15 Best Things To Do In Worthing In 2024 + Tourist & Budget Tips

Just 11 miles down the coast from the popular seaside resort city of Brighton lies Worthing. Every bit of the classic English seaside town, Worthing has a picturesque pebble beach, a 19th-century pier, plenty of art deco architecture and even a uniquely sunny microclimate! However, as people tend to overlook Worthing, it’s never overwhelmed by visitors like its more famous neighbour, making it a delightful place to visit.

There’s also a boatload of interesting sights and fun activities, both in the town centre and the surrounding South Downs. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of all the best things to do in Worthing, from the famous pier to the largest hill fort on the south coast to evocative jazz-age cinemas. As you begin exploring this charming county, you’ll soon find out why playwright and dandy Oscar Wilde praised its beautiful surroundings!

Table Of Contents

1 15 Best Things To Do In Worthing
2 Making The Most Of Your Day In Worthing On A Budget
3 Is Worthing Safe?
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Conclusion

15 Best Things To Do In Worthing

Read on to learn about the best things to do in Worthing, from the award-winning pier to fun day trips to take if you have a little more time.

1. Stroll Along Worthing Pier

If you only have time for one thing in Worthing, make it a stroll along the pier. You’ll quickly find out why Worthing Pier won UK Pier of the Year twice, especially if you visit just before sunset!

Worthing Pier is a stroll through history, with the beautiful pier itself dating back to 1862, the pavilions on either end to the 1920s and the amusement arcade to 1935. It’s also a Grade II listed building, meaning it’s of special interest and must be preserved.

A more recent addition is the stained glass windows which feature local information and artwork and create a beautiful play of the sunlight on the sea. The Southern Pavilion has also had a revamp and now houses the Pavilion Theatre as well as a great restaurant!

2. Check Out Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

While most things to do in Worthing are outdoor activities, the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect activity for a drizzly or blustery day.

Worthing Museum boasts one of the largest costume collections in the UK with clothes spanning the 17th to 20th centuries – the swimming costume collection alone makes it worth the visit!

But there’s more to see, such as displays of local archaeology, including axes from Neolithic flint mines in the South Downs. The art gallery has paintings by Ivon Hitchens, William Holman Hunt and Lucien Pissarro, and there are always special exhibitions.

3. Seize The Day At East Beach

Worthing Beach stretches out to either side of the pier, but East Beach is the direction to go. This is not only because it is backed by several popular attractions you might want to check out, but also because the Georgian and Victorian architecture makes it the prettiest part of Worthing Beach.

If you’re visiting when the weather’s warm, why not go for a swim in the sea or even try something more adventurous like SUP boarding? If it’s too chilly for that, a stroll along the beach is always lovely.

Tip: if you want to walk along this dog-friendly beach, go at low tide so you can get to the soft sand instead of hurting your feet on the pebbles.

4. See The Beautiful Gardens

Worthing is awash with beautiful, carefully tended gardens to stroll around in. You can pick whichever one appeals to you or visit them all!

Steyne Gardens is a good choice if you’re pressed for time as it’s just east of Worthing Pier. With a Triton fountain, benches and a grassy area for picnics, it’s the perfect spot to chill out between attractions. It also hosts events throughout the year, so keep an eye out!
If you keep going along the promenade, you’ll soon find the tiny but lovely Denton Gardens, an ornamental garden established in 1922.
From there, it’s just a few minutes to the Beach House Park, the largest park in central Worthing. Here you’ll find many beautiful flowers, an avenue of maple trees and a community garden.

5. Watch A Movie At The Dome Cinema

Built in 1911, the Dome Cinema is one of the oldest cinemas in England and still exudes art deco and jazz-age charm. Even from the outside, you’ll notice the beautiful art deco architecture, and the interior is full of glorious art nouveau details.

While the place feels authentically old-fashioned, we can thank restoration work in the early 2000s for all the art decor details brought back to life, as the previous decades saw the cinema falling on hard times.

Thankfully, today the Dome is thriving, boasting three digital screens and a bar where you can buy a drink to sip during your movie!

6. Walk Along The Promenade

A trip to Worthing is not complete without a meander down the marine parade. Worthing Promenade runs right along the beach, giving walkers views of the sea on one side, beautiful architecture on the other and lots to explore along the way!

As you walk along to the west of the pier, you’ll discover fun activities for kids, like the Waterwise Playground and a variety of food trucks. You’ll also find Worthing Lido, which was built as a bandstand in the 1920s but is now an amusement arcade.

Heading east from the pier there’s even more to discover, from a mini golf spot to East Beach Studios, made up of converted beach huts and features work by local artists.

Tip: This is also the direction to walk if you want to get to the stunning Edwardian Dome Cinema.

7. Enjoy The Marine Gardens

We mentioned some of Worthing’s gardens already, but the Marine Gardens is worthy of its own entry. Established in 1930, the Marine Gardens features exquisitely ornate formal gardens.

As well as taking in the beautiful flowers and greenery, you can try bowls and putting, and follow it all up with refreshments from the convenience stands.

8. Take A Seafront Cycle Ride

To speed up your tour of Worthing Promenade, why not rent a bike via the Donkey Bike app and take a seafront cycle? Even if you aren’t pressed for time, speeding along the prom with the sea breeze in your hair is one of the most fun things to do in Worthing.

You can cycle in either direction to find the attractions we’ve already listed. However, if you go west, after about 20 minutes you’ll reach the Goring by Sea beach huts where you’ll either have to get off and walk or ride on the road.

For a longer ride, you’re better off going east as there’s a bike path all the way to Brighton!

9. Enjoy The Highdown Gardens

While the Highdown Gardens isn’t the most central of Worthing attractions, it takes the prize for the prettiest garden.

Established by the botanist and horticulturist Sir Frederick Stern in 1909, this enchanting garden was once a chalk quarry. Stern laboured for years to prove that chalk could be a favourable soil, finally succeeding with an unusual combination of trees and plants that now form part of a National Plant Collection.

Located just before Highdown Hill, the Highdown Gardens are full of a spectacular array of flowers in spring and summer.

Tip: if you happen to visit the gardens in April, you’ll see the cherry blossoms in full bloom!

10. Have Fun At Worthing Leisure Centre

Fancy letting off some steam with a few rounds of badminton or football? In fact, with a range of sports fields and courts, an athletics track, an indoor cycling studio, a pole fitness studio and even a creche, there is little you can’t do at Worthing Leisure Centre.

While it’s not the most touristy spot, this is a must-visit for sports fanatics or families with kids that need to burn through sugar energy from all those ice cream cones!

11. Chill Out In Victoria Park

If you need a shady place to rest after a day of sightseeing and stomping the prom, Victoria Park has got your back. Situated about a mile north of the pier, it’s the largest park in central Worthing. You can also add it to your list of historical sights as it was opened all the way back in 1901!

Tip: Victoria Park is great for families as, in addition to a wealth of shady spots, it also has a lot of kid-friendly park equipment and some free-to-use table tennis tables.

12. Play (Mini) Golf At One Of The Various Courts

Mini golf is one of the best things to do in Worthing if you’ve got kids. Splash Point Mini Golf is a skip and a jump from Worthing Pier, and offers a charming old-fashioned atmosphere and 18 surprisingly challenging holes to conquer.

If you’re more the real thing, there are two golf clubs right on the cusp of the South Downs National Park. Worthing Golf Club is the more scenic and older of the two, while Hill Barn Golf Club is still delightful and offers lower green fees.

Tip: Rounding out your trip to the South Downs with an amble through a putting green makes for a lovely day out!

13. Visit English Martyrs Catholic Church

Though not the most famous of Worthing attractions, the English Martyrs Catholic Church is an underrated jewel in the town’s crown. From the outside, this red brick church in Goring By Sea looks suitably historical, if a little nondescript.

But if you look up upon entering, you’ll discover something amazing: an exquisite reproduction of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling! Approximately two-thirds of the original size, this is the only reproduction of the entire ceiling in the world.

Gary Bevans, who painted the magnificent ceiling in 1987 after a pilgrimage to Rome, was a church parishioner and astonishingly had no formal training.

14. Make A Trip To Cissbury Ring

If you like nature walks and stunning views, you must add a trip to Cissbury Ring to your list of things to do in Worthing.

Formed somewhere between 400 – 250 BC, it’s the second-largest hill fort in the country and the largest in the county of West Sussex. In fact, the human connection to Cissbury Ring goes back even further as the hill once formed part of a Neolithic flint mine!

Only 3 miles or a 15-minute drive from central Worthing, Cissbury Ring is the perfect sunny day activity. Walking around the ring only takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with views of Beachy Head, Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and even the Isle of Wight. You might even see wild ponies frolicking about!

15. Hedonism In Worthing: Food, Drink, Party & Shopping

When it comes to tasty eats in Worthing, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We already mentioned the food trucks on the prom where you can find everything from fish and chips to mac and cheese to local gin cocktails.

For a sit-down meal, there are also lots of options along the beach, including Perch on the Pier, Bayside Social for tapas and Coast, a more casual cafe.

Want to honour Worthing enthusiast Oscar Wilde and embrace your inner dandy? You can shop till you drop at the pretty Royal Arcade or Montague Street for high street and charity shops.

For local crafts, souvenirs and handmade jewellery, the galleries and shops along the prom such as East Beach Studios are perfect.

Interested in letting loose with a little nightlife? Try the Cow Shed for delicious cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere or Number 24 Refreshment for beachfront sundowners and yummy baked goods.

Tip: If you’re hankering for something more traditional, the Rose and Crown provides classic pub fare, and the George and Dragon on Tarring Street will transport you to mediaeval times!

Honourable Mentions

Here are some more great picks that could easily make your own list.

Connaught Theatre

Film buffs might want to check out Connaught Theatre in addition to the Dome Cinema. Built in 1914, the Connaught Theatre was once a cinema and stage and introduced celebrated actors including Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee!

The building was given a stylish art deco exterior in the 1930s, which still stands today. It is now primarily a cinema, but sometimes hosts live events.

Tarring High Street

Another great spot for history lovers is Tarring High Street, a historical neighbourhood whose buildings go back much further than their Victorian and Georgian facades suggest.

At the south end, you’ll find quaint flint and cobble cottages, as well the Parsonage Bar and Restaurant in a 16th-century building. Hinting at the street’s even older roots, the church and Archbishop’s Palace are from the 13th century!

South Downs

Outdoorsy folk will not want to miss a trip to the South Downs National Park. As well as Cissbury Ring, there’s a variety of different trails to choose from. It’s the perfect location to take in the enchanting scenery and nature of West Sussex. Check out Highdown Hill for more views and Lancing College Chapel for more history.

If you’re taking the time to explore more of West Sussex, check out our article on things to do in Horsham.

Hire a 7-seater car and explore Worthing in comfort with friends and family. We also offer 9-seater car deals for slightly larger groups.

Making The Most Of Your Day In Worthing On A Budget

Worthing isn’t as pricey as Brighton, but it’s still more expensive than inland West Sussex countryside towns like Chichester. However, there are lots of ways to make your trip to this seaside resort town an affordable one!

Move Those Gams

One of the great things about Worthing is that most of its top attractions are within walking distance. Head off on foot or bike along the promenade. You’ll see lots of seafront sights as well as pretty gardens, activities like mini golf and pretty art deco architecture, including the Dome Cinema and Worthing Museum and Art Gallery.

And, of course, there’s always Worthing Beach itself as well as Worthing Pier with its Southern Pavilion. You’ll be able to fill a few days without spending a cent on transport!

Make The Most Of The Free Activities

It may have a high cost of living for some, but there are actually loads of things to do in Worthing that are absolutely free! Naturally, you don’t have to pay to take in the outdoor sights like the beach, the pier, the promenade and most of the parks and gardens.

But on top of that, the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery won’t cost you a penny, and nor will the English Martyrs Catholic Church.

Bring Your Own Food

There are lots of delicious restaurants, tempting food trucks and charming spots for afternoon tea in Worthing, but you’ll definitely save a lot of moolah by bringing your own food.

Luckily, there are also plenty of delightful places to picnic (take your pick from the beach, parks and gardens) so that you can still make your meals fun without breaking the bank!

Tip: if you’re travelling on a budget, there are a million ways to save money on food, from supermarket meals to self-catering accommodation to even grabbing a roll from the breakfast bar to snack on later!

Is Worthing Safe?

Worthing is extremely safe. In fact, according to Crime Rate UK, it’s the safest major town in West Sussex. It’s also the 38th safest major town in the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Unfortunately, Worthing does rate fairly highly for bike theft, so make sure to chain up your metal steed if you’re exploring the town by bicycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Worthing Worth Visiting?

Worthing is definitely worth visiting! There are so many fun things to see and do in this charming seaside town.

The English coastline has a reputation for being grey and disappointing, but Worthing is one of the sunniest regions of the UK and offers a host of outdoor activities as well as beguiling culture and history to soak up. It’s one of the most underrated hidden gems in West Sussex – cheaper and less touristy than Brighton but just as delightful!

What Are The Best Free Things To Do In Worthing?

The best free things to do in Worthing are to simply stroll along Worthing Pier and Promenade and discover all the spots to explore nearby. From the Pavilion Theatre to Steyne Gardens and an array of stunning art deco buildings, there’s so much you can soak up in the town centre without reaching for your wallet.

More great spots include the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, Highdown Gardens and the English Martyrs church, which are all free to enter!

What Is Worthing Best Known For?

Worthing is best known for its old-fashioned seaside resort town charm, especially Worthing Pier, one of the oldest piers on the south coast and a Grade II listed building.

What else is Worthing famous for? There are some historical reasons: the region around Worthing West Sussex contains Britain’s greatest concentration of Stone Age flint mines, some of the earliest mines in Europe that date back to before Roman times!

Is Worthing Cheap To Live?

Worthing is not cheap to live in, but it’s not the most expensive place either. A recent estimate rated it as the 9th most unaffordable city in terms of living costs in the UK, which is way behind places like London and its neighbour Brighton but is still pretty costly. This is likely due to the town’s connectivity to London and the fact that it is highly centralised and a hub of innovation.

Is Worthing A Nice Area To Live

Worthing is a very nice area to live in as it gives you all the charm of the sea and countryside without cutting you off from the central areas. In fact, it’s just a 25-minute train ride into cosmopolitan Brighton and a 75-minute one into London! That makes it the perfect home if you’re retired, if you work from home or if you work in Brighton but want to live somewhere quieter.

Conclusion

We hope our ideas for things to do in Worthing have made you even more excited for your trip and that you’re already trying to figure out how to fit it all into your itinerary! This delightful seaside town is a wonderful place to explore, as is the surrounding countryside and the South Downs National Park. Worthing, West Sussex, is totally worth it!

15 Best Things To Do In Worthing