Discover Worthing Visitor Guide 2018/19

2018/19 Visitors Guide

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With thanks to the following for use of their images Ed Watts, Worthing Theatres, Chloe Langton p.7, Eunice Bergin p.12, Paul Robards p.14, Fern Freud p.15, Robert Wilson p.16, Atom Productions p.24 and all local businesses featured.

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CONTENTS Welcome 04 Discover Worthing 06 Events 08 Back to Nature 10 Outdoor Active 12 Sussex Flora & Fauna 14 Local Sussex Produce 15 Eating Out 16 Independent Shopping 17 Heritage & History 18 Kids Large & Small 20 Arts & Culture 22 After Dark 24 Where to Stay 25 Best of Sussex 26 Getting Here & Around 28 Town Map 30

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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 and you’ll discover Worthing.

contemporary, where else can you hop off your paddle board and into an internationally acclaimed theatre, savour local Sussex produce including real ale, honey and fresh seafood, swing by Beach Hut art studios or watch the latest blockbuster at a vintage cinema?

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 Harold Pinter.

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.

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 its pier, 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.

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.

The Worthing of today is a happy collision of classic and creative

For event details and inspiration for your visit: discoverworthing.uk or call the Visitor Information line on +44 (0)1903 221 066 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

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DISCOVER

WORTHING Best for: Art Lovers

Best for: Romantics

Enjoy browsing the many free galleries and independent open studios around town – Colonnade House, East Beach Studios, The Forge Gallery and West End Gallery on Rowlands Road to name just a few.

Enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade or stride out along the sand at low tide. Wide and flat with far reaching views, you’ll never tire of the ever changing coastal skies.

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: 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.

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: Adventurers

Owned by the National Trust you’ll love exploring the ancient Iron Age fort of Cissbury Ring. Admire breath-taking views in every direction and don’t be surprised if you see wild ponies.

Best for: Adrenalin Junkies

Book a one to one kitesurf course with the British champion, those Best for: Culture Lovers wet suits keep you cosy whatever Check out Worthing Theatres’ world the weather. Go on, you know you class programme of performance, love a challenge! comedy, circus and film and don’t miss Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, live music at St. Pauls Arts Centre and the vintage Dome Cinema.

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EVENTS FOR

ALL SEASONS With a rolling calendar of theatre, music, sport events and art exhibitions throughout the year, there's always something happening in Worthing.

SPRING

SUMMER

• Lambing at Coombes Farm

• Worthing Theatres’ Summer of Circus

• Highdown Gardens Bulbs & Blossoms

• Worthing Artists Open Houses • Beat the Tide 10k • Children’s Parade • Rotary Carnival • Worthing 10k • Lions Festival

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AUTUMN

WINTER

• Worthing Light Festival

• Christmas Markets

• Tide of Light & Fireworks

• Half Marathon

• Food & Drink Festival

• Ice Rink

• Lantern Festival

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BACK TO

NATURE

For Families: Waterwise Gardens and Playground

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

Intermingled with drift-wood 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.

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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 cafĂŠ-bistro. Fully accessible with lots of indoor and outdoor 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, roll down the hill, run along ramparts and look out for wild ponies.

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OUTDOOR

ACTIVE

In 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.

Best to get around 24/7 Bike Rental Download the App, find a bike near you, unlock with your phone and away you go!

Fast flat roads, hill climbs and undulating hills around the beautiful Sussex countryside make this part of Sussex a must for keen road cyclists. Easy access to the South Downs Way (70 miles long) attracts walkers and mountain bike fans from far afield.

For a selection of safe cycle paths in all directions, for all abilities see the Discover Worthing website: discoverworthing.uk

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It’s no coincidence that Worthing is home to both Olympic and World Champion windsurfers & kiteboarders. A windy day can 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 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 the 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 doggy friendly listings: discoverworthing.uk/dog-friendly/

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NATUALLY 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. Grab your camera, get out and get spotting.

Spring at Highdown Gardens

Red Kite

Orchid - Cissbury Ring

s

nie

Po rest

Tortoisesh

Fo ew

N

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ell Butter fly

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LOCAL SUSSEX PRODUCE

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.

PICK YOUR OWN - FORAGED SUSSEX

Enjoy foraging in Sussex; grab your basket & pick your own!

Pick Elderflowers in May for cordial

Pick Blackberries in September for crumble

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Pick Sloes in October for sloe gin

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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, traditional Sussex cream tea, home-made Sicilian gelato, freshly roasted coffee or real ales, we have it all!

See discoverworthing.uk for inspiration

Corner House Freehouse & Garden

CrabShack Seafood Restaurant

The Dome Vintage Tea Room

Food Restaurant

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INDEPENDENT

SHOPPING

Whatever your retail pleasure Worthing fits the bill. Vintage finds, quirky independents and popular high street stores including M&S and Debenhams – 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.

Harmony at Home

Studio Freer

Reginald Ballum

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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’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.

In the C18th Worthing developed into an elegant Georgian seaside resort. During the C19th and 20th 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.

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Top left: Ambrose Place where playwright, actor and director Harold Pinter, lived at 14 Ambrose Place between 1962 to 64.

Middle left: Blue Plaques Commemorating Worthing’s famous and notable residents including Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde & Harold Pinter.

Bottom left: English Martyrs Church, the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world.

Top right: Lancing College Chapel, a fine example of Gothic revival architecture and one the tallest interior vaulted churches in the country.

Middle right: 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.

Below: High Salvington Windmill, a fully restored Grade II listed windmill now in full working order.

Before you travel, check opening times on discoverworthing.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 South Downs are both natural playgrounds with endless opportunities for fun to be had.

SMALLS: 2-5 YEARS Top Picks:

• Low tide beach combing • Splash Pads, Gull Island & Waterwise playgrounds • Miniature Steam Railway at Field place • Indoor fun pools at state of the art Splashpoint

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MEDIUMS: 6-10 YEARS Top Picks:

• Mini Go Karts, Brooklands • Flumes at Splashpoint • Coombes Farm lambing • Pottery painting • Worthing Theatres’ shows

BIGS: 11+ YEARS Top Picks:

• Kayaking, SUP or windsurfing • 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 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.

Worthing Museum & Art Gallery The Costume collection ranks amongst the leading resources for dress history in the UK. Other exhibitions include local history, art and archaeology. Regular workshops available.

Colonnade House - 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.

Worthing Theatres

Worthing’s Pavilion and Connaught Theatres host a world class programme of theatre, dance, comedy and more. Highlights include their Summer of Circus and Pantomime.

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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.

Dame Elisabeth Frink Heads Four Giant Sculpted Bronze heads (Grade II listed) known as the Desert Quartet can be found in Liverpool Gardens.

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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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.

Home to a creative young crowd, Worthing has a burgeoning live music scene – with quirky venues including a converted church, a Georgian town house, a beach front cafe and the pavilion at the end of the pier. Everything from famous names to underground, undiscovered talent; take your pick!

From micro pubs and real ale houses to cocktail bars and traditional pubs, our friendly Worthing landlords welcome you for a glass of your favourite tipple.

Check out the events page for current listings: discoverworthing.uk/whats-on/

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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 large and small hotels, guest houses, seafront cottages and self catering apartments. You’ll find something to suit all tastes and budgets.

See Discover Worthing for inspiration and links to the latest visitor reviews: discoverworthing.uk/stay/

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BEST OF

SUSSEX 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: • Shoreham Farmers' & Artisans' Markets • Flying lesson or helicopter tour at Brighton City Airport, Shoreham • Shoreham Fort dating back to 1857 • 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.

South Downs National Park Bignor Roman Villa

Goodwood

Spectacular Estate in the heart of West Sussex. Home to the world famous Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Qatar Goodwood Festival.

South Do National

Goodwood

Chichester

Bognor Regis

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Littlehampton

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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

Regency palace dating back to 1787 was originally built for the Prince Regent, King George IV.

Brighton British Airways i360

Take to the skies to enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views from the world’s tallest moving observation tower.

Wakehurst Place

Arundel Castle & Gardens

This magnificent castle, stately home and gardens are the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk. Founded at the end of the 11th Century it reflects the history of nearly 1,000 years.

Beautiful botanic gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and home to the Millenium Seed Bank.

Wakehurst Place

South Downs National Park

South Downs National Park

Lewes

Cissbury Ring

Hove

Lancing

ittlehampton

Shoreham-by-Sea

Brighton

Worthing Newhaven

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GETTING HERE &

AROUND

Less than 80 minutes from London Victoria & 45 minutes from Gatwick Airport By rail

Frequent rail services from London Victoria and Gatwick Airport National Rail Enquiries - 08457 48 49 50 - nationalrail.co.uk or trainline.com

By coach

Daily coaches from London Victoria.

National Express - 08717 81 81 81 - nationalexpress.com

By bus

Regular services along the South Coast and connecting to the South Downs National park & wider Sussex.

Stagecoach Travel Shop, 19-29 Marine Parade, Worthing 01903 237661 - stagecoachbus.com

By bike

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 discoverworthing.uk for routes and inspiration.

By sea

Ferry services from Europe; Newhaven & Portsmouth (around 1 hours’ drive), Dover (around 2-3 hours’ drive). Or bring your own boat into Shoreham Harbour!

By air

London Gatwick (45 minutes), Brighton City (Shoreham, 15 minutes) and Southampton airports (1 hour 30 minutes) are all within easy reach and have good rail link services to Worthing.

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O POUND S TW

Kids travel for £2 O POUND S TW

with Southern2 0Off-Peak fares* 18 2018

*When accompanied by an adult. Visit our ticket offices or southernrailway.com for more information.

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www.discoverworthing.uk

1. The Burlington Hotel 2. Premier Inn 3. Travelodge 4. The Lido 5. Stagecoach information point 6. The Chatsworth Hotel 7. The Ardington Hotel 8. East Beach Artists Studios 9. Police Station 10. Connaught Theatre 11. Library 12. Assembly Hall 13. Elizabeth Frink Bronze Sculptures Public toilets Baby changing facilities Changing Places facilities Watersports area / swimming Beach shower Donkey bike hire station Taxi rank Coach pick up Car park Information point Building of interest Park Pedestrian shopping Shopping area

Northbrook Farm Caravan Club

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Windsor Hotel 5mins

5min walk

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No part of this discoverworthing.uk publication may be produced in any way without the express consent of the publishers. Š2018 DiscoverWorthing

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VISITOR INFORMATION

T: +44 (0)1903 221066 E: tourism@adur-worthing.gov.uk W: discoverworthing.uk

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