Underrated UK seaside town with incredible 1930s pier bustling with charm

A ‘hidden gem’ on the south coast is so beautiful it has been used as the location for many period films and TV shows. Visitors to the south east coast of England looking for an eclectic mix of seaside fun, culture and thriving nightlife flock to Brighton, the cosmopolitan city by the sea. But just a short drive, train or bus journey along the picturesque shore is the underrated town of Worthing. This smaller, calmer resort is often overshadowed by its noisier neighbour but has all the charm of the traditional British seaside escape. Its long beach where you can enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing or get involved in some watersports, such as SUP or kite surfing, has a wide promenade lined with palm trees, shops and bars.

The focal point is the long pier which was built in 1862. It still features a 1930s art nouveau arcade housing two restaurants - one, Perch on the Pier serves traditional fare and the other, Tern, offers British fine dining, but both have incredible panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Running along the pier is a stretch of perspex windows which feature art exhibitions from award-winning artists and local school children.

Back on the promenade the quaint Lido houses traditional amusements inside and out for the younger visitor and the regal Pavilion Theatre hosts West End theatre shows, music and craft fairs. Worthing’s charming Edwardian and Victorian architecture has helped it become something of a location mecca for many period films and TV shows. Wish You Were Here, starring Emily Lloyd features scenes at the pier, in local shops and at The Dome Cinema, as does My Policeman with Harry Styles. More recently Living with Bill Nighy and Olivia Coleman’s Wicked Little Letters were both shot at the beach and Lido.

The town itself is pedestrianised and has many high street shops as well as independent boutiques. There are plenty of pubs, cafes and eateries to enjoy seasonal and locally produced food, as well as a range of international restaurants. For anyone after something a little livelier, bars, clubs and cocktail bars often host local DJs. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning landscape of the nearby South Downs National Park. Cissbury Ring is one of the largest hill forts in southern England with awe-inspiring views in every direction. Britain’s second longest signed walking trail, Monarch’s Way, follows the escape route of Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Recent visitors to Worthing have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor. One wrote: "We stayed in the Burlington hotel, five minutes walk West of the pier and were delighted at how uncrowded it was just this short distance away from the centre. The beach and surrounds were kept spotlessly clean and the tidal range gave the option of pebbles or sand. It was lovely to see people enjoying it from dawn to twilight,for exercise, kite flying and paddle boarding.".

Another raved: "I love it here. It's always clean, toilets are decent. Great beach, specially when the tide is out. Lovely long pier with a pub on it, and at the end you can watch the guys sea fishing. It's one of my happy places. Also, a fantastic shopping centre, lots of great charity shops.". A third described it as "a tranquil gem near Brighton", adding: "Worthing Beach, located near Brighton, is a serene coastal destination that surpassed all my expectations. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape with pristine sands and a tranquil atmosphere. The absence of crowds and noise allowed me to fully immerse myself in the soothing sounds of the crashing waves and gentle seabreeze. The local authorities and community take great pride in maintaining the beauty of this coastal paradise.".