A relaxed seaside town with a Victorian pier, a shingle beach and the South Downs rising green behind it. Here is how we would spend a day in Worthing with your dog.
Worthing is the calmer, more characterful neighbour along the coast from Brighton: a long seafront and a handsome pier, a growing crop of independent cafes, and, rising just behind the town, the green whaleback of the South Downs. That combination is what makes it a fine dog day, because you can start with big open downland walks in the morning and finish with a pint on the beach in the evening.
A down or a beach in the morning, a wander along the pier, a good lunch and a pint by the sea is the shape of a Worthing day. This is how we would spend it, with the real, well-reviewed places we would actually take our own dog.
1
Morning: the Downs and the beach
For the big walk, head up to Cissbury Ring, a huge Iron Age hillfort on the Downs with off-lead trails and views that run from the sea to the far hills, or Highdown Hill nearby for more open downland strolling. Keep dogs under control near the grazing sheep. Down at sea level, Worthing's beach welcomes dogs on the promenade year-round and off-lead on much of the shingle outside the summer restriction zones, with quieter Goring Beach a little west.
Between the high chalk and the shingle shore, it is a day that gives a dog both big-sky downland and the smell of the sea.
Worthing's Victorian pier, an award-winner, welcomes dogs for a breezy stroll out over the water. Just west of town, Highdown Gardens is a lovely free chalk garden laid out in an old quarry, dog-friendly and full of unusual plants, a peaceful green stop between the Downs and the sea.
Worthing's cafe scene looks after dogs well. Sea Lane Cafe out at Goring has plenty of outdoor space for dogs, the Bluebird Cafe is a classic beachfront spot with dog-friendly seating out front, and Finch Bar and Eatery does good brunch and coffee with dogs welcome. For a proper treat, Laughing Dog is a cafe with a pet shop inside and treats for your companion.
The Old Bike Store is a friendly craft-beer taproom that welcomes dogs, and the Corner House takes them in all areas with free treats on offer. The Egremont is a reliable dog-friendly pub with a good kitchen, and Ye Olde House at Home is a traditional local that welcomes a dog in for a pint after the Downs.
Up towards the Downs, the Highdown is a dog-friendly hotel with rooms that come with a welcome package, a peaceful base handy for both the hills and Highdown Gardens, and an easy run down to the seafront in the morning.
Big South Downs walks in the morning, a Victorian pier in the afternoon and a pint on the beach to finish. Worthing is the quiet coast at its best.
What to pack for a day out
The short list that turns a good day into an easy one. Throw it in the boot before you set off.
Water bottle and collapsible bowl
Towel for the boot
Poo bags, always
Spare lead and a long line
Treats for the pub
ID tag and vaccinations up to date
Questions dog owners ask
Can I take my dog on Worthing beach?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Worthing promenade year-round and off-lead on much of the shingle outside the summer restriction zones, which run roughly May to September on the central beach. Quieter Goring Beach to the west is a good year-round option.
What is the best dog walk in Worthing?
Cissbury Ring, a huge Iron Age hillfort on the South Downs, offers off-lead trails and sweeping views, and Highdown Hill nearby is lovely open downland. Keep dogs under control near the grazing sheep. The seafront promenade is a flat year-round option.
Are dogs allowed on Worthing Pier?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a stroll along Worthing's award-winning Victorian pier, a breezy walk out over the sea and a good spot to take in the seafront and the Downs behind the town.
Which Worthing pubs take dogs?
The Old Bike Store is a dog-friendly craft-beer taproom, the Corner House welcomes dogs in all areas with free treats, the Egremont is a reliable dog-friendly pub, and Ye Olde House at Home is a traditional dog-welcoming local.
Where can I stay in Worthing with a dog?
The Highdown, up towards the Downs, is a dog-friendly hotel whose rooms come with a welcome package, a peaceful base handy for both the hills and Highdown Gardens, with an easy run down to the seafront.
Worthing through the seasons
Spring
The Downs green up and Highdown Gardens comes into flower. Watch for lambs and keep leads handy near sheep. A Cissbury Ring walk and a seafront coffee is Worthing in spring at its best.
Summer
Parts of the beach restrict dogs in high season, so aim for the off-lead ends or head up onto the breezy Downs, go early, and carry water. The pier and Highdown Gardens make fine, airy midday stops.
Autumn
The restrictions lift, the light softens and the crowds go home. Empty shingle, glorious downland walks and cosy seafront pubs make for a lovely, mellow autumn day.
Winter
Bracing and beautiful. Wrap up for a blustery Downs or beach walk, then thaw out at the Corner House with free treats for a muddy dog and a pint for you.