From outdoor concerts to artists’ studios and the best G&Ts, Worthing is one of those places that doesn’t reveal itself all at once. At first glance, it’s a classic seaside town, with wide skies, a long promenade and a handsome pier. But spend a little longer here and you’ll find depth. Layers of history. A quietly evolving creative and food scene. And, perhaps most appealingly, a sense that Worthing is becoming something interesting on its own terms.
For something a little different
An unusual cultural trail. Start on the fringes of the town where it meets the South Downs. High Salvington Windmill dates back to 1750, and they hold open days with tours, tea and a chance to see the mill in action. And look out for their open-air concert in June featuring the 48-piece Lancing and Sompting Concert Orchestra. Check their website and Facebook page for details.
Then, for something entirely unexpected, step inside the English Martyrs Church in Compton Avenue, Goring-by-Sea, home to a remarkable and precise reproduction of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. It’s one of Worthing’s most surprising wow moments.
Finally, make your way to the parade of multi-coloured Victorian cottages alongside Perch on the Parade at the east end of the town’s seafront. From here, pause at Beach House, a Regency villa built in 1820, once home to notable figures including Sir Robert Loder (of High Beeches) and later, Sir Edmund Loder of Leonardslee Gardens. Even King Edward VII stayed here. Behind it, Beach House Park holds quieter stories, from the poignant Day Sussex Died memorial, to the Warrior Birds tribute and the symbolic Tree of Life.
A Slake Spirits Tour & Tasting. Head to Upper High Street and Slake Spirits at The Chalkhouse, an independent artisan distillery. Named in part after the local knucker legend (a knucker is a water dragon), it offers tours, tastings and cocktail masterclasses. It’s intimate, characterful and steeped in the flavours and stories of Sussex, and of course, they do a great G&T!
Midsummer on Highdown Hill. For something atmospheric, head up to Highdown Hill at Midsummer, where the Sompting Morris dance at sunset (21 June). It’s one of those quietly magical Sussex moments with landscape, tradition and light all coming together.
For a bit of shopping
East Beach Studios. East Beach Studios is a collection of artists’ studios right by the sea. It’s small, creative, and full of character. Or simply soak up the atmosphere of the Royal Arcade, less about what you buy, more about the feel of the place.
With the family
Head slightly west to Bluebird Café for a relaxed lunch by the sea. There’s space to run, sand to dig, and food that works for everyone, even the dog. Or, if you’re local (or want to feel like one), join a community dog walk on the last Saturday of the month at Highdown Hill with free coffee and pastries thrown in.
Where to eat, drink and indulge
For seafood, CrabShack is the standout: fresh, vibrant and perfectly positioned by the sea. For coffee, Malt Café in Montague Street offers a more refined, quietly excellent stop, the kind of place you return to. And if you’re looking to elevate things further, the nearest Michelin-starred experience is Chalk at Wiston Estate: a destination in its own right, set among vineyards and rolling countryside.
Evening: when Worthing comes alive
As the sun sets, Worthing starts to light up. Factory Live describes itself as the home of live music in Worthing, hosting live music, comedy, cabaret and a whole lot more. It’s unpretentious and dynamic.
Why Worthing, why now
Worthing is not trying to be anything else and that’s its strength. It’s a town of small discoveries, creativity and of quiet seaside cool.
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