Living in Worthing

Community life in Worthing is strongly rooted in its friendly, accessible atmosphere, with a town centre where independent shops, street markets, and weekly farmer’s markets bring people together. Residents value the mix of local tradition and new arrivals that give the area its inclusive character.

Numerous public green spaces—such as Beach House Park, Homefield Park, and the South Downs—provide opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings. Worthing hosts regular cultural events, including the Worthing Festival, Art Trail, and open-air cinema screenings.

The town has a choice of community centres and clubs catering for all ages and interests, from amateur dramatics to sports. Volunteering and local charity events are a significant part of Worthing's active community programme, drawing together long-term residents and newcomers alike.

Worthing generally enjoys a lower crime rate compared to larger urban centres, though, as with many towns, certain areas can experience higher levels of reported incidents. Residential districts on the outskirts are widely regarded as safe, with neighbourhood watch schemes and regular community police patrols supporting residents.

Recent years have seen proactive measures from Sussex Police and Worthing Borough Council to address anti-social behaviour, particularly in the town centre. Investment in street lighting, CCTV, and outreach initiatives for youth contribute positively to the sense of security felt by locals. Community engagement is strong, and the overall perception among residents is that Worthing is a safe and welcoming place to live.

Parking in Worthing benefits from a mix of on-street options, council-run car parks, and resident permit zones across central and residential areas. During peak times and summer months, the seafront and town centre can become busy, so parking availability may vary, especially near Worthing Pier, the Dome Cinema, and Marine Parade.

Major roads such as the A27 and A259 make Worthing easily accessible by car, linking the town with neighbouring communities and key destinations along the south coast. Road congestion is limited compared to Brighton but can become heavy during holiday periods or events.

Nearby Towns and Cities:

• Brighton – approx. 30 minutes via A27 (11 miles)
• Chichester – approx. 35 minutes via A27 (18 miles)
• Horsham – approx. 45 minutes via A24 (23 miles)
• Littlehampton – approx. 15 minutes via A259 (10 miles)

For those living centrally or along the coastal route, cycling and walking can be viable alternatives given Worthing’s flat terrain and scenic pathways.

Worthing’s culinary scene has grown to offer a mix of traditional seaside fare and contemporary dining. The town centre features a blend of independent cafés, artisan bakeries, and a range of international restaurants. Popular venues include the CrabShack on Worthing’s seafront for fresh seafood and The Fat Greek for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Pubs like The Corner House, The Egremont, and Anchored in Worthing are at the heart of the local social scene. For those who enjoy a relaxed pint, many establishments offer beer gardens and live music.

Nightlife is low-key compared to neighbouring Brighton, but Worthing still has a number of bars, cocktail lounges, and regular events at venues such as The Dome Cinema and Pavilion Theatre. The town also boasts microbreweries, comedy nights, and seasonal food festivals. While Worthing’s nightlife is more laidback, there are options for late-night music and dancing for those seeking a livelier atmosphere.

School Quality: Worthing offers a wide selection of highly-rated primary and secondary schools, with several achieving recent Ofsted ratings of Good or Outstanding. The presence of further education colleges expands opportunities for older children.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from an array of open spaces, including Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Beach House Park, and easy access to the South Downs National Park for outdoor adventures.

Childcare: Childcare provision is strong, with a range of nurseries, after-school clubs, and pre-school facilities serving the local neighbourhoods.

Safety: Worthing is widely regarded as a safe area for families, with established neighbourhood watch schemes and community policing.

Family Activities: From beachfront play areas and adventure playgrounds to family-friendly attractions like the Dome Cinema and Worthing Museum, there’s a wealth of things for families to do throughout the year.

Worthing is a very pet-friendly area, particularly for dog owners. The long, accessible seafront promenade, as well as green spaces such as Highdown Hill and the South Downs, make excellent spots for dog-walking and outdoor activities. Many of the town’s cafés and pubs welcome dogs.

There’s a wide choice of local vets, groomers, and specialist pet stores throughout Worthing and the surrounding villages. Community groups and social media forums are active in arranging dog-walking meetups and pet services.

Most housing landlords and residential blocks are generally open to pets, especially in low-rise or suburban areas, which adds to Worthing’s appeal for those with companion animals.

Public transport options in Worthing are varied, making the town an excellent base for both local living and longer commutes. Worthing railway station sits on the West Coastway Line, providing frequent services to Brighton, London, Portsmouth, and Chichester. Direct trains to London Victoria typically take just over 90 minutes, making daily commuting feasible for those working in the capital.

Bus services provided by Stagecoach and local operators cover most of Worthing and connect outlying suburbs, Lancing, Shoreham-by-Sea, and the wider West Sussex region. Worthing is situated along the A259 coast road and is close to the A27, providing direct road access to Brighton, Chichester, and further afield.

Commute Times:

• Brighton – approx. 25 minutes by train / 30 minutes by car via A27 (11 miles)
• London Victoria – approx. 1 hour 35 minutes by direct train
• Chichester – approx. 30 minutes by train / car via A27 (18 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 45 minutes by train (via train change at Brighton), or one hour by car (36 miles)

The town centre is pedestrian friendly, and Worthing's seafront is easily accessible by bicycle or on foot, adding to the town’s appeal for those who prefer sustainable and active forms of travel.

Worthing has a robust reputation for its educational facilities, offering a well-rounded choice of state, independent, and specialist schools across primary, secondary, and higher education.

Primary Schools: Among the top-performing options is Broadwater CofE Primary School (Ofsted Outstanding, 2011), known for its community focus and academic success. Another highly-regarded school is Chesswood Junior School (Ofsted Good, 2022), praised for its enrichment activities and progressive teaching. West Park CofE Primary (Ofsted Good, 2022) also consistently performs well.

Secondary Schools: Worthing High School (Ofsted Good, 2019) is respected for its inclusive environment and strong exam results. Davison Church of England High School for Girls (Ofsted Good, 2022) has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence. St Andrew’s CofE High School (Ofsted Good, 2019) is another main choice, and Durrington High School (Ofsted Good, 2019) is sought after for its broad curriculum.

Colleges & Sixth Forms: Worthing College is a major hub for post-16 education, offering a diverse range of A Levels and vocational qualifications. Northbrook Metropolitan College provides both sixth form and extensive further education, specialising in creative arts, engineering, and digital courses.

Universities: Although Worthing does not host a university, its strong transport links make University of Brighton and University of Sussex easily accessible for local students seeking degree-level study.