Worthing

Retirement towns usually get a bad rap, but Worthing has shaken off its sleepy reputation without losing its genteel charm. The seafront stretches for miles, backed by those distinctive white-painted Georgian and Victorian terraces that give the place its dignified air. Marine Gardens offers a proper green lung right by the coast - lovely for an early morning stroll before the crowds arrive.

Goring-by-Sea Beach, just west of the main town, tends to be quieter than the central stretch and has that proper seaside feel without the kiss-me-quick tat. The shingle crunches underfoot as you walk, and on clear days you can see the Isle of Wight floating on the horizon.

Culture vultures shouldn't write the place off either. Worthing West End Gallery and Shoreline Gallery both showcase local artists, while Rustington Museum tells the story of this stretch of coast with more enthusiasm than you'd expect. St Andrew's Church dominates the skyline with its flint tower - typical Sussex architecture that looks like it's grown from the chalky soil.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A24 drops you straight down from London in just over an hour, and the train takes roughly the same time from Victoria. Brighton's only 20 minutes east if you fancy a bit more buzz.

Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. South Downs Caravan Park gets solid reviews and puts you within striking distance of both the coast and the rolling downland that starts just inland. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips, but far enough out to escape the summer day-tripper crowds. The South Downs Way passes nearby too, so serious walkers are sorted.