Goring-by-Sea is often overlooked by tourists in favour of its more famous neighbour however, the West Sussex town has everything you want from a seaside getaway without the packed beaches and fully booked bars and restaurants.
Brighton, with its vibrant culture, iconic pier, colourful beach huts, bustling promenade and extensive shopping areas, is understandably one of the UK’s favourite seaside spots. However, just 17 miles away lies a charming little coastal town that often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbour.
Goring-by-Sea, with its long stretches of stunning beaches adorned with quaint wooden beach huts, is a hidden gem in West Sussex. Despite being less known to tourists, Goring-by-Sea offers all the charm of a seaside retreat without the crowded beaches and fully booked pubs and eateries that are common in Brighton.
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The town boasts blue flag waters and pristine beaches, making it an ideal location for traditional family holidays. It’s also home to the Worthing Sailing Club, which caters to seafarers of all skill levels, including a fantastic junior section.
Goring-by-Sea’s annual summer festivals, such as the Chichester Show and the local Bowls Festival, are popular attractions, reports the Express.
Unlike other resorts on the south coast, Goring has shunned amusement arcades and candy-floss stalls. Instead, you’ll find charming fishing boats moored along a peaceful shoreline, with locals and visitors alike enjoying a variety of water sports, including kitesurfing.
Nestled between the sea and the South Down’s National Park, Goring-by-Sea is a picturesque and affluent area. The town even boasts some grand manor houses, including Courtlands, Goring Hall and Field Place.
The coastline is dotted with a few beachside cafes, offering an ideal place to relax and enjoy the untouched seaside location. The town centre boasts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Highdown Gardens are just a mile away from Goring, and the market town of Arundel, renowned for its iconic castle, is merely a ten-minute drive away.
Goring-by-Sea features a local railway station, perfect for commuters seeking a brief journey into Brighton (35 mins) or the City (London Bridge approximately 1:30 minutes).
Bognor Regis, famed for its nostalgic promenades and arcades, is also only half an hour away.
The larger resort of Worthing is a mere five minutes along the coast, boasting an art deco pier – which was voted the best in Britain in 2019 – and an observation wheel.