Worthing’s laid back creative vibe and award-winning restaurants and bars overlooking the sea makes it the ideal weekend break destination for couples. Highlights might include – a converted Horse Box Sauna on the beach, browsing the East Beach Artists Studios.
Voted the Times newspaper number one seaside destination that ‘everyone’s going to be talking about in Summer 2022’, here’s our suggestions to make the most of your visit to Worthing:
Accommodation: Alongside three independent hotels – The Burlington, The Ardington and The Chatsworth, a number of chains Travelodge and Premier Inn, Worthing also has a whole host of self catering options to suit all group sizes.
Day 1
If you’re feeling hearty and want to live like a local you could join the brave Worthing folk who like to start the day with an icy dip in the sea… cold sea swimming has become increasingly popular over lock down with reports of improved mental well being. Beware though – you need to ease yourself into cold sea dips – it’s best to start in the summer and keep going all year (temperatures can fall as low as 8 degrees in March and April), always dip with a friend and always check the sea state to ensure calm seas.
Breakfast – Whether you’ve dipped or not, you’ll want to start the day as you mean to go on – try Malt Cafe, Finch or the Orchard Cafe are amongst others for a tip top brekkie – all serving great coffee, traditional favourites plus vegan and veggie options.
Morning – Worthing has a great section of Independent shops, all run by friendly locals. Check out Found, Heavy Gretel, Inspired, Colonnade House and East Beach Studios for pieces by local artists and makers and Encore Antiques, Badger Books and Reginald Ballam for vintage and antique finds.
Lunch – Pop along to Warwick street for outdoor lunch options to soak in the sun
Afternoon – Weather and sea state permitting, after lunch you might want to take advantage of nearby Stand-up Paddle Board hire from K66 – Nick and the crew will be happy to fit you out with wetsuits and can offer lessons and guidance for beginners. Alternatively head along towards the Burlington Hotel and you’ll find Fire, Salt and Sea – a converted horsebox sauna right on the beach – pop up and basic (be ready to change in a small tent) but with deck chairs and a firepit chill out area – it doesn’t get much more invigorating than dashing from the hot sauna to dip in the cold sea – book in advance to reserve your slot.
Evening – Head along to Level 1 Worthing – pop up at Grafton car park – plenty of outdoor seating – take your pick from local Sussex offers including Bison Beer, Fika Burgers, Pizza Face and others. Heated seats and blankets available if there’s a nip in the air.
Dinner – Family owned Crab Shack is now something of a Worthing institution. Voted in the top 10 of Europe’s Best Beach Restaurants – Guardian 2019. Indoor or alfresco – with blankets and if you’re lucky a hot water bottle to keep you cosy.
Evening – Worthing’s live music scene is growing at pace – Round off the day with a live gig – check out Factory Live or The Venue for big names or one of the many local pubs with regular bands – The Egremont, Hare & Hound or Rose and Crown amongst others.
Day 2
Sunday
Worthing is blessed by proximity to both sea and south downs, so after a busy first day by the coast, it’s nice to contrast on day 2 by heading up to the South Downs National Park. Walk up to the site of an ancient Iron Age fort at Cissbury Ring and enjoy far-reaching views over Sussex and back to the sea, head to Highdown Gardens or book yourself in for a guided foraging tour with local foraging expert Fern Freud.
Lunch – After a hearty walk head down to historic Tarring and enjoy lunch at the pub – The Parsonage, The George and Dragon or The Vine or head for a sandwich and homemade cake at the popular Old BakeHouse tea rooms
Afternoon – Creative types will love settling in to one of our many makers workshop – book in advance to avoid disappointment The Forge Gallery, Worthing Museum and Gallery, Colonnade House and The Little Craftery amongst others
Evening – Round off the day with a pint of local ale at one of our many craft ale pubs – The Brooksteed Ale House, The Brewhouse and Kitchen, tiny Anchored in Worthing or The Georgie Fin and a Sussex pub dinner at one of our many top pubs New Amsterdam, The Corner House or the Cow and Oak.
Photo by Fern Freud
