A charming UK town with a huge pier offers a quieter seaside escape away from the tourist hotspots.

The seaside town of Worthing, West Sussex, offers a delightful day out by the British coast and is a great alternative to some of the more popular destinations, particularly during the Easter weekend. While thousands of holidaymakers flock to the likes of Devon and Cornwall, Worthing is conveniently positioned just 11 miles west of Brighton, and just over an hour’s train journey from central London.

Often dubbed a quieter alternative to Brighton, the town has a sprawling shingle-and-sand beach with a five-mile promenade lined with palm trees and local artwork, as well as its iconic ancient pier, which opened in 1862. The Grade II-listed Art Deco structure was even named Pier of the Year in 2006 and 2019, and remains one of the most beloved attractions in the town.

At the end of the 105ft pier, there is the Pavilion Theatre and Pavilion Atrium Bar, while an amusement arcade with the iconic 2p machines and grab prize games can be found in the middle. Aside from the traditional seaside fun, visitors can wander along the deck of the pier to bask in the spring sunshine and admire the coastal views.

While a dip in the sea might be a little brisk in April, it’s easy for kids to dip their toes in from the Worthing shingle beach, or there’s the option to hire a kayak or paddleboard to glide across the sea. But that’s not the only draw to this coastal town, as visitors can enjoy a sauna on the beach.

The Fire, Salt & Sea is a wood-fired sauna in a vintage horsebox on Worthing beach, available on Fridays and Sundays. It seats six people at a time with a glass window, so visitors can bask in the heat while looking out at the serene waters.

Wandering further along the promenade, there are colourful beach huts, and the chance to hire bikes to enjoy the stretch of path along the coast. At certain times, food trucks line the promenade, offering everything from seafood to gin, and there’s also the trendy Coast Café on the beach for dining al fresco.

Just off the promenade is the Splash Point Mini Golf, and there’s also plenty of gardens to explore in Worthing, from quaint Steyne Gardens and Denton Gardens, to the larger Beach House Park – the perfect spot for a picnic! Plus, if the weather turns, visitors can catch a movie at the Connaught Theatre, one of the oldest cinemas in the UK, which dates back to 1914.

Notably, Worthing is positioned at the foot of the South Downs National Park, offering easy access to the striking white chalk cliffs and the 100-mile South Downs Way. There are ample walking opportunities at the park through rolling hills and ancient woodland, as well as breathtaking coastal views.

But one of the town’s most iconic features is the Lido amusement park situated along the seafront. It’s been part of Worthing for more than 100 years and was an outdoor swimming pool from 1957 until the 1980s.

Afterwards, it was temporarily used as a home for dolphins while the Brighton Sea Life Centre was being renovated. In 1989, the pool was covered over and turned into an amusement park with an array of children’s rides, including the teacups, trampolines, and a train ride.

It’s a beloved attraction, with the addition of amusement arcades and a cafe, but due to its age, the council said the Grade II-listed structure needs “better support”. The council also said that it requires “significant investment just to ensure its long-term safety, with millions of pounds likely to be needed to shore up its foundations.”

So far, they’ve secured the first £1m for the improvements of the Lido, with the council and locals striving to secure the extra millions needed to protect their cherished lido. The restoration project is estimated to cost around £4.5m.

Despite its uncertain future, it’s still open today, offering plenty of classic seaside rides. Plus, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at its history and to stand where it once was home to a group of dolphins.

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