A coastal town with several starting points
Worthing brings together a long seafront, a busy town centre and neighbourhoods between the English Channel and the South Downs. The pier is a familiar landmark for a first visit, but everyday life also centres on places such as Broadwater, Tarring, Durrington and Goring-by-Sea. Each has its own shops, services and community contacts.
This directory covers Worthing and nearby places including Ferring, Findon, Lancing and Sompting. Those communities retain their own identity and sit in different local authority areas. Businesses keep their actual base visible, alongside any wider area they serve.
Start at the pier and seafront
Worthing Pier gives the town centre a clear coastal focal point. The promenade, pebble beach and streets just inland make it easy to combine a sea view with food, shopping or a performance. The Pavilion Theatre is beside the pier entrance, while other theatre venues are further into town.
Time for Worthing publishes visitor information about the pier. Conditions on an exposed seafront change with the weather, so plan a walk around the day rather than assuming a sheltered beach outing in every season.
Look beyond the central streets
Broadwater has shops and services around Broadwater Street West, with community and sports organisations nearby. Goring has its own shopping streets and seafront, including the area around Marine Crescent. Tarring and Heene offer further neighbourhood stops away from the busiest central shopping route.
Highdown Gardens provides a contrasting green destination on the western side of the area. Its planting, paths and sheltered garden spaces are a different kind of visit from the promenade. Check the garden’s current visitor arrangements before setting off.
Find the right local contact
Use the directory’s category and area filters when you need a florist, garage, hairdresser, electrician or another local service. A business serving the wider district may be based in a village or work by appointment, so read its location and website before travelling.
Adur and Worthing Councils provides local council information, while West Sussex County Council handles county services. For an upcoming outing, What’s On brings together selected dated events, with the organiser’s own details for checking the latest arrangements.
Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
More local guides
- Things to do in Worthing: the seafront, gardens and local arts
- Community life in Worthing: centres, clubs and local support
- Shopping in Worthing: Montague Street, independents and neighbourhood shops
- Where to list and promote your Worthing business
- What’s on in Worthing: November and December 2026