to enjoy the little guy!
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Worthing, Uk: Where to go and explore
Start your day with a trip to the seaside! Wherever you are in this town, if you turn south and follow the seagulls downhill, you’ll soon hit the coast. There’s a pier that once hosted barrel organs and today is home to brightly coloured deckchairs and the salty breeze. Opposite you is Harry Ramsden’s famous fish and chips, an absolute must. Beside you twinkle the lights of the amusement rides.
Walk right as you look at the pier and there are long shaded stretches for walkers and joggers, beachy cafes selling artwork and an outdoor gym area where you can flex your muscles. Join the beach at its further west corner and you’ll spot a vendor with some of the best ice cream in Sussex. Sit on a rock and enjoy.
If it rains, though, make a beeline for the Dome Cinema (21-22 Marine Parade) and you’ll be charmed by what looks more than anything like a seaside tea room from the 40s, but still shows blockbusters and sells enormous buckets of popcorn. If you want to spoil yourself, they offer packages with wine and waiter service during the film.
Worthing, UK: When your tummy rumbles
All that sea air will have made you peckish, so time to pick a spot for lunch. Worthing has several high streets – West Worthing has its own, for example, – and that’s where the magic tends to be concentrated. For real street flavours and something, you can grab and eat by the beach, head to Jimmy’s Caribbean (113 Montague St). The fresh catch of the day is at Fish Factor (51 Brighton Road) and if the sun shines, their outside tables are very popular.
But then, sometimes you just need a proper burger and all the Worthing locals rave about Woods Burger Kitchen ( 55-59 Portland Rd ) for authentic burgers in a brioche bun. Finally, breeze past the Pizza Express on the high street and try the independent option instead, Fiordilatte (5-6, Stanford Square). It’s got a romantic vibe and uses only fresh dough.
Worthing, UK: The best pint in Worthing
As evening draws in, you’ll be in need of a tipple. The Corner House has a tempting back garden which is heated in winter by posh outdoor heat lamps. On weekends the bar is packed with jostling locals, so if you’re keen to make friends, this is a good place to start. Strike up a conversation and see who joins in!
For a relaxed night out The Libertine ( 46-56 Portland Rd) always gets rave reviews. It has a fabulous gin selection and furniture that perplexes almost everyone – but in a fun way!
For somewhere a bit hip by the seafront, stop off at the Cow Shed. Apparently, it really was a farm building in another life, but now it’s all secluded booths, good drinks and a tasty food menu.
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Worthing, UK: Where else to visit
Just outside the town is some of the most unique history of the area. Dating back to the iron age, the hills are ringed with ancient circles. Make time to explore the prehistoric settings at Chanctonbury Ring and the Cissbury stones for a window into those times. Stonehenge may be more famous, but every stone circle is unique!
The main shopping area is concentrated in a network of cute streets just up from the seafront. It’s a half hour walk south if you arrive by train. Along with chains, you’ll find plenty of independent and one-of-a-kind shops to tempt you.
A short drive outside of town will have you at Highdown Gardens. They’re chalk gardens set on the south downs and they really are lovely when they bloom. If nothing else, these will get you to relax and enjoy life at the seaside.
Hopefully, this has given you a flavour of what Worthing and Sussex have to offer. If you fancy an authentic day by the seaside without too many crowds, I think there’s nowhere better!
Have you visited Worthing, UK? Let us know in the comments.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Bio:
Danni is a traveller on a mission to live in 10 countries before she pops her clogs, sharing all the juiciest travel scoops from each country. Follow along with the journey on Twitter.
55 responses to “Worthing, UK: A Victorian Seaside Town to Tick All of Your Travel Boxes”
Our next door neighbors live in Worthing – their house next door to us is their holiday house – and we were able to visit them a few years ago. We stayed in Worthing – and they took us sightseeing in Brighton. I really enjoyed my visit there and Worthing. It’s a very nice area.
We’re planning to travel this year! I Can’t wait to see this beautiful places in UK. Thanks for sharing!
What a fun trip. It looks like you had a great time. Such beautiful photos…I definitely want to visit!
My sister lives not far from Worthing so I have visited but never really explored. The Libertine sounds like a good place for a night out and a few drinks. Love the pic of the coloured houses.
This sounds like it would be such a great place to visit. So many great sights and things to indulge in when it comes to food.
Oh my goodness I would adore visiting here!! It sounds absolutely lovely!
Love the colors of the building! Also, I wouldn’t mind trying that dessert!
Worthing looks like such a lovely place. It seems like there is so much history to explore here and of course a lovely coast to enjoy too. Your pictures are really lovely.
What an adorable place to visit. I love the UK and I really hope to get back there someday soon to explore!
Wow! UK is such a charm. There’s so many places to visit, I’d like to see those Beachfront houses they look really special and colorful. Love all your suggestions!
I never really thought about going toUK before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list
Looks like a fun place to visit. I love the colorful houses!
Those brightly colored homes are the cutest! I’ve actually never traveled overseas!! Definitely on my to-do list!!
oh, I love the houses!! This makes me want to plan a trip to the area and see everything for myself. I’m def a Hallmark girl
This looks like a quaint little town! I love each of the colors they’ve painted their houses <3 And that dessert plate. . . YUM!
What a beautiful place. The colors of the houses are so beautiful. Everything is just so picturesque! Thank you for sharing!
I never really thought about going to UK before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.
I’ve never been to the UK I hope to go one day. There is so much I want to see there.
Wwwooooaaahhhhhh….Worthing looks beautiful, I must admit, Nancie! It’s worth the visit.
This looks like it would be such a beautiful place to travel to. I am in love with all the colorfulness.
Worthing looks like a lovely town, I’d love to visit and enjoy the area one day.
This is the first time to hear about Worthing and it definitely deserves a place on my bucket list. I love such hidden gems! When’s the best time of the year to visit Worthing?
I’ve never heard of this part of the UK, but judging from your photos – it looks absolutely charming and quaint there! I also love how you article is well-organized and easy to follow. Def adding this to my UK bucket list!
I’ve never been to Worthing! This looks so fabulous though.
Wow, that looks like a nice place to visit and I will definitely add this to my bucket list and hoping to see this place sooner!
A beautiful list of compilations. My personal favorite are the beachfront houses and the street food. Would love to have had more pictures of the street food available there. THe desserts at cow shed look good.
That sounds like a great place to stay for a few weeks. Good food and great sightseeing, what more do you need? Maybe I will have the chance and visit it one day! 🙂
I love your mission!! Mine is just to travel – but you actually want to live in ten different countries? That is fabulous!! I lived abroad in South Africa in my 20’s and it was amazing. Now as a mom with three littles it just seems overwhelming – but I do dream of doing it again as they get older!
You sure have got me wanting to head over to Worthing right now. I should add this place to my next vacation destination. Lovely looking houses and interesting write up. You sure had fun.
Honestly, I had not even heard of this town, but now it is on my radar. I hope to visit it on my next trip to the UK.
❥ tanvii.com
Hi Tanvi. I wasn’t familiar with Worthing until Danni wrote this guest post for Budget Travelers Sandbox. If I ever get back to the UK, I’ll make a point of visiting.
I’m in love with those beautiful pastel Beachfront houses in Worthington. How quaint and I’d love to try “the ice cream in Sussex” 🙂
I have always wanted to visit the UK and am constantly searching for neat little places of interest on Google maps. I think I may have stumbled upon this little city on one of my Google Map trips and found it fascinating. Thank you for sharing all these great tips. When I finally do get to make my dream a reality I will keep these in mind.
Yep! I would definitely love to travel to a place like this!!! Looks gorgeous! 🙂
You have a way of making these places come alive through your words. Another for the bucket list.
It sounds lovely! Another place for my bucket list! 🙂
UK is my second favourite place after Italy. I used to study in Edinburgh University. UK is a lovely place definitely.
This place looks absolutely gorgeous, I love it! Thank you for sharing — definitely on my travel list 🙂 Beautiful images.
Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to UK. Loving the pictures so much.
Last time we visited UK we went to London and loved it, would love to return to visit this side of town.
well this town sounds so charming! Gosh I would love to fo to the UK, its the one place I have always wanted to visit.
What a picturesque spot! I’ve been thinking of planning a trip to the UK and this is one more stop!
I’ve never heard of this place before but sounds fun. Worth a trip for sure!
Really in love with those cute colourful houses!
xo Corina
I’d really love to get to the UK at some point. I’m so mad at myself for not visiting while my friend lived there when she was in the Air Force.
Looks like a nice place. Can’t go wrong with a seaside location for sure!
My husband and I love a similar place like this where we live. I love exploring places by the seaside and eating and at local restaurants like the ones you mentioned here.
I never been to UK but upon reading this it makes me want to go there right now! Amazing place. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
great advice!! just learn some cool things!!
I have never been to the UK but I hope to go one day!! This sounds amazing! Thank you!
That sounds like a wonderful place to visit someday. It has a lot of beautiful sightseeing and tempting foods.
Worthington is beautiful! My brother lives in London. I am going to go visit him next year, will surely visit this pretty place
I’ve always wanted to go to a place like this .
Hopefully one day I’ll get the opportunity .
Im actually planning a long trip to UK so your post really is amazing to me ! So many beautiful pictures and great food to share! Thank you!
You know I’ve neber been anywhere in the UK and have seriously always wanted to. This place looks
Amazing and the found sounds great too!! I have got to go!