9 of the best things to do in Worthing

Looking for the best things to do in Worthing? We’ve listed out 9 fun and interesting activities for families and children of all ages.

Highdown Gardens

Highdown Gardens are gardens on the western edge of the town of Worthing, close to the village of Ferring and the National Trust archaeological site Highdown Hill, in West Sussex, England. Overlooking the sea from the South Downs, they contain a collection of rare plants and trees, collectively a national collection.

The gardens are developed in an old chalk pit, making them quite unique in the fact that so many plants have flourished. Add to that that the owner brought back many plants and seeds from other countries, it has quite a fascinating history to it.

The gardens are usually free to visit and there’s even a tearoom next door at the Highdown Hotel. What’s not to love! 

Address: Highdown Rise, Littlehampton Rd, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing BN12 6FB

Opening hours: 10am – 9pm

Worthing Pier and Amusements

A great way to spend a few hours with the family on a sunny day – not only because of the great sea views, but also for a bit of fun at the amusement arcade, built in 1935. 

You can also enjoy shows throughout the year at The Pavilion Theatre and you can grab a refreshing drink and a bite to eat at the Denton Cafe – both situated at the northern, land end, of the pier. 

Address: 3AJ, Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PX

Opening hours: 6am-10pm 

Worthing Beach

Often quieter than its neighbour in Brighton, it’s well worth a visit – especially at low tide if you’re with the kids, as plenty of rock pools with opportunities for crabbing and splashing around open up. 

Popular activities on the beach include fishing, windsurfing and swimming. While there is no lifeguard service, there is a dedicated section for water sports.

There’s also plenty of options for eating throughout the day, with beach side cafes and food and drinks vans along the promenade, in addition to more choices in the town itself, just a short walk away. 

Address: Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3QA

Opening hours: All year round

Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

If you have a passion for the very best in Regency and Victorian fashion, want to be inspired by artists such as Stanley Spencer, William Holman-Hunt and Philip Jackson, or are looking to discover why Worthing residents take such quiet pride in 55,000 years of their achievements, then Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is the place to visit. 

A variety of events throughout the year link to many of the exhibitions. The Museum Team also offers curator-led talks, object handling workshops, and educational visits (including dressing up days). 

The elegant Edwardian building also houses a shop, has disabled access and toilets and free entry. 

Address: Chapel Rd, Worthing BN11 1HP

Opening hours: Thursday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am- 5pm

Worthing Connaught Theatre

This beautiful Art Deco building hosts live music, comedy and theatrical shows throughout the year, plus film screenings of the latest movie blockbusters and runs of classic films from the past. 

All together it makes the theatre and studio is a must go place in Worthing, 

Address: Union Pl, Worthing BN11 1LG

Opening hours: To find out what’s on and specific show timings, visit: https://wtam.uk/

High Salvington Windmill

Durrington, or High Salvington Windmill, is a Grade II listed post mill in High Salvington, Sussex that has been restored and is in full working order. The mill stands 320 feet above sea level and is able to take advantage of incoming sea winds. 

Run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, High Salvington Windmill dates from roughly 1750 and is a great day out to teach children about the past, local heritage and old machinery.

The windmill still sells the flour that it produces and there’s even homemade cake and refreshments available on site. 

Address: Furze Road, High Salvington, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3BP, England

Opening hours: 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month between April and September. 2.30pm – 5.00pm

Beach House Park

Beach House Park is Worthing’s most revered Park and the home of Flat Green Bowling. It opened its doors to the public in 1924, having been bought by the Beach House Estate two years previous.

The park also features ornamental plants, from herbaceous borders through to mature tree species. There’s seasonal bedding alongside a row of ornamental Acer cappadocicum, which leads to the centre of the park and the Old Pavilion.

The park also features several memorials, to commemorate those lost in wars, including The Battle Of Boar’s Head Memorial. In the centre of the formal gardens, there is a memorial to war pigeons: birds used during World War II to carry messages, explosives and other items, in some cases on secret missions. Described as “splendidly conceived and charming” it is thought to be the only such memorial in Britain. 

Address: 55 Lyndhurst Rd, Worthing BN11 2DB

Opening hours: 9am-9pm

WOW – Worthing Observation Wheel

The Worthing wheel offers fantastic views over the town, the beach and for miles around. Great fun for all the family.

The WOW is a beautiful, elegant structure, which is entirely white with open-air ‘pods’. With tickets available to purchase on site, just turn up and ride! Who knows you might even be able to see France from up there!

Address: 42 Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3QA

Opening hours: 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week

WOW – Worthing Lido

Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, the perfect souvenir for a friend or member of family, fancy treating yourself to an ice cream, or are simply looking to entertain your young ones for the afternoon, there’s great value family fun for everyone at The Worthing Lido!

They  have various children’s amusements both indoor and out, making The Worthing Lido Entertainment Centre the perfect all-year-round seafront attraction.

Address: The Lido, Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PX

Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm (6pm weekends)

Image references:

Highdown Gardens by Acabashi under Creative Commons Licence 4.0

Worthing Pier by The Wub under Creative Commons Licence 4.0 International

Worthing beach by Roger Kidd under Creative Commons Licence 2.0

Worthing Museum & Art Gallery by Basher Eyre under Creative Commons Licence 2.0

Worthing Connaught Theatre by Hassocks 5489 – image in the public domain

High Salvington Windmill by Pam Brophy under Creative Commons Licence 2.0

Plants in Beach House Park by Paul Gillet under Creative Commons Licence 2.0

Memorial to War Pigeons by Hassocks 5489 – image in the public domain

Worthing Lido by by Hassocks 5489 – image in the public domain