Beach House Park, Worthing

Beach House Park in Worthing is a formal garden in West Sussex, on England's south coast, opened in the early 1920s. Covering about 9.57 acres (3.87 hectares), it has long been one of the town's most carefully kept green spaces. It is best known for its neat lawns, flowerbeds and bowling greens of international standard.

How did Beach House Park come about?

The land once belonged to the Beach House estate, whose centrepiece is a Regency villa designed by John Rebecca and built in 1820. Worthing Borough Council bought the grounds in December 1922, and the park opened in early 1924. It was conceived as a place for residents and seaside visitors to stroll and relax.

What is there to see?

The layout is formal, with manicured lawns and flowerbeds that make for easy, pleasant walking. The bowling greens are the park's real claim to fame. Sources differ on the number, from four to five, but all agree on their quality. The park began with two greens, and more were laid out in 1926, 1934 and 1967. The council describes Beach House Park as the home of flat green bowling in Worthing.

The war pigeons memorial

One of the park's more unusual features is a memorial to war pigeons. The original design was a circular mound planted with shrubs, with a rockery, streams and pools, two boulders carved with inscriptions and two stone pigeons. One inscription honours the warrior birds that gave their lives on active service in 1939-45. The pigeon sculptures were later stolen and have not been replaced, and a fence was added around the mound. The stones were refurbished and repainted in 1999, and the council continues to look after the memorial with help from the Scouts.

The café and recent history

A café in the grounds was destroyed by fire in 2009. If you plan to spend a longer time here, check the council's website beforehand for the facilities currently available.

Frequently asked questions

When did Beach House Park open? It opened in early 1924, after the council bought the land in December 1922.

How big is the park? About 9.57 acres, or 3.87 hectares.

Can I see bowling greens there? Yes, they are a main attraction. The greens are kept to an international standard, and the park is regarded as the home of flat green bowling in Worthing.

What does the memorial commemorate? It honours war pigeons, including birds that gave their lives on active service in 1939-45.

Is there a café? The former café burned down in 2009, so check current information before your visit.

Who is it for?

Beach House Park suits anyone who enjoys formal gardens, quiet seaside walks and local history. A visit does not take long, so it pairs well with a look at the nearby Regency Beach House and the seafront side of Worthing. Bowls enthusiasts will find some of the region's best-kept greens, and visitors interested in wartime history will find an unusual memorial dedicated to animals.