If you’ve ever felt that Brighton’s beach buzz is tipping into bedlam, you’re not alone. But just a little further west lie the quieter charms of West Worthing and Goring, two stretches of Sussex coastline that offer space, calm, and surprising variety.

Whether you’re a Worthing local who hasn’t wandered down in a while or a visitor wondering where to spend a relaxed day by the sea, here’s your reminder: this part of the coast is low-key wonderful.

Tides That Shape Your Day

One of the most striking features of the beaches from West Worthing to Goring is their ever-changing character with the tide. At high tide, the pebble banks stretch out like a rugged front garden to the sea — perfect for a morning coffee and a good book. But as the tide retreats, wide bands of compact sand are revealed — a gift for paddlers, sandcastle builders, frisbee tossers and anyone with a folding chair and an hour to spare.

You can walk for miles when the tide is out — or simply sit back and let the day unfold, from beach breakfast to golden hour.

Easy Access (Without the Aggravation)

Unlike some busier spots on the coast, parking near the beach here is refreshingly straightforward. There’s on-street parking along the seafront, with a combination of free and pay-and-display bays, and none of the maze-like one-way systems that plague other seaside towns. There are electric vehicle chargers too, right on the seafront.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the water, the West End shops offer everything from beach snacks to vintage browsing, fish and chips to an excellent flat white. And if you need provisions for a picnic, the M&S Food Hall near Worthing Pier is your go-to, all very walkable from the water’s edge.

Family-Ready (and Dog Friendly, Too)

Families love the kids’ play area at the Goring end of the beach, where younger visitors can burn off energy before an ice cream and a sit-down. There’s a great mobile pizza van, and fresh doughnuts available too. There are clean public toilets dotted along the promenade, and a growing number of beachfront concessions, including:

• Fire, Salt, Sea – A small but beautiful mobile sauna experience
• Worthing Gin – Pop-up bar with tastings and all sorts of goodies
• Beach cafés and coffee huts, ideal for a lazy midday bite

And if you’re bringing a four-legged friend, good news: from Heene Road westwards, dogs are welcome on the beach year-round — a rare thing on the south coast.

🌇 A Town Centre That’s Actually Close

Many seaside towns make you hike from the high street to the sand — but not Worthing. The town centre is a short stroll away, meaning you can blend a beach day with a browse around independent shops, a stop at a pub garden, or even catch a film at the lovely Dome Cinema.

🌅 Come For the Space, Stay For the Vibe

This part of the coast has a laid-back charm that’s hard to bottle and easy to miss. Locals know it. Visitors often stumble upon it by accident. But whether you’re coming from a few streets inland or a train ride away from London, the message is the same: You don’t need crowds to have a proper day at the beach. You just need room to breathe.

Get Comfy. Stay Longer.

If you’ve ever cut a beach trip short because the pebbles were unforgiving or the wind got too much, you’re exactly who Beachstuff is for.

Beachstuff delivers comfortable chairs, sunshades, tables and beach tents right to your chosen spot on Worthing or Goring beach. You book online, we bring the gear, and we collect it after. Half-day, full-day or sunset session, it’s your call.

No more hauling heavy kit. No more sitting on a rolled-up towel. Just comfort, flexibility, and more time by the sea.

➡️ Make your booking here

Or follow us on Instagram at @beachstuffuk for offers and local tips.

Whether you’re watching the tide roll in, meeting friends for a lazy afternoon, or heading out with the kids, this stretch of coastline has something Brighton just doesn’t – space to breathe.

So pack light. Book smart. And make the most of Worthing’s best-kept secret.