24 HOURS IN Worthing

The vibrant seaside town of Worthing has long been a lure to tourists – among them Oscar Wilde, who lived here for a season and struck up a liaison with a local youth. So enamoured was he of both that he named the lead character in his most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest, after the town.

- Jenny Mark-Bell

Another beloved British author found inspiration here – Jane Austen’s unfinished novel Sanditon, which was adapted for the BBC last year, is thought to be based on her experiences in the town. Nobel prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter lived in the attractive environs of Ambrose Place, where he is honoured with a blue plaque.

Worthing today has all the charm of a traditional seaside resort, with its attractive pier and promenade, along with a vibrant sense of small town community. Although property prices are increasing, it’s attracting businesses and homeowners priced out of Brighton, imbuing what the Guardian rather sniffily called “Terry and June country” with a dollop of cosmopolitan culture.

IN THE MORNING

There can be few lovelier ways to start a day in Worthing than with a stroll up

Cissbury Ring. This historic local landmark is the site of a Bronze Age burial ground and Iron Age hill fort. Today it yields beautiful views over the town and along the coast, and a chance to say hello to the New Forest ponies who graze here. Alternatively,

Highdown Hill in Ferring offers panoramic outlooks over the town and Downs.

Highdown Gardens, home to so many rare and exotic plants that the whole garden has been named a National Collection, is set to reopen in spring after a major refurb.