Beautiful UK seaside town 11 miles from Brighton loved by tourists but not as busy

Daily Mirror

05-05-2025

Worthing offers a more comfortable pace of life and less congestion, as well as easy access to Brighton's culture, clubs and amenities, making it an excellent choice for a seaside stay
The party city of Brighton is often jam packed with rowdy crowds of visitors after a good time. But a neighbouring town, just 11 miles down the road offers an appealing experience that's more relaxed and less crowded, but still jam-packed with its own unique charm.
Worthing offers a comfortable and laid-back vibe, making it ideal for those who want to unwind by the sea without the buzz of a busy city in the background.
‌
Another key reason to visit Worthing is affordability — accommodation, dining and general expenses tend to be significantly lower than in major UK seaside resorts, making it the perfect option for visitors who want to enjoy a coastal holiday without the premium price tag.
‌
The town boasts beautiful natural surroundings, including the South Downs National Park to the north and a unique marine environment, known as the Worthing Lumps, featuring underwater chalk reefs that are among the best in Europe.
These natural features offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and watersports. The town also benefits from a temperate oceanic climate with pleasant sea breezes, enhancing the experience for visitors who enjoy nature and leisure in the great outdoors.
The town also has its own historic pleasure pier, opened in 1862 and designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson, which stretches 290m into the sea, featuring a promenade, amusement arcade, tearoom and pavilion.
It won the National Piers Society's Pier of the Year award twice — in 2006 and 2019 — and remains a central attraction for walking, fishing and enjoying the incredible seaside views.
While Brighton is renowned for its vibrant artistic and nightclub scenes, Worthing has been developing its own cultural identity with annual events such as the Worthing Festival, Artists' Open Houses, open-air concerts and Worthing Pride, with 2025's instalment falling on 4 and 5 July.
‌
The town also celebrates unique traditions such as wassailing — an ancient custom, particularly in cider-producing regions of England, believed to help ensure a good apple harvest — in Tarring, which took place on 5 January earlier this year.
The event typically includes a procession through the village, followed by a ceremony at a pub garden, where a wassail chant is read and cider is offered to the trees.
‌
Worthing's location is another key advantage, just 11 miles west of Brighton, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Visitors can stay in the quieter, more affordable town of Worthing, but still make the short trip to Brighton for shopping, nightlife and cultural activities, allowing for flexibility while not having to endure Brighton's higher costs and bustling crowds on a daily basis.
Drivers will appreciate Worthing's accessible parking and lower levels of traffic congestion compared with Brighton — where parking is limited and often expensive, making exploring the town and surrounding areas convenient and stress-free.
Worthing appeals to those who prefer a quieter, more affordable seaside town with beautiful natural surroundings and growing cultural scene, offering a comfortable pace of life, less congestion and easier parking, as well as providing easy access to Brighton's culture.