Worthing Pier

You'll spot it from miles down the coast - that long finger of Victorian iron stretching out into the English Channel. Worthing Pier is the real deal, a proper working pier that's been there since 1862, and it still feels like the seaside should. Walk the full length and you've got amusement arcades, a theatre, fish and chip shops, and an arcade that'll drain your change faster than you can say 'tuppence'. The views back towards Lancing are decent enough, especially on clear days when you can see the whole sweep of shingle beach.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a sprint. Kids absolutely love it - the arcades and rides mean they can burn off energy while parents grab a coffee and sit on the benches. The pier theatre occasionally hosts proper entertainment, though opening hours and what's on varies, so worth checking ahead. There's no charge just to walk out, though you'll spend money once you're there if you've got kids in tow.

If you're camping or caravanning nearby - Beach Park and Eastern Sands are both within three miles - you can easily pop down for a couple of hours. It's not a full day's outing, but paired with the beach itself, it's a solid part of a Sussex seaside break. Go early on a sunny morning before the families descend, or late afternoon when the light's golden and things quieten down. The wind can be fierce, mind you. Bring a jumper even in summer.