The Official Visitors Guide 2021/22
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Contents
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Welcome
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Time for Worthing
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Highdown Gardens
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Events for all Seasons
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Back to Nature
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Outdoor Active
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Sussex Flora & Fauna
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Local Sussex Produce
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Eating Out
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Independent Shopping
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Heritage & History
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Kids Top Picks
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Arts & Culture
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After Dark
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New for 2021/22
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Explore Worthing on Foot
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Where to Stay
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Best of Sussex
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Getting Here & Around
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Town Map
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With thanks to the following for use of their images Eunice Bergin, Jan Budgen (page 4), Ed Watts, Highdown Gardens, Worthing Pride, Eddie Mitchell, Paul Robards (page 14), Fern Freud - Foraged by Fern (page 15), Worthing Theatres and Museum, Alex Hare, Joeseth Carter, Atom Presents (page 25) and all other local businesses featured. Time for Worthing The Official Visitor Guide 2021/22.
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Welcome to Worthing Easy to get to and easy to get around - head south 45 minutes from Gatwick Airport or 80 minutes from London Victoria – it’s definitely Time for Worthing. An elegant Georgian seaside resort, Worthing is the perfect destination to relax and recharge. Famous residents have included Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde and most recently the playwrite Harold Pinter. A traditional seaside town with a twist, Worthing is full of surprises. One of the UK’s most popular spots for kiteboarding and windsurfing and famous for it’s Pier (Winner of Pier of the Year 2019). This family friendly town boasts a wide open prom allowing space to breathe, run and cycle, with an endless horizon that frames the award winning beach. The Worthing of today is a happy collision of classic and creative contemporary, where else
can you hop off your paddle board and into an internationally acclaimed theatre, savour local Sussex produce at award winning pubs and restaurants, swing by beach hut art studios and independent shops or watch the latest blockbuster at a vintage cinema? With the South Downs National Park right on the doorstep, you can stride out on a hearty hike up the Iron Age fort of Cissbury Ring. Whatever your preference - breathe in that fresh country air, wonder at the far reaching views to the sea and don’t forget to look out for wild ponies. Worthing makes a perfect base from which to explore wider Sussex, including local attractions such as the Royal Pavilion and BA i360 in Brighton, Arundel Castle, Chichester and the Goodwood Estate.
For event details and inspiration for your visit: timeforworthing.uk or call the Visitor Information line on +44 (0)1903 221 066 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday @timeforworthing
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Time for Worthing Best for: Art Lovers Enjoy browsing the many free galleries, shops and open studios around town – WTM Museum and Gallery, Colonnade House, East Beach Studios, The Forge Gallery and West End Gallery to name just a few. New for 2021 don’t miss Worthing’s outdoor exhibition space – the Seafront Gallery.
Best for: Green Fingers Different at every season, gardeners will love Highdown Gardens. Dating from 1909 this unique collection includes rare plants and trees from China and the Himalayas. New visitor centre, disabled access and toilets opens Spring 2021.
Best for: Adventurers Owned by the National Trust you’ll love exploring the ancient Iron Age fort of Cissbury Ring. Admire breathtaking views in every direction and don’t forget to look out for wild ponies.
Best for: Culture Lovers Check out Worthing Theatres and Museum’s world class programme of performance,
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comedy, circus and film and don’t miss music at the Factory Live and the vintage Dome Cinema.
Best for: Romantics Enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade or stride out along the sand at low tide – wide and flat with far reaching views. Then dine alfresco or cosy up in a traditional pub.
Best for: Family From ’have a go’ water sports or seafront cycle rides to craft workshops or our traditional Christmas Pantomime. Worthing has something to entertain the family all year round.
Best for: History Lovers Take a trip to Tarring High Street, featured in the Domesday Book. The oldest street in Worthing has buildings dating back to medieval period.
Best for: Adrenalin Junkies Book a one to one kitesurf course with the British champion, those wet suits keep you warm whatever the weather. Go on, you know you love a challenge!
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Highdown Gardens
New for 2021/22 Highdown Gardens reopens following a £1 million enhancement scheme which includes improved accessibility, a brand new visitor centre and refurbished toilet facilities.
These stunningly beautiful chalk gardens on downland countryside, overlooking the sea, are a must for your visit. The gardens are home to The National Plant Collection of the Plant Introductions of Sir Fredrick Stern - a unique collection of plants and trees, with many unusual species to be discovered all year round. Open all year - Entrance free. Additional tours and activities available with advanced payment and booking.
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Events for all seasons SPRING • Lambing at Coombes Farm • Highdown Gardens Bulbs & Blossoms (2022 only)
SUMMER • Worthing Theatres Spin Out Street Arts Season • Beat the Tide • Rotary Carnival • Worthing Pride • Lions Festival • FreeWheelin FEASTival
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As life returns to normal we look forwards to recommencing our rolling calendar of events. There’s always something happening in Worthing – see timeforworthing.uk for up to date information. AUTUMN • Food & Drink Festival • Worthing Light Festival • Worthing 10K • Oktoberfest • Seafront Fireworks • Worthing Portrait Artist of the Year • Jack on the Green
WINTER • Ice Rink • Christmas Markets • Worthing Winter Festival • Half Marathon • Pantomime
© Eddie Mitchel
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Back to Nature FOR FAMILIES: Waterwise Gardens and Playground Intermingled with driftwood sculptures, this drought tolerant sustainable garden on the beach neighbours the popular Waterwise Playground. Both have direct views of the sea and along to the Pier.
FOR GARDENERS: Highdown Gardens Take a stroll through these beautiful chalk gardens, home to the National Plant Collection of Sir Fredrick Stern - a unique collection of plants and trees from around the world. Entrance free.
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Waterwise Gardens and Playground
FOR LUNCH IN THE PARK: Beach House Park
South Downs National Park Cissbury Ring
Opened in 1924 this formal park in central Worthing incorporates bowling greens, ornamental planting and the Palm Court Pavilion, a family friendly café-bistro. Fully accessible with lots of seating.
Just 5km inland from Worthing lies the Iron Age hill fort of Cissbury Ring. Climb the hill to admire far reaching views to the sea, take a picnic, run along ramparts and look out for wild ponies.
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Cissbury Ring
Beach House Park
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Highdown Gardens
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Outdoor Active From central Worthing our glistening sea is never more than a five minute walk away. It’s the simple pleasures in life which boost the soul; a splash in the sea, a snooze in the sun or a stroll on the sands. Embrace that moment. Little ones will love digging or low tide beach combing. Here in Worthing the sea and sky are an ever changing piece of art – no two days are the same. Worthing’s wide flat prom is ideal for safe, easy cycling. Look out for our Donkey Republic bike hire pick up points across the area, from just £1.25 for 30 mins. This part of Sussex offers great opportunities for keen cyclists looking for fast flat roads, hill climbs or undulating hills. Easy access to the South Downs Way (70 miles long) attracts walkers and mountain bike fans from far afield. It’s no coincidence that Worthing is home to both Olympic and World Champion windsurfers & kiteboarders. A windy day can
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challenge even the most proficient of athletes, though equally Worthing is the perfect spot to take those first steps. A choice of highly qualified BKSA registered providers offer courses for all abilities. Our wide, safe beaches and super low tides make Worthing the perfect destination to fulfil those bucket list goals. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is perfect for those keen to try something new but looking for a more gentle pursuit. View the pier from a different angle or book in for a SUP adventure. Don’t worry if you forget your wetsuit, all kit can be hired from our friendly providers. Four legged friends love holidays too! With loads of doggy friendly accommodation, pubs, bars and places to run free – tails will wag for Worthing. For these listings head to the dog friendly page on our website.
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Naturally great Sussex flora & fauna This part of Sussex and the chalk land habitat of the South Downs make for an abundance of wildlife all year round. The whole family will enjoy spotting New Forest ponies at Cissbury Ring or a gentle walk through the idyllic Bluebell wood at nearby Angmering Park Estate – look out for native birds, insects and butterflies en route. Grab your camera, get out and get spotting.
Kingfisher
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Ponies at Cissbury Ring
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Gatekeeper Butterfly
Local Sussex produce
PICK YOUR OWN FORAGED SUSSEX Enjoy foraging in Sussex; grab your basket & pick your own!
Nothing beats home grown food. Luckily for us the climate and fertile soils in Sussex make it a haven for local produce. From fish, meat and cheeses to wines and ales, it’s all seasonal and fresh – you’ll love the taste of Sussex! Our local Farmers’ and Artisans’ Markets mean you’ll be able to take the taste of Sussex back home with you.
Images ©Foraged by Fern
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Eating out in Worthing With so many great places to eat and drink around Worthing, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether it’s fish straight from the sea, a traditional Sussex cream tea, home-made Sicilian gelato, freshly roasted coffee or real ales, our restaurants, pubs, bars and tearooms are looking forwards to giving you a warm welcome.
Aunty Bunny’s Hut
Corner House Freehouse & Garden
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Pitch, UK MasterChef winner
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CrabShack Seafood Restaurant
Independent shopping Whatever your retail pleasure Worthing fits the bill. Vintage finds, quirky independents and popular high street stores, the choice is yours. All shops are within easy walking distance and when it all gets too much and you need to take a break, wherever you are, you’re guaranteed the sea front is only 5 minutes away.
Reginald Ballum
Sneaker Lab
Found Shop & Studio
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Heritage & History A brief history of Worthing From around 4,000 BC the South Downs above Worthing were one of the countries earliest and largest flint mining areas. During the Iron Age one of Britain’s largest hill forts was built at nearby Cissbury Ring – the remains of which can still be enjoyed today. Visit Worthing Museum and Gallery’s extensive archaeology collection which includes material from Neolithic flint-mines at Cissbury and Iron Age material from Highdown. In the C5th and C6th the area became part of the Kingdom of Sussex. The place names of the area, including Worthing, (meaning ‘place of worth’) date from this time. For many centuries Worthing remained a small agricultural and fishing hamlet, until 1750 when the town received a visit from Princess Amelia (the sixth daughter of King George III) who, suffering from joint problems, had been advised by doctors of the therapeutic benefits of sea bathing. Word spread and Worthing became a popular haunt for the famous and wealthy of the day – visitors included Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen.
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In the C18th Worthing developed into an elegant Georgian seaside resort. During the C19th and C20th the town, being one of the sunniest and most fertile places in the UK, became the centre of Britain’s market gardening industry, local produce from the land and sea is still being enjoyed today. Below: Blue Plaques Commemorating Worthing’s famous and notable residents include Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde & Harold Pinter.
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Top left: Ambrose Place where playwright, actor and director Harold Pinter, lived at 14 Ambrose Place between 1962 to 64. Top middle: Shoreham Fort, built in 1857 to protect against Napoleon III. The fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with a diverse history from French Spies to World Wars. Top right: High Salvington Windmill, a fully restored Grade II listed windmill now in full working order.
Bottom left: Lancing College Chapel, a fine example of Gothic revival architecture and one the tallest interior vaulted churches in the country. Bottom right: English Martyrs Church, the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world. Before you travel, check opening times on timeforworthing.uk
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Kids top picks There’s something for kids of all ages in Worthing; indoor or outdoor, whatever the weather, space to run, new activities to explore and challenges to be met. The beach and the South Downs are both natural playgrounds with endless opportunities for fun to be had. Smalls: 2-5 Years
Mediums: 6-10 Years
Bigs: 11+ Years
Top Picks:
Top Picks:
Top Picks:
• Low tide beach combing & Rock Pooling
• Pottery Painting
• Kayaking, SUP or windsurfing
• Splash pads
• Coombs Farm Lambing
• Gull Island & Waterwise playgrounds • Indoor fun pools at state of the art Splashpoint Leisure Centre
• Worthing Theatres Shows • Worthing Museum • Kite flying • Visit the Cissbury Ring Ponies • Seafront scooter or rollerskate • Walk the Ilex way
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• Seafront cycle • 3m spring board, Splashpoint • Go karting - 450m multi level indoor track • Mini golf • All the firm favourites including ten pin bowling & cinemas
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Arts & culture WTM Museum and Gallery Explore the museum’s fantastic permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The largest costume collection of everyday wear in the UK, sits alongside archaeology, local history, and art exhibitions.
Colonnade House Gallery & Creative Hub With an ever-changing programme of free exhibitions plus events and projects, this is the creative pulse of Worthing. A place for artists, makers, designers and innovators to collaborate and connect.
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Explore Worthing and you’ll uncover an eclectic mix of artists, quirky open studios and galleries, not to mention our internationally renowned theatres and one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK, The Dome. Dame Elisabeth Frink Heads Four Giant Sculpted Bronze heads (Grade II* listed) known as the Desert Quartet can be found in Liverpool Gardens.
Dome Cinema One of the oldest cinemas in the UK, this Grade II listed building first opened in April 1911. Enjoy the latest blockbusters in vintage surroundings.
East Beach Artists Studios These converted beach huts make quirky galleries for independent artists; a hub of creative talent you never know what gems you will find there!
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Worthing Theatres and Museum WTM bring the best of Arts and Culture to the heart of Worthing. With a unique year-round programme of engaging theatre, film, dance music and comedy spread across four historic venues, not forgetting the ever popular Christmas Pantomime!
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After dark After the sun sets, Worthing’s wide selection of high quality restaurants and varied nightlife will keep you entertained well into the early hours.
Why not kick off the evening with a sundowner overlooking the sea, a cocktail or a pint of Sussex ale in one of our traditional or micro pubs? You’re sure to receive a warm welcome! You’ll love Worthing’s live music and dance scene which offers everything from big names to new talent – acoustic, DJ’s to Classical orchestras in venues of all sizes across town. Check out the events page for current listings timeforworthing/whats-on Joeseth Carter / Atom Presents
Winner of a 2019 Purple Flag Award for the night-time economy.
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New for 2021/22 National Beach Check App New for 2021 our UK Beach Check App will enable you to find space even at the busiest times. • Download the App and use locations or search by beach name • Check the current status of the beach using the traffic light system red = avoid, amber = busy, green = low congestion • Click on the beach image to access detailed information detailed information including lifeguard availability and toilet facilities
Worthing Greeters Worthing Greeters are enthusiastic volunteers, passionate about the place where they live. They provide a free warm welcome to individuals or groups of up to 6 people and can add huge value to your visit by sharing their local knowledge of Worthing’s highlights, hidden gems and heritage. Book 7 days in advance via contact@timeforworthing.uk
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Explore Worthing on foot Walk it Worthing Digital Map Make the most of your time in Worthing! The great news is once you’re here everything is easily accessible on foot. Walk it Worthing will help you find popular attractions and activities, places to eat and hidden gems near you. Simply input your location, search criteria and Walk it Worthing will find your best route and give you walking directions.
Blue Plaque Trail Pick up your free Blue Plaque walking trail leaflet from the Pavilion Theatre Foyer, Worthing Museum or Library. Use the guide to uncover more about the town’s famous residents, local history and heritage. Walk takes approximately 1 hour.
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Where to stay With so much to see and do in Worthing, you’ll want to stay for more than a day. Worthing has a great selection of quality small and large hotels, guest houses, seafront cottages and self catering apartments. You’ll find something to suit all tastes and budgets. See Time for Worthing for inspiration and links to the latest visitor reviews: timeforworthing.uk/stay
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Pedal power Explore Worthing with a rental
It’s so simple to hire your Donkey Bike 1
Download the Donkey Republic app. Choose your pick-up location and book your rental.
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2
Unlock your bike with the app. Lock and unlock as many times as you want.
Return the bike to its pick-up location and end your rental with the app.
From £1.25 for 30 minutes Prices for longer term hire available on the app
JoA3888 - TfW - Donkey Bikes - A4 Promotional Posters AW.indd 1
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Best of Sussex
Goodwood
Chichester
Bogno
With its central location and great transport links, Worthing makes the perfect base for exploring the stunning Sussex coast and countryside. Shoreham-by-Sea The nearby historic fishing town of Shoreham sits at the mouth of the river Adur. Top picks: • Adur Markets award winning Shoreham Farmers’ & Artisans’ Markets • Flying lesson or helicopter tour at Brighton City Airport, Shoreham • Shoreham Fort dating back to 1857
gardens are the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk. Built at the end of the 11th Century it reflects the history of nearly 1,000 years.
Bignor Roman Villa One of the largest Roman villas to be open to the public in Britain. Some of the finest mosaics and an opportunity to walk on floors dating back to 350AD.
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
• Marlipins Museum for local history • Independent shops, cafes and restaurants
Chichester Cathedral Medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artwork at this 900 year old Cathedral.
Goodwood Spectacular Estate in the heart of West Sussex. Home to the world famous Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Arundel Castle & Gardens
Regency palace dating back to 1787 was originally built for the Prince Regent, King George IV.
British Airways i360, Brighton Take to the skies to enjoy breath taking 360 degree views from the world’s tallest moving observation tower.
Wakehurst Place Beautiful botanic gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and home to the Millennium Seed Bank.
This magnificent castle, stately home and
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Wakehurst Place
South Downs National Park Bignor Roman Villa South Downs National Park
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or Regis
Arundel
South Downs National Park
Lewes
Cissbury Ring
Hove
Lancing Littlehampton
Shoreham-by-Sea
Brighton
Worthing Newhaven
Arundel Castle
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British Airways i360, Brighton
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Getting here & around
Less than 80 minutes from London Victoria and 45 minutes from Gatwick Airport train By rail
bicycle By bike
Frequent rail services from London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
No need to bring a bike to Worthing when you can join our bike hire scheme and pick up a Donkey Bike. Download the Donkey Republic App, see timeforworthing.uk for routes and inspiration.
National Rail Enquiries - 08457 48 49 50 nationalrail.co.uk or trainline.com
Bus By coach
ship By sea
Daily coaches from London Victoria.
Bus By bus Regular services along the South Coast and connecting to the South Downs National Park and wider Sussex. Stagecoach Travel Shop, 19-29 Marine Parade, Worthing 01903 237661 - stagecoachbus.com
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plane
Ferry services from Europe; Newhaven & Portsmouth (around 1 hours’ drive), Dover (around 2-3 hours’ drive). Or bring your own boat into Shoreham Harbour!
National Express - 08717 81 81 81 nationalexpress.com
By air
London Gatwick (45 minutes), Heathrow Airport (1.5 hours), Brighton City Airport, Shoreham (15 mins) and Southampton airports (1.5 hours) are all within easy reach and have good rail link services to Worthing.
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London Victoria
London
Heathrow
Gatwick
Dover
Southampton Chichester
Portsmouth
Calais Brighton
Worthing
Newhaven
Isle of Wight
Dieppe
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Le Havre
Paris
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Northbrook Farm Caravan Club
Visitor information Tel: +44 (0)1903 221066 Email: contact@timeforworthing.uk Web: timeforworthing.uk
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