Worthing is the largest town in West Sussex, just 12 miles or so along the coast from Brighton.

Understand

Although a seaside town with a pier, a prom and pleasant seaside parks, it is not as popular with tourists as it once was, although it still gets a fair number of day trippers during the summer. It is famous for being used as the location for the movie ''Wish you were here'' and for its connections with Oscar Wilde (who stayed here at the height of the town`s fashionability in the 1890s and named the central character of ''The Importance of Being Earnest'' after the town).

Today Worthing has a windsurfing centre at the western end of the promenade and is a good place to stay for visitors wishing to explore the South Downs which are just north of the town.

Visitors should be warned that the town centre can get fairly rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights.

Get in

The main railway station is located just northwest of the town centre.

The A27 also runs through the north of the town so, it is very easy to get to from Brighton and Chichester (depending on the direction)

Get around

'''Cycling''' To the East of Worthing the South Coast Cycle Route runs along the coastline, so you can cycle along the promenade down to Lancing and Shoreham. A cycle route also goes from the train station to the seafront. '''On foot''' The main pedestrian shopping centre on Montague and South Streets is only one block from the seafront.

See

  • Visit the reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling located in Goring Catholic Church 4 miles to the west of the town, near Goring Station.
  • '''Highdown hill''', north of Goring, provides scenic views of the town and also has historic gardens open to the public.
  • Do

  • Visitors to Worthing should not miss the opportunity to '''stroll along the prom'''
  • Don't miss the fishermen selling fish from their boats on East Worthing Beach. Oscar Wilde's residence here in 1894 is commemorated by a blue plaque on the modern building at the Western end of the Esplanade.

    Buy

    Information on the shops and facilities in the pedestrian town centre can be found here [http://www.worthingtowncentre.co.uk/]

    Eat

    Many different international cuisines are offered in Worthing, and most offer excellent food at a reasonable price. For Italian food, go to 'Pomodoro e Mozzarella' on the pedestrianised Warwick Road. This restaurant is far superior to the nearby franchises of Ask and Pizza Express, and offers authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly but very intimate atmosphere. Be sure to make a reservation if you want an evening meal there on a Friday or a weekend night. For Chinese food, try either China Palace or Fortune Inn on Chapel Road; the first is somewhat more expensive than the second, but both offer good food. China Palace has both a traditional a la carte menu and also a 'buffet' menu - for a fixed price, you can eat as much as you like, but it is cooked to order rather than being displayed in open gastronorms in the self-service style. Good Indian food can be found slightly away from the town centre on Goring Road at 'Shafiques'. Ask for the window seat here and watch the local world go by.

    For a bite to eat during the day, head to Bath Place, just off the east end of Montague Street, where you will find two very interesting cafes: 'Thai Lunch Box' and 'Parklife'. Thai Lunch Box offers a fairly traditional sandwich menu backed up by an extensive menu of Thai food. Look out for the oriental supermarket next door - pop in and have a look round if you have time. Parklife (almost directly opposite TLB) serves all sorts, including milkshakes in over 50 different flavours.

    Drink

    There are many good pubs dotted around the center.

  • Indigo Bar & Restaurant. teyne Gardens. 1903 230451. Stylish but informal restaurant, specialising in local fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients with monthly changing menus. Excellent cocktails served in the bar.

    Sleep

    Central Worthing has a number of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.

    There are also a number of good Bed and Breakfast establishments in East Worthing along and just off the Brighton Road. Sea front rooms here offer excellent views of the picturesque fishing beach and the English Channel beyond. Benson's Guest House is notable for having a Gold Award for quality. The Cavendish Hotel on the Seafront is a 2 star hotel, ideal for tourists and business people alike, free wireless internet access is offered to guests in the public areas.

  • The Ardington Hotel. teyne Gardens. 1903 230451. Excellent family run hotel, establised in 1928 and Worthing's highest rated with an AA 80% 3 Star award. Some rooms just newly refurbished which feature flat screen TVs, crisp white cotton duvets and stylish interiors. Includes the popular Indigo Restaurant and Bar.

    Get out