Sandwiched Between Portsmouth And Eastbourne Is A Coastal Town With Gorgeous Gardens And Art Deco Charm

Those looking to combine England's picturesque waterfronts with the type of small, underrated destinations you won't find on most travelers' bucket lists might feel at home somewhere along West Sussex's coastline. It's made up almost entirely of laid-back towns and villages, and one in particular blends its nature-focused attractions with a distinct Art Deco charm. Worthing isn't your typical sleepy town, though. Home to more than 110,000 residents, the area boasts a decent collection of cultural attractions and local businesses as well, without sacrificing its relaxed, peaceful feel.

Beyond the bells and whistles, Worthing's claim to fame remains its coastal allure, with the town beach and promenade being among the biggest highlights. The shoreline also features a signature attraction: a 960-foot pier whose Southern Pavilion is known for its Art Deco style. Other must-see spots include the gorgeous Highdown Gardens, the Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, and a church whose ceiling is painted to recreate the Sistine Chapel. 

Getting to Worthing is pretty easy, too. The town is sandwiched between Portsmouth to the west and Eastbourne to the east, roughly an hour away from each. London is also less than a 90-minute train ride away, with the nearest major airport, London Gatwick, being even closer. Travel there or back takes under an hour by car or public transport. Speaking of which, the public transportation network on England's South Coast (where Worthing is located) tends to be reliable and well developed, so even those planning day trips don't have to shell out on a rental. Worthing itself is exceptionally walkable, too, with some major attractions being within minutes of one another.

Worthing is your quintessential English waterfront town, featuring wide beaches, a promenade, and a famous pier. The main beach stretches more than 5 miles, and while it's made up mostly of stones and pebbles at high tide, sandy sections become more apparent once the water recedes. Here, you'll also get to see some lovely views of the English Channel, and visitors often note that the water is surprisingly clear given how close the beach is to major towns and city centers. There's also a palm-tree-lined promenade right along the coastline that features cafes, ice cream shops, views of old buildings, and an overall peaceful atmosphere. 

That said, you'll want to check out action on Worthing Pier. Dating back to 1862, it's a classic Victorian build featuring elegant designs, wooden decking, and iron framework. In 1933, a fire broke out, taking down the pier's Southern Pavilion. Architect C. H. Wallis later rebuilt the structure in its iconic Art Deco style, with polished surfaces, curved walls, and large glass panels that added the style's signature aerodynamics and modernism. Today, the pier hosts public art shows, old-school deck chairs, and features charming fishing spots. It even won an award as Britain's "Pier of the Year" in 2019. 

Worthing's Art Deco allure doesn't end here, though. Connaught Theatre is another must-see for lovers of the style. The cinema features chairs with Art Deco lines, period-appropriate lampshades, and detailed staircases. The seaside apartment complex of Onslow Court is also worth admiring, comprising a gated lift, stately doors, and Deco tiling. 

Highdown Gardens are among Worthing's unmissable highlights. Stretching across 8 acres, this is a one-of-a-kind chalk garden whose history dates back to the early 20th century. Thanks to the thousands of seeds and cuttings collected by the original owners, Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern, the plants exhibited here today contain genetic material considered essential for future plant breeding. Some rare species you'll come across here include the Handkerchief and Paperbark Maple trees, as well as cyclamen varieties brought from Corsica in the 1920s. 

Entrance to the gardens is free, and the center hosts several events throughout the year, including exhibitions and guided tours. There's also a tea room for those looking to have lunch on-site, plus a pond and a sensory garden. All that to say, there's a lot nature lovers can look forward to on a trip to the area, even beyond London's six most gorgeous gardens.

History buffs can stop by Worthing Museum & Art Gallery next. It takes you through Sussex's fascinating history via exhibits that include artworks, artifacts, and, notably, clothes — it's one of the UK's most extensive costume collections, with more than 30,000 pieces of attire to admire. Many are clothes people wore in their everyday lives, but you'll also find some worn by famous figures, including Queen Victoria's underwear and Princess Amelia's slippers. Exhibitions are free. The English Martyrs Catholic Church is another attraction worth adding to the itinerary. Its unassuming exterior hides an almost identical replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, colorful stained glass windows, plus other impressive artworks. Those looking to round out their trip can't go wrong with a visit to Arundel, a charming town with wetland trails and a scenic castle, next. Then, head 20 miles west to Selsey, a sunny coastal town with beaches, fresh seafood, and unique wildlife.