'I grew up in popular UK seaside town - it's got something for everyone'

Worthing, a seaside town beloved by commuters and beach enthusiasts alike, offers more than just its sandy shores. Nestled between the vibrant promenade and the South Downs National Park are numerous bars, restaurants, and green spaces waiting to be discovered.

Covering an area of 12.5 square miles, Worthing is the second-largest part of the Brighton and Hove built-up area, yet it remains one of the Southeast's hidden gems.

Recently, the West Sussex town gained recognition as the home of record-breaking runner Russ Cook, also known as 'The Hardest Geezer'. Additionally, Time Out named it one of the best British seaside towns to relocate to in 2023.

Having grown up on the coast myself, I've seen Worthing transform from a sleepy ageing town into a bustling hub filled with unique dining and drinking spots.

According to new research by VSO, Worthing boasts an impressive 254 restaurants, 26 cafes, and 11 bars. It also has a four out of five-star beach review score, reports the Express.

Worthing Beach, with its expansive pebbly coastline stretching from the town centre to East Pier, is easy to locate. The town, once sought after for its health benefits and fresh air, features historical architecture lining the neat promenade across the road.

Now, it's a hotspot for social activities and sports, with paddle boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing and kayaking being popular among the locals. On a balmy summer evening, you'll see numerous joggers and cyclists traversing the promenade, while the sea teems with watersports enthusiasts at low tide.

For those in search of a refreshing beverage or a bite to eat, there are plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars along the seafront. The Cow Shed is a top pick for cocktail aficionados and al-fresco diners seeking a view.

Further east along the front, there are more local favourites such as the Beach House, which serves coffee, food and drinks throughout the day and night, and the Crab Shack for seafood lovers.

The Dome, an imposing Art-Deco building that's impossible to overlook, functions as a local cinema screening all the latest blockbusters for as little as £5.50 per ticket. This magnificent Edwardian cinema first opened its doors in April 1911 and has since been fully restored to preserve its grandeur.

Perch on the Pier is another cherished Worthing gem, known for its unique end-of-pier location. It may look unassuming from its white wooden doors, but the interior is unforgettable, featuring an open kitchen and a grand staircase leading to an open mezzanine.

The breakfast menu may be small, but it's delicious, and there are plenty of exciting options for lunch and dinner. Warwick Street, located in the town centre, is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting some of the best eateries in town. Finch Bar and Eatery, known for its photogenic breakfast, brunch, coffee and cocktails, is a popular spot.

Its sister site, Crudo, a Mexican restaurant, is just a stone's throw away on the seafront. In another part of town, Rowlands Road is home to several hidden gems, including the upscale Ami Bistro and the lively Malt Cafe. The latter serves hearty breakfast dishes like stacked pancakes, full English breakfasts, and chorizo hash, along with fresh pastries and excellent coffee until 4pm daily.

When it comes to activities, Worthing has plenty to offer, particularly during the summer months. Every July, the town hosts a local festival in the last fortnight of the month, featuring a fairground on the promenade and a variety of events including music, theatre, dance, art, heritage, comedy, spoken word, workshops, film, outdoor and family events.

Sea swimming is an option throughout the year, with the Fire Salt Sea pop-up sauna available to warm you up in true Finnish style after a swim, for a small fee. However, it's worth noting that the quality of bathing water at Worthing and Goring Beach may be impacted by surface water and urban drainage following heavy rainfall, as per Adur and Worthing councils.

In Worthing, the South Downs National Park offers a variety of stunning walks, including a journey up to Cissbury Ring where New Forest ponies freely roam. Starting at Shepherds Mead and walking up to the National Trust site is an option, or for those seeking a challenge, cycling up the steep incline.

The peak of the route provides unparalleled views over the town and directly out to sea, marked by a wind farm. Alternatively, explore the unique chalk garden at Highdown and stroll across the Downs to Angmering, starting the path near The Spotted Cow.

Reaching Worthing is straightforward, with three train stations serving the main town; East Worthing, Worthing, and West Worthing. It's also very pedestrian-friendly, although it lacks cycle paths in the road networks.

Public transport is well-served, with buses frequently connecting the seafront, town and wider areas. For drivers, parking is readily available outside of the town centre.