One of the UK’s best seaside towns reveals plans to reopen much-loved pier
A MUCH-LOVED pier has revealed plans to reopen after it was forced to close suddenly last month.
Worthing Pier in West Sussex closed on October 10 after damage was found on its underside supports.
Construction work on the pier started earlier this week, with contractors from Worthing Borough Council successfully installing the first part of a new temporary steel structure.
The new structure is designed to support the pier, so it can be safely reopened while permanent repairs are completed.
Construction work on the pier can only be carried out when the tide is low, with a council spokesperson adding: “The new steel support structure is designed to take the weight off damaged piles so they can be replaced.
“We will aim to keep disruption to a minimum but unfortunately there will be some noise during the work – including in the early hours of tomorrow morning.”
When Worthing Pier closed last month, restaurants Perch on the Pier and Tern also had to close their doors to punters.
Tern relocated to East Beach Cafe in Littlehampton, while Perch has two other sites, one in Worthing and one in Eastbourne.
Bosses at both businesses have reopened their bookings for November 22 onwards – although a firm reopening date has not been confirmed.
Worthing Pier was built in 1862 and has survived an inferno and the Second World War before briefly becoming a nightclub in the 80s.
The Grade II-listed structure was named Pier of the Year back in 2019, and was well-loved among locals and visitors alike.
Worthing Pier has a 4/5 star rating from more than 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “What a fantastic pier, that’s just oozing with Art Deco features“.
Another person wrote: “After having already recently visited Brighton and Eastbourne piers, Worthing Pier was a breath of fresh air.
“It benefits from being near the town centre, which gives it a lively and upmarket vibe”.
Last year, Worthing was crowned one of the best places to live in the UK thanks to its laidback – and less expensive – lifestyle.
In their 2023 guide, Muddy Stilettos described Worthing as “small, chic and let’s face it, less megabucks Sussex coastal choice”.
Worthing is less crowded than other seaside towns on the south coast even though it boasts all the usual benefits.
Its streets are lined with rows of colourful houses, the odd palm tree and lots of independent shops.
The beach in Worthing was recognised as one of the best in the country for four years running.
Other attractions include Worthing Lido and Highdown Gardens, a unique “living library” of plants from across the globe.
The chalk garden is tucked behind a charming farm shop and garden centre.
The town is also the birthplace of Brit indie rock band The Ordinary Boys, fronted by former Big Brother star Preston.
What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun’s travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns.
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can’t be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You’ll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much loved pilot bar, you’ll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained it’s chocolate box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a ‘make it yourself’ hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks – but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Meanwhile, this seaside town is the best in the UK and has England’s best visitor experience.
And here are The Sun travel team’s favourite UK seaside towns.