Although it is one of the largest seaside towns to be found on England’s south coast, there’s an understated charm about Worthing. And while it might not have the edgy swagger of its eastern cousins at Brighton and Eastbourne, it makes up for that with a beautifully maintained, wide promenade with plenty of space to walk and enjoy the sea air, – and places to park!
The perks of owning a campervan or motorhome is the ease of setting off on a weekend away, so why not consider Worthing?
The town was listed in the Domesday Book and came to prominence during the Georgian era, when it became fashionable with wealthy visitors, and subsequently during the 19th and 20th centuries with holidaymakers.
In the later 20th century, it became something of a retirement hotspot, but since the 1990s, the town’s population has enjoyed an influx of young families in search of the relaxed outdoor lifestyle at more affordable prices than they would encounter in neighbouring areas.
Ok, the best UK campervan road trips can have their appeal, but with quality restaurants, a good town centre, an Art Deco pier, and somewhere for lovers of UK National Parks, what’s not to like about Worthing?
Where to stay in Worthing
The Barn Caravan Park is a pleasant, dog-friendly site near Lancing with a range of electric and non-electric grass pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents. There’s an onsite coffee shop and licensed bar, and it’s only a 15-minute walk to the nearest beach.
Alternatively, Ecclesden Farm Caravan and Camping is a family-run campsite on a 325-acre farm in South Downs National Park, a mile from the A27. Hardstanding and grass pitches across two fields, each with a new facilities block.
What to do in Worthing on Day 1
9.30am – But first coffee
Fortify yourself with an excellent breakfast; just a stroll from the seafront, in The Royal Arcade Shopping Mall, you’ll find Munch Coffee, Bar and Kitchen – eggs benedict highly recommended!
10.30am – Pier review
You can’t visit Worthing without taking in its beautiful Art Deco pier – it’s just one of the reasons we included Worthing in our list of the best seaside destinations in the UK.
It was originally opened in 1862 and rebuilt after a storm in 1913. More recently, it was the winner of the 2019 Pier of the Year Award. This is a beautiful place to stroll with an ice cream, take photos, or just relax in a deckchair and enjoy the view. It’s also home to an innovative outdoor gallery, Art on the Pier, where you can see free exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists.
11.30am – Donkey ride
Hire a Donkey Bike at the hub by Worthing Pier and take a cycle along the seafront. It’s an 11-mile round trip to Shoreham Harbour, taking in the Promenade, the Widewater Nature Reserve and Shoreham Harbour and Fort. Give yourself two hours.
1.30pm – Eat at Crabshack
An iconic Worthing institution and worth a day trip just on its own, Crabshack is a family-owned and run seafood restaurant and beach bar on Marine Parade, with an outdoor seating area overlooking the sea. Fresh-caught calamari, king prawns, dressed crab – you get the idea. Just don’t forget the cocktails and chips!
3pm – Highdown Gardens
Drive out of town to Highdown Gardens, a fascinating horticultural experiment created in a chalkpit by Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern, who wanted to see just which plants they could cultivate in the chalky Sussex soil. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy anything from snowdrops to peonies. It’s free to enter and there are guided tours on selected days during the summer for £5.
7pm – On Parade
It’s back to the seafront for sundowners and pizza at Perch on the Parade, an effortlessly relaxed beachfront café. Be sure to book ahead if you want to grab a prime spot while the sun sets.
What to do on Day 2
9am – Hill fort views
Head north out of town to ancient Cissbury Ring, in South Downs National Park. The largest hill fort in Sussex dates back over 5000 years and makes for a wonderful walk, with magnificent views and the chance to spot migratory birds.
11.30am – Sail away
Before returning to the seaside, take the opportunity to check out High Salvington Windmill, which dates from around 1750 and has been extensively restored. This historic working windmill is open to the public on most Sundays and often hosts special events, such as craft fairs. Visit the website to find out more.
1pm – Seaside lunch
Back to The Royal Arcade for classic fish & chips at The Arcades Fish Restaurant. Along with battered favourites, there’s also a super grill serving lobster, prawns and fresh bream and sea bass.
3pm – Take flight
Make your way east to Lancing, to take in a spot of kitesurfing. Land-based lessons teach you how to manage a kite in various wind conditions, before taking to the water for this unique experience. Find out more by going to the website.
6pm – Turkish delight
Experience a Turkish feast, just a short walk away from the pier at Efes Town restaurant, which specialises in a range of authentic dishes, with lip-smacking options such as Çökertme kebab, Kremalı Tavuk and Yogurtlu kebab.
7pm – Pavilion Theatre
Take in a performance at the wonderful Pavilion Theatre, which was built in 1926 and stands at the end of the pier.
For coastal getaways in other parts of the country, take a look at our guides to a weekend in Tenby and a weekend in Morecambe Bay.
After some more ideas for a weekend getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Weekend Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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