Worthing FC

Football on the Sussex coast isn't something most people plan a holiday around, but Worthing FC's ground is worth a look if you're staying nearby. The club plays at Woodside Road in Worthing proper, and on match days the place has that genuine grassroots energy you won't find at the big stadiums. Non-league football has a particular charm - everyone knows everyone, the pies are reasonably priced, and you can actually hear what the managers are shouting at the ref.

This is proper community football territory. The Rebels (as they're known locally) play in the Isthmian League, which sits several tiers below the Football League. If you're a casual fan, a competitive match day offers three hours of entertainment without the theatre and ticket prices of the Premier League. Families often bring kids - there's space to move around, the atmosphere's friendly, and half-time usually features some local talent or raffle draw.

Match days are your best bet; check their website for fixtures before you visit. Admission costs vary but rarely push beyond fifteen quid for a standard game. You'll want to allow three hours total if you arrive early for a beer and a look around the pitch. The caravan parks scattered around Worthing - Onslow, Brook Lane, Beach Park - are all within walking distance if you fancy making it part of a longer stay in town. Worth the detour if you're already in Sussex, not worth a special journey, but if football's your thing and you're passing through, it's genuinely worth an afternoon.