Things To Do
in Broadwater

Broadwater is a coastal suburb in West Sussex, just north of Worthing, offering a quiet seaside atmosphere with green spaces and easy access to the South Downs. It centers around Broadwater Green and a long seafront promenade, providing a friendly, family-friendly vibe. The area combines the charm of a traditional English seaside town with convenient links to nearby Worthing, Brighton, and the broader south coast.

Visitors can enjoy relaxed beaches, local pubs, and scenic walks while staying in a peaceful residential setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Golden Sands
morning
:

Start your day with a brisk walk along the pristine coastline of Broadwater, where the sun gracefully rises over the calm waters. Capture the stunning views with your camera as you stroll the sandy beaches, feeling the gentle breeze on your face. Consider grabbing a coffee from a nearby café for a perfect morning pick-me-up.

afternoon
:

After your morning exploration, head to the local fishing docks for a fresh seafood lunch at one of the charming seaside restaurants. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you indulge in delicious dishes, perhaps trying the day's catch. Post-lunch, wander through the quaint boutiques nearby, picking up unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

evening
:

As dusk settles in, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can savor fresh local cuisine while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the shore, soaking in the tranquil ambiance.

day 2
Historic Charm and Culture
morning
:

Begin with a visit to the historic Broadwater Church, admiring its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Spend some time learning about the local history through the informative displays and plaques that decorate the area. It’s a perfect opportunity to reflect and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

afternoon
:

For lunch, venture to a nearby pub that offers traditional British fare, soaking in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Afterwards, explore the Broadwater Museum, where you can discover fascinating exhibits about local life and historical events. Don't forget to chat with the locals, who often have colorful stories and insights about the area's past.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, take a guided ghost tour that reveals the haunted history of Broadwater, enhancing your experience with tales of the supernatural. After the tour, find a cozy café for a late-evening dessert, treating yourself to delectable pastries or ice cream. Wrap up the night with live music at a local venue, where you can enjoy the vibrant sounds of talented local musicians.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/tea$3-5
🛍️Markets and groceries$8-20 (per item)
🚌Public transit (one-way)$3-5
🍺Pint of beer at pub$5-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Accessible seaside location with a relaxed pace
  • Excellent base for exploring Worthing and the South Downs
  • Family-friendly with plenty of green spaces and beaches
  • Good value compared to larger tourist hotspots
  • Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
  • Can be busy on sunny summer weekends
  • Smaller selection of high-end restaurants
  • Some areas require a short drive to reach the South Downs

Places to Visit in Broadwater

Visit one of these nice places.

Worthing Pier and seafront at sunrise

Iconic pier silhouette with pastel skies and calm sea reflections—great for long exposures.

Broadwater Green and the bandstand

A leafy greenspace with a Victorian-era bandstand, ideal for nature and architectural photography.

Beachfront promenade near Marine Parade

Wide sea views, colorful beach huts, and promenades for candid street photography.

Cissbury Ring lookout

Ancient hill fort offering panoramic views over the coast and countryside—perfect for sweeping landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Broadwater

Sussex coastal cuisine centers on fresh seafood, hearty pub meals, and classic tea-time treats, all made with local produce and dairy from nearby farms.

Broadwater Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish and chips

Crispy battered fish with thick-cut chips and mushy peas, a seaside staple found at seafront fish bars.

Must-Try!

Cream tea

Scones with jam and cream served with tea, a quintessential seaside indulgence.

Seafood stew

A warming dish featuring locally caught fish and shellfish, often served with crusty bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Worthing Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and simple street-food stalls along the town centre.

Seafront Pop-ups

Seasonal food stalls along the promenade offering regional snacks during events and festivals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Broadwater experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Average summer highs are in the low 20s Celsius (around 68-75°F), while winter daytime temperatures hover around 5-8°C (41-46°F). Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with wetter periods in autumn and winter. The coastal location often brings sea breezes that cool hot days and moderate temperature swings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

British queue etiquette: wait your turn, no pushing, and a polite 'please' and 'thank you'.

Politeness

Greet locals with a friendly hello; avoid loud conversations in quiet pub spaces.

Tide awareness

Be mindful of tide times near beaches; some areas can be water-logged or unsafe during high tide.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety tips include staying aware of tides on exposed beaches, wearing appropriate footwear on pebbly shores, and keeping valuables secure in busy areas. Sun protection in summer, hydration, and weather awareness are important for outdoor activities. In crowds and markets, watch for petty theft and keep belongings close. Emergency numbers in the UK: 999 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Tipping in Broadwater

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included.

Payment methods

Cards (contactless and chip & pin) are widely accepted; cash is still welcome in markets and small shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder weather, flowering hedgerows, and bluebell woods; great for coastal walks and garden photography.

Summer

Warm days with sea breezes; longer daylight hours, ideal for beach and sunset photography; expect busier seafronts.

Autumn

Crisp air, golden light, and migratory birds along the coast; perfect for tranquil seaside strolls and hikes.

Winter

Cool, wetter days with shorter daylight; atmospheric sea fogs and rugged coastlines—great for moody photography.

Nightlife Guide

Broadwater at Night

The nightlife in Broadwater is relaxed and family-friendly, with a handful of coastal pubs, live-music venues, and seasonal events along Worthing's seafront. Expect casual bars, pub quizzes, and occasional seaside gigs; the area leans toward a laid-back evening scene rather than club culture. For more options, Worthing town center and nearby towns offer a broader mix of venues, including craft breweries, wine bars, and small theaters. Seasonal events, such as summer festivals and seaside concerts, bring in crowds and a festive atmosphere by the water.

Hiking in Broadwater

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cissbury Ring

A historic hill fort offering expansive views over the coast and countryside; a popular short hike.

South Downs Way (nearby)

Long-distance path with scenic coastal and countryside sections suitable for day hikes.

Airports

How to reach Broadwater by plane.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Major international and domestic airport about 40-60 miles northeast, with direct rail links and road connections to Worthing.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Large international airport about 70-90 miles north; good for long-haul connections and connections to the south coast.

Lydd Airport (LYX)

Small regional airport in Kent about 60-70 miles east; limited flights but possible for some routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Broadwater and Worthing are fairly walkable, especially along the seafront and town center. The promenade provides a long, flat route suitable for most visitors, with shops and cafes spaced at regular intervals. Some parts of Worthing’s neighborhoods might require a short bus ride or car to reach, particularly when accessing the South Downs and Cissbury Ring.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families choose Broadwater for its beaches, parks, and schools.

Retirees

The area attracts retirees due to a relaxed pace and community amenities.

Young professionals

Some residents commute to nearby towns and cities for work or study.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local amateur and community clubs play in Worthing and nearby towns, with matches on weekends.

Cricket

Cricket clubs and leagues run through summer, with local grounds near the coast.

Tennis

Public courts and club facilities available around Worthing for all ages.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be busier during summer tourist seasons, weekends, and during festival events. The town has a reliable rail link to Brighton and London with regular services; bus routes connect Broadwater to Worthing town center and beyond. Parking can be challenging in peak times—look for council-managed lots and early-morning spaces. Walking and cycling along the seafront is popular and often faster than driving in town center areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Broadwater.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many venues offer veggie options; look for roasted vegetables, halloumi, and veggie bakes.

Vegan

Ask for dairy-free options; most places can adapt dishes or offer salads, soups, and veggie mains.

Gluten-Free

Inform staff; many seafront eateries provide gluten-free bread, and there are gluten-free options available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

UK residents and visitors can access NHS services. Worthing Hospital provides emergency and routine care and there are several GP practices in Worthing and Broadwater. For non-urgent care, you can book through the NHS 111 or visit local clinics. Carry travel medical insurance if you prefer extra coverage.

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