Near Worthing Is A Charming Coastal Town With Gorgeous Beaches, A Scenic Boardwalk, And Seaside Cafés

Travelers headed to England's south coast may feel the natural pull of its more popular destinations. Cities like Brighton and Portsmouth have the sort of travel-friendly reputations that make them logical choices for experiencing the U.K.'s 400 miles of southern coastline. Yet resting just east of Worthing and 10 miles west of Brighton, the coastal town of Shoreham-by-Sea offers the same gorgeous beaches, scenic boardwalks, and seaside cafés you'd expect of England's south coast, without the baggage and crowds that come with being a well-known destination.

Shoreham-by-Sea (or simply Shoreham) has been charming passersby and residents for centuries. Historians posit the area has been inhabited, in some form, for thousands of years. The Thundersbarrow Hill fort and barrow on the town's northern edge date back to the Iron Age, with Roman-era remnants radiating down toward the coast. Shoreham remained a thoroughfare for the various warring factions and foreign and domestic monarchs that colored British history. Fishing was, and remains, a vital part of local life and the economy. Shoreham eventually became a nautical hub, its spirit of travel and connection later making it home to one of the world's oldest commercial airports.

The town also has an artistic streak. Dozens of houseboats on the peninsula between the Ardur river and the sea are decorated like a fire truck, fish, and with parts of a Reliant Robin – the three-wheeled British automobile known for its tendency to roll over. The line of unique boats sets the tone for a visit to Shoreham, which cuts its nautical lineage with a dose of creativity. The town offers a worthwhile plan B for travelers avoiding the bustle and crush of Brighton.

Shoreham's main draw boils down to the latter two-thirds of its name. It's the "-by-Sea" bit that attracts travelers. Kingston Beach, just within the mouth of the Adur river, is a smaller seaside retreat that's ideal for watching an active harbor. Yet Shoreham's greatest seaside attractions can be found at the town's eponymous beach, a gorgeous 3-mile rock and shingle (aka pebble) sliver of coastline with rare vegetation poking out. The bucolic scenes are matched by a unique biodiversity that has the beach labeled a Local Nature Reserve. Travelers consistently laud its cleanliness and lack of crowds, comparing it favorably to its Brighton equivalent. One local, who lives within walking distance, wrote on Google Maps, "It has an old-world charm about the long stretch of beach, with a variety of vegetation sprouting from the pebbles that changes with the seasons. And then there's the sea. And then there's the sunrises. And then there's the sunsets. It's a special place."

The town's scenic boardwalk orbits the beach, providing about half a mile of walkway that lets visitors skip getting pebbles in their shoes. Benches along the way let travelers take a break to enjoy the coastal view as they make their way east to the town's eponymous fort. The emergence of wildflowers in the summer adds a touch of beauty to the stroll. 

All that strolling may be draining. Fortunately, Shoreham-by-Sea has a surprising number of places that offer a solid caffeine fix. Coastal Coffee Shoreham, at the west end of Shoreham Beach is a highly-rated trailer that serves a good cup of joe. Patrons also laud its flapjacks. The Pollinator Café, right by the fort, is another trailer café, which serves pastries and dog treats. 

England's south coast remains fairly accessible to travelers. The nearest major travel hub, London Gatwick Airport, is less than 40 miles away. Along the way, make a pit stop at "The Gateway to England" — the South Downs National Park — to appreciate its windswept cliffs and ancient forests. Getting to Shoreham may be easy, but finding a place to stay requires some effort. The one downside to being so far off the radar is the dearth of travel infrastructure, including accommodations. Travelers accustomed to hotels may be disappointed by the lack of options. Fortunately, a comparatively strong short-term rental market on sites such as Booking.com picks up the slack.

Shoreham's a worthwhile destination in itself, but can only take up a few days at most. Those looking for a longer trip — or for more accommodations — should add Worthing to their itinerary. The coastal town with gorgeous gardens and Art Deco charm provides a second dose of seaside creativity. Alternatively, stay in Brighton, which is the U.K's "nightlife capital."

For maximum enjoyment, travelers can time their trip to take in Shoreham Wordfest in early October. The event turns the seaside locale into a haven for bookworms, with lauded authors joining the literary festivities. If fall's increasing cloud cover and dropping temperatures don't appeal, visit in June during the Beach Dreams Community Festival. The free gathering of musicians, artists, and local chefs happens under a tent, though the weather outside can be just as welcoming. But given that this is England's coast, the climate is always a factor – be sure to choose a variety of "rainy, windy, and cold" that works best for you.