Worthing is one of many seaside towns in West Sussex that’s often described by estate agents as an ‘up and coming’ area. Properties in Worthing don’t cost quite as much as properties in some of the region’s most sought-after seaside towns, but Worthing still offers beautiful beaches, independent shopping opportunities and plenty of restaurants and pubs for residents and visitors.
If you’re planning on moving to Worthing in the next year or two, it’s important to know what the town is like and how to choose the right area of Worthing to move to. Let’s take a look at what Worthing offers to new residents and how to plan your move to ensure it goes smoothly.
What to do in Worthing
There are lots of things to do in the evenings and weekends if you live in Worthing. Worthing Beach is a popular shingle beach that’s ideal for walking the dog or enjoying a stroll all year round. Worthing is also a short drive from some of the region’s other top beaches, including Ferring Beach, Lancing Beach, and even Brighton.
Worthing is home to the Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, a local gallery that houses early archaeological items from West Sussex as well as local history exhibitions and a small gift shop. Entry to the museum is free, making it perfect for pottering around on a slow afternoon.
During the summer months, there are lots of parks, gardens, and hills to explore in and around Worthing, including Highdown Gardens, Beach House Park, and Steyne Gardens. Highdown is also home to Highdown Hill and Highdown Vineyard, one of the region’s most popular wine-producing vineyards.
Best Places to Eat
If you’re wondering where to eat in Worthing, the good news is that there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in this mid-sized seaside town.
If you’re looking for delicious seafood by the beach, head to CrabShack to enjoy a daily changing menu of locally caught fish and shellfish with relaxed vibes by the sea. The town centre is home to dozens of small cafés such as Malt Café and Munch Bar and Kitchen where you can take a break to enjoy a coffee, cake, or brunch.
Worthing also boasts plenty of options for evening dining out, including Italian, Mexican, tapas and burger restaurants as well as modern European dining. Tuck into tacos at Salsa Viva Cantina or enjoy contemporary British seafood in a relaxed setting at Ami Bistro.
Worthing Shopping
Knowing what shops are in Worthing could help you to decide whether Worthing is up your street when it comes to shopping. Worthing is home to plenty of high-street favourites including H&M, New Look, River Island, Marks & Spencer, Waterstones, TK Maxx and The Body Shop.
Worthing’s compact size means it’s easy to browse the town’s shops on foot in an afternoon, but shoppers looking for a more comprehensive range of retailers can also drive to Brighton in around half an hour.
Transportation in Worthing
It couldn’t be easier to get to Worthing whether you’re taking the car or public transport. The town is served by a central train station, Worthing Station, which is serviced by trains that run throughout Sussex and into London. The area is also served by Stagecoach and Compass buses, and the regular Brighton and Hove night bus means there are transportation options available well into the night.
By car, Worthing is around 2 hours from London, 30 minutes from Brighton, and an hour from Portsmouth. Commuting to London from Worthing is possible by train, with direct Southern trains taking around 90 minutes from London Victoria.
Tips for moving to Worthing
If you’re planning a move to Worthing, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure your move goes smoothly and maximise the chances that you and your family are happy with your new home for years to come. If you’re new to Worthing, do your research to make sure that you’re happy with the town, its amenities, and the area you’re going to live in.
Get to know the area
Explore different areas of Worthing before you decide which area you’re going to move to. Some areas, like Ferring and Durrington, are better for families because they are safer, and have better schools, or properties with more outside space. Other areas are better for young professionals and couples who want to be closer to shops, bars, and nightlife. Spend some time in each area before you decide whether it’s for you or not. You might also want to factor in your commute to work, especially if you’re relying on public transport.
Research schools
If you’re moving with young children – or if you’re planning to start a family in the future – it’s important to research schools before you choose your home. Worthing has a number of primary and junior schools, including multiple C of E and Catholic schools, as well as seven secondary schools and two independent schools.
If you plan to send your children to comprehensive schools, look up the catchment areas for the schools you like the most in Worthing and plan out which areas you may need to buy or rent in to secure a place at your chosen school. The town’s two single-sex secondary schools, Davison CE High School for Girls and St. Andrews High School for Boys, both have excellent reputations.
Use a storage facility
For some people, it’s not possible to complete a full move in a single day. If you’re downsizing or undergoing renovations, a self-storage facility such as those offered by Boxx Storage in Worthing can provide you with a safe and secure place to store furniture and valuables while you arrange your new home. Self-storage is a cost-effective way to keep your belongings safe during a big move or upheaval.
Worthing is a great place to live and shop for those who want access to the hustle and bustle of Brighton but prefer small-town living. With its easy transportation links, plenty of shopping options, good schools, and convenient storage solutions, it’s no wonder that so many people are choosing this town as their new home. If you’re looking for an exciting new place to call your own – consider moving to Worthing!