20 Fascinating Facts you (probably) didn’t know about Worthing
3 Dec, 2025
1. Worthing is one of the UK’s largest towns
Worthing is officially the 29th biggest town in the UK, sitting just below Eastbourne (28th) and just above Sutton Coldfield (30th). Reading takes the top spot.
Source: Love My Town
2. It’s surrounded by ancient history
The hills around Worthing contain Britain’s greatest concentration of Stone Age flint mines. The oldest of these, Church Hill in Findon, dates back over 6,000 years.
Source: Wikipedia
3. Worthing began as a humble fishing hamlet
The town started life as a small mackerel fishing village. Even today, you can still buy fresh fish straight from local fishermen on the beaches.
4. There’s a secret world under the sea
Just five miles off the coast lies the Worthing Lumps, one of Europe’s best underwater chalk reefs. With chalk cliffs up to 3 metres high, it’s home to rare fish and marine life, and is protected as a Marine Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
Source: Wikipedia
5. Oscar Wilde loved Worthing
Literary legend Oscar Wilde wrote his iconic play The Importance of Being Earnest while staying in Worthing in the summer of 1894.
6. Worthing is rich in heritage
There are 213 listed buildings in Worthing borough, including three Grade I listed gems: Castle Goring, St Mary’s Church (Broadwater), and The Old Palace (West Tarring).
7. World records have been set here
Worthing has hosted several record-breaking feats, from the heaviest fig ever grown (295g), to the longest football marathon and the most consecutive rounds of kickboxing. Not to mention our very own Robert Luff & Co Guinness World Record attempt for the most people dressed as Elves in Steyne Gardens back in December 2013!
8. Worthing Pier is a survivor
The pier has been rebuilt several times following disasters:
1913: Gales washed away the decking
1933: Fire destroyed the South Pavilion
1940: A hole was blown in the pier to stop German invasion
Each time, it’s been lovingly restored, and remains the jewel of Worthing’s seafront.Many will remember it's past as a Popular 90's Nightclub. Today the Pier is host to Perch, a Restaurant boasting beautiful view across the Town and out to Sea.
First Photograph Worthing Pier. Photo Credit J Gulliver Pinterest
Second Photograph Worthing Pier Date unknown. Photo Credit J Gulliver Pinterest
9. A Game of Thrones star was born here
Gwendoline Christie, who played Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones and Captain Phasma in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was born in Worthing in 1978.
10. The pier has rock ‘n’ roll history too
Worthing Pier appeared on the album cover of Gene’s 1996 indie classic To See the Lights, a beloved image among Britpop fans.
11. …and another famous album too!
In 2023, Ocean Colour Scene featured Worthing Pier on the cover of their compilation album The Collection, cementing its place in British music history.
12. Worthing inspired a superhero
Comic book creator Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of Tank Girl and Gorillaz, grew up in Worthing and attended Northbrook College.
13. It’s home to one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK
The Dome Cinema, opened in 1911, is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operating in Britain.
14. The town has royal connections
Princess Amelia, the youngest daughter of King George III, was a regular visitor to Worthing in the early 1800s, helping transform it into a fashionable seaside resort.
15. It was once a smuggler’s paradise
During the 18th century, Worthing’s coastline was a key smuggling hotspot for brandy, tea, and tobacco, much to the frustration of customs officers.
16. You can walk through history beneath your feet
Roman remains have been discovered beneath modern-day Worthing, including villas, pottery, and coins, proof that people have lived here for nearly 2,000 years.
17. Worthing has a strong artistic streak
The town is home to a thriving creative community, with the Worthing Artists Open Houses trail showcasing hundreds of local talents every summer.
18. It’s a green town at heart
Worthing has over 30 parks and gardens, from the tranquil Beach House Park to the wild beauty of Highdown Gardens, home to rare plants collected from around the world.
19. It’s been a film and TV location
Worthing has featured in ITV dramas, BBC comedies, and even music videos, thanks to its vintage seafront charm and Art Deco architecture.
20. Worthing keeps reinventing itself
From flint mines to festivals, fishing boats to film crews, Worthing has evolved for thousands of years, and it’s still buzzing with life today.