An Introduction to Worthing

Worthing is a large town with a population of approximately 100,000, situated on the South Coast of England between the South Downs and the English Channel. It is located 60 miles south of London and 11 miles west of Brighton. It is served by good roads, rail and bus connections.

Evidence of settlement in the Worthing area goes back over 60,000 years to the Stone Age. By the New Stone Age, around 5,500 years ago, it was one of Britain’s most important flint mining centres. With its banks and ditches enclosing an area of 65 acres Cissbury Ring is one of Britain’s greatest prehistoric hill forts.

It was built during the Iron Age, the construction beginning before 300 BC and was probably a tribal capital. The Romans occupied the area with coins, tiles and pottery having been found as well as evidence of buildings and roads from that period.

From the time the Saxons settled until the late 18th Century, Worthing consisted of a number of fishing and farming communities. It then began to grow along with other settlements such as Brighton and Bognor Regis when with the medical profession praising sea-water as a cure-all. It became fashionable to visit the seaside.

For Worthing this popularity was in part due to George III deciding that his daughter, Princess Amelia, should visit in 1798. By 1803 with a population of approximately 2500, some streets, fine residences, hotels and boarding houses, Worthing gained the status as a town.

Since then Worthing has expanded, incorporating local villages to develop to what it is today. The Esplanade was built in 1821 and extended in 1865. The pier was completed and opened in 1862. Despite disasters in 1913 when it was badly damaged by gales and in 1933, the South Pavilion being destroyed by fire and then during World War II, a hole was blown in it to prevent it’s use as an enemy landing stage, it has been repaired and remains a major attraction for the town.

There is much to offer the visitor. During the day attractions include the seafront and Esplanade, Pier, numerous public parks, gardens and open spaces as well as a pleasant shopping centre. There are also many places close by to visit such as historic towns, landmarks and places of interest.

For those who are more energetic, there are wonderful walks and cycle rides on the South Downs and along the coast. You can participate in or watch many sports activities with football, golf, bowling, swimming and leisure centre facilities being well catered for. Of particular note is Beach House Park which is the home of the outdoor bowling governing body, Bowls England and one of the world’s most famous venues. Water sports include rowing, sailing, kite and windsurfing.

At night time, as well as there being many restaurants, clubs and pubs, quality productions can be seen at the Connaught, Pavilion Theatres, Assembly Hall, films at the Connaught Screen 2 and recently restored Dome Cinemas.

A wide variety of accommodation is available for the visitor. There are many hotels and guest houses on the seafront and in the town and in addition, inns and farmhouses in the locality. Self catering options including cottages, holiday flats, chalets and static caravans are available along with caravan and camping sites.

With its safe pedestrianized streets, wide selection of high street and department stores and interesting boutiques and specialist shops, shopping in Worthing is a real pleasure. There is a regular Wednesday market in Montague Street and a Farmers Market every fourth Saturday in South Square Street. French, Continental, Italian and Gardeners Markets are held throughout the year.

So after reading this brief introduction, why not come and see for yourself all that Worthing has to offer the tourist / visitor?