If you are new to Worthing, whether to live or visit – it is always helpful to be one step ahead and know what there is to do for entertainment and socialising.
There are plenty of things to do in Worthing for all ages. Gone are the days when Worthing is considered a sleepy old town. Plenty of independent businesses are popping up and keeping us all happy and content.
Whether you are keen on something crafty, live music or active – we have this covered as there is plenty of things to do in Worthing.
Things to do in Worthing UK
Art-fun Pottery Cafe
The Art-Ful pottery painting cafe is a fun activity for any age or ability. Choose from a range of stock pieces such as mugs, plates, bowls and jugs to personalise and make your own, or for a gift for someone else.
The process is therapeutic and fun – and could be a great solo or group activity.
The studio at Art-ful provides a heap of inspiration with an array of tools, stamps and stickers to help you create your masterpiece.
The studio rotates stock regularly and encourage an array of creations to match the seasons
It is helpful to know that all of the paint and glaze is non-toxic and food-safe – so if little ones want to get involved, they can.
Art-ful cafe also run events, such as “UV Toddler Mornings” where little ones can get kitted out for a range of creative activities.
There are plenty of adult evenings also such as the UV canvas painting nights, clay building nights, Mothers Day afternoon teas.
Art-ful also host pop up pottery painting events at the lovely Cricketers Pub.
Prices range from £16 and upwards. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
You’ll be pleased to know the also serve coffee, teas, milkshakes and ice cream sundaes.
Collection time for your piece can range between 1 to 2 weeks, however you can arrange postage for a cost if you are visiting.
It is really no surprise this small business has been highly commended its the Adur and Worthing Business Awards in 2023.
East Beach and Coast Cafe
The East Beach of Worthing is generally a lively place, with Coast Cafe being a cultural hub.
Coast Cafe serves as a wonderful meeting point, whether for coffee, brunch, lunch or cake in the day. You can dine in or grab and go with a streamlined takeaway service.
They have a new fridge where you can grab a sandwich if easier.
Or check out it’s range of gigs and events in the evening. Whether it is the all day reggae festival it hosts on the May bank holiday, 80’s night, old school garage, or disco house – there is something for all tastes in the evening time.
This is a great spot all year round, but especially leading in from Spring to Summer where it is just wonderful chilled vibes.
Watching the sunset from East Beach and maybe getting in for a cheeky dip is one of the top things to do in Worthing in my opinion!
East beach and Coast Cafe is a great spot for families also – with the big pirate playground in the back, splash pad to keep little ones cool in the summer, parents are often kicked back on the grass verge relaxing as little ones play amongst themselves.
East Beach and Coast are amongst the best things to do in Worthing this weekend.
Paddleboarding
Whilst on East Beach and fancy learning how to stand up paddle board (SUP), check out K66 Surf Division, whether you are a novice or a seasoned water fanatic.
If you are seeking things to do in Worthing this weekend, K66 are knowledgable and friendly, with a range of the latest equipment to make your lesson enjoyable and informative.
If you are a beginner you can book a lesson, however if you are more confident you can take advantage of the SUP ire service, providing you with a quick safety briefing before you get on the water, which lets be honest is essential.
There is also an option to hire a Kayak to enjoy on Worthings seafront. This is amongst one of the best things to do in Worthing!
SUP lessons are £40 for adults and £35 for children. This includes 1 hour with an instruct, 30 minutes of independent freestyle fun, theory and practical teaching. Wetsuits and wet shoes are included.
SUP hire is £20 per adult and £15 per child. Wetsuits are included and discounts are available for longer sessions.
Kayak hire is £18 for adults and £15 for children. This includes hire and wetsuit.
Or perhaps you have your own paddle board, in which case you are already sorted! Just make sure to check the weather and tide times to ensure safety.
Always let someone know where you are also if paddle boarding solo.
Warwick Street
Warwick Street is a lovely street to walk down and it is brimming with independent cafes, restaurants and quirky shops.
You could grab a delicious gelato from Guiseppes Lite – there are loads of flavours to choose from and it is so good.
Fish and Chips
This is a classic seaside activity, surely. If you go to an English seaside town, then a salty fish and chips must satisfy your hunger.
The best fish and chips in Worthing is renowned to be Chipwick, which is just a short walk from East Beach. It is cheaper to take out, however they do have a dine-in option if you have had enough beach for one day.
Crab Shack on East Beach has been voted Best Restaurant in Sussex 2024. Time and time again the seasonal seafood is top-notch. This is a place that gets booked up regularly.
Crab Shack is another family owned and run seafood restaurant that serves a host of seasonal seafood from Mediteranean stew to crispy squid. It has a great atmosphere, lovely food and good service.
Crab Shack was recently awarded the Best Sussex Restaurant for the second year running.
If you are seeking a plant-based option, then Perch on the Pier is a good place to check out.
Perch on the Pier
Perch on the Pier is a fairly new establishment, open 7 days a week they offer panoramic views of the sea whilst you dine or drink.
Amusements
The amusements on the pier are probably a bit like marmite, but surely is a childhood classic when visiting a seaside town.
There are a range of slot machines and games to play to add a bit of excitement or stimulation to your day. These attractions could also be one of those things to do in Worthing with kids.
The Toad in the Hole Pub
A Worthing Brewery called Toad in the Hole is located just a stones throw from Worthing Town Centre, on Newland Road.
This venue is a community hub, often hosting a range of live music, whether it is live bands or DJs. With carefully curated playlists and eclectic events, you will hear everything from Irish folk to Ethiopian Jazz.
It is renowned for great ales and welcoming atmosphere.
Most Tuesdays there is an array of craft evenings, with relaxed workshops from an array of local artists and crafters.
The first Saturday of every month from 6-11pm they host an open-deck night with hour-long DJ slots.
There is live jazz every Sunday from 3-6pm.
Or perhaps you fancy an A Capella Sea Shanty singing workshop? Every first Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm Homeward Bound guide you through some hearty sing songs.
This venue is one of the sister branches of “Hand Brew Co.”an on-going Brighton institution. A well-known community “boozer” where everybody is welcome and known to be a safe and happy space.
They have replicated this beautiful vibe here in Worthing.
The Toad is open Monday – Saturday 12:00-11:00 pm and 12:00-10:30 pm Sunday. Keep an eye for their regular events in Worthing.
This is a great spot if you are looking for things to do in Worthing at night.
The Dome Cinema
The Dome Cinema, opened in 1911 is a stunning Edwardian cinema, which has been restored and maintained. The Grade II listed building itself is an iconic landmark in Worthing itself and is well worth a visit.
Inside you are met with a traditional wooden ticket office, smartly dressed staff and rich red carpet. The main auditorium feels opulent yet comfortable.
The Dome Cinema offers a range of the latest and classic movies. They also offer parent and baby sessions, autism-friendly sessions and subtitled sessions.
The Dome Cinema is a firm favourite of things to do in Worthing on a rainy day in particular.
It is inclusive as it contains a lift making disabled access easier.
Even if you don’t fancy seeing a movie – The Dome building itself is iconic on the Worthing seafront skyline and is one of our favourite things to see in Worthing.
The Dome is the most iconic cinema in Worthing. You will often find much artwork and postcards etc with the dome-shaped roof.
The Theatre
Worthing Theatre boasts an eclectic mix of entertainment throughout the year, ranging from comedy, circus, dance, music, theatre and pantomime.
There are often international artists and lineups so you are sure to find something between the main Pavilion Theatre and the Connaught Theatre.
There are also a range of films on show at the Connaught Theatre. The Connaught is one of the oldest cinemas in the UK having opened it’s doors in 1914 – many of it’s original features are still in place with the cinema equipment considered state of the art.
Both the Pavillion and the Connaught Theatres have regular events in Worthing.
Forest Row Street Food Court
Forest Row is the newest addition to Worthings Town Centre. It is an eclectic street food hall with multiple food outlets and bars.
Get your fill of loaded mac and cheese, burgers, sushi, cocktails or ales.
There are often DJ’s rotating here throughout the week to keep things interesting.
The Dice Games Lounge is one of our favourite fun things to do in Worthing. There are a variety of games to enjoy. They run a full table service with a small fee of £5 for unlimited game use.
Think of all the usual classic games and discover new games. You can book a table or walk in.
Mini Golf
Slicks Sports bar in Worthing Town Centre, Montague Quarter offers glow-in-the-dark crazy golf. This is a great activity for families with young children or teens in Worthing.
This indoor Sports Bar also has plenty of snooker tables and pool tables.
This is the perfect indoor activity for when it rains in Worthing, which lets face it – happens often!
Of course, Slicks also displays all the recent football and sports games additionally.
AudioActive
AudioActive in the Town Centre is a great initiative. It is a non-profit organisation that supports free access to music in the community.
It strives to enable young people and emerging artists of all backgrounds to reach their fullest potential as an artist.
There are regular events that take place in AudioActive – check ahead to be aware.
There is also a cafe open throughout the day serving delicious coffee and homemade cookies!
Free Things To Do in Worthing
Worthing Museum
Worthing Museum and Gallery hosts one of the largest costume collections in the UK – with over 30,000 items listed.
This collection also includes collections in fine and decorative artists’ social history, toys and archaeology.
There are a range of rotating exhibitions from the Edwardian Legacy of Worthing, A New Roman Landscape in Sussex, and Contemporary Seascape Painter.
Interestingly, Worthing Museum is home to a genuine pair of mammoth tusks which were discovered by Worthing fishermen in 1920 and raised from the seabed.
There is a lovely children’s area in the museum and a gift shop. This is one of the best things to do in Worthing on a rainy day also!
Worthing Museum is free to enter, with donations welcome.
Colonnade House
Colonnade House on Warwick Street, Town Centre is an art gallery, that provides space for local artists, makers, designers and innovators to collaborate and showcase in Worthing.
There are also exhibitions stemming from Colonnade House creatives to be seen along the seafront.
You can see What’s On at Colonnade House with an array of inspiring and creative exhibitions.
Worthing is brimming with creatives and those with great craftsmanship, such as Bespoke Property Interiors.
Marine Gardens
Marine Gardens is one of our favourite places to visit. Further West down the seafront, this is a tranquil spot with a little fish pond you can sit and enjoy.
Marine Gardens often provide shelter from windy or hot days on the beach. Shaded by some of the taller trees and often planted with beautiful flowers.
Marine Gardens cafe also boasts a delicious menu ranging from homemade cakes to hot dinners and sandwiches. There is also an array of ice creams to choose from!
The cafe has a stock of fun games and puzzles to keep little ones entertained while you catch up.
There are public toilets accessible here.
Highdown Gardens and Hotel
Highdown Gardens are a must-see, being a unique and carefully curated chalk garden. Highdown has a rich history, with the founders transforming the chalk pit into a National Plant Collection.
The garden was initially made as an experiment to see what plants would grow on the chalk soil of the Downs, originally started in 1909.
Collections of plants were sought from around the world and many from China. Thousands of plants, seeds and cuttings were bought or swapped.
Located in the South Downs and a short drive from Worthing Town Centre, this is a beautiful day out to roam the gardens and marvel at the various plants, trees, shrubberies and flowers.
There is even a tranquil mini waterfall in the middle and plenty of benches to rest up if needed.
The visitors centre has recently been done up and provides more information. There are also events running throughout the year, so keep an eye out.
Highdown Gardens are completely free to visit. Donations are welcome.
On the same site is Highdown Hotel, where the menu is varied and often rotated. The food is delicious and the service is good. It does get quite busy here at peak times however so do book ahead.
This is a wonderful place to eat near Worthing.
Accessibility: The garden is 8.5 acres and it is steep in parts
Following a downpour the gardens can get somewhat muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
There are accessible toilets at the entrance near the Highdown Hill car park. Parking is free.
There is a map that would be worth consulting before your visit, with an accessible path routed out.
This would be one of our recommended things to do around Worthing.
Warrior Birds Memorial
This is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Worthing. Located in the leafy Beach Park House, this lush rockery was created to commemorate the messenger birds of the 1st and 2nd World War. The birds would deliver “top secret messages”.
Beach House Park is worth a visit as it offers much-needed shade in the warmer days. There is a Tree of Life planted at Beach House Park, a Japanese flowering cherry which was planted as a symbol to overcome prejudice, discrimination and racism in society.
This is amongst the things to do in Worthing for free.
Beach Day
If you are seeking free things to do in Worthing today then the beach is your best bet. It is free to enjoy, make sure you time the tide times. If you go at low tide you can go and explore the seabed.
Two hours on either side of high tide is a good option for a sea dip.
One of my favourite free things to do in Worthing is go for a salty sea swim, with a flask of tea brought from home. I could sit and read a nice book on a calm day and sometimes come to the beach for sea glass.
You could always pack a picnic for a free day out and enjoy the promenade for a walk.
The Promenade
Worthing boasts one of the best-kept seafronts and promenades in Sussex. There is a large stretch of seafront you can walk, taking in the sea breeze and views.
If you walk East from the pier you will come across lots of fishing boats. Walking West will take you towards Marine Gardens and Goring by Sea.
Worthing’s seafront is fairly well maintained and in the summer the flower beds often have different themes, sponsored by local businesses and initiatives.
Walk the Pier
The pier is one of Worthings tourist attractions. It is located fairly central and makes for a nice stroll. Worthing Pier is a Grade II listed art deco structure with plenty of history.
The Pier is lined with artwork and stained glass windows which makes it that more interesting as you stroll along.
It is also free to walk down the pier and back, why not take some interesting pictures?
If you are looking for places to visit near Worthing – you could consider Goring-by-Sea or Shoreham-by-Sea.
Hopefully, you have found this guide to Worthing helpful.
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