The Railway Hotel, Worthing: A Warm & Welcoming Stay on the Sussex Coast

Worthing may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a literary-inspired trip to England, but perhaps it should be. Jane Austen spent time here in the autumn of 1805 recovering her health. Many scholars believe the seaside air, gentle social rhythms, and sense of new possibility helped inspire Sanditon, her novel set in a coastal resort town on the rise. Nearly ninety years later, Oscar Wilde spent time in Worthing writing The Importance of Being Earnest, and traces of the town echo through names, wit, and seaside tempo.

During our stay, we wanted a hotel that would allow us to spot literary landmarks on a stroll to the seaside, with space to read, write, and feel at home. The Railway Hotel, a Victorian boutique hotel refurbished and reopened in August 2023, offered exactly that. 

Located directly across from Worthing Railway Station, it’s a breeze to get to. When we arrived after an overnight flight and multiple train transfers, the relief of stepping off the train and simply crossing the street into warmth, conversation, and rest cannot be overstated.

Arriving at The Railway Hotel

We stepped off the train in Worthing mid-afternoon, exhausted, and there it was, The Railway Hotel, in plain view across the street. No taxis, no navigation, no searching through side streets. Just a short walk and we were inside.

Entering through the main doors brings you straight into a lively Victorian pub. People chatting, glasses clinking, the friendly sound of a Saturday afternoon at ease. Check-in takes place at the barista counter next to the bar. A sign hanging off to the side, on the wall, lets you know you’re in the right place. 

“Booked a room? Check in here… Booked a table? Please wait here to be seated…”

The welcome we received from the General Manager was full of warmth and genuine conversation. She asked where our lovely accents were from, told us about her recent trip to Las Vegas, and walked us through how to access the guest entrance during and after hours.

It felt like the best possible arrival. Off to bed we went for a solid rest before meeting up with friends for dinner. 

Our Standard Double Room

Our Standard Double was located on the ground floor. Despite its proximity to the pub and ground-level location, our room was quiet throughout the night, all three nights of our stay. 

Stylish, the room featured beadboard wainscoting along the walls, framed artwork, and a warm, deep salmon accent wall surrounding the desk and hospitality tray. The bed was comfortable, the lighting soft, the space easy to settle into. A mirror behind the hospitality tray allowed me to do my hair and makeup while seated, without having to wait for the steam to clear the mirror.  

The tea and coffee setup was thoughtfully stocked with Clipper teas, Whitley instant coffee, oat and dairy milk packets, sugars, and little Biscoff biscuits for something sweet.

Bramley bath products—gentle, botanically fragranced, and packaged with environmentally mindful materials—were well-stocked in the en-suite bathroom. They struck the right balance between fresh and grounding. 

Room types range from Cosy Doubles to Superior Doubles and Family Rooms with bunks, offering options for different needs and travel styles. The building is Victorian, so rooms vary in shape and layout—a charming variation.

Dining & Drinks

The pub and dining room share a single space that easily feels right for both casual and more traditional dining. On our first evening, we stopped in for nightcaps—an espresso martini for me and an Old Fashioned for Chris. The next morning, I ordered French toast and a cappuccino; Chris had eggs on toast, well done, exactly as he prefers. The same staff member who checked us in served us breakfast, which made the experience feel familiar and like guests at a friend’s place.

Delighted by both experiences, we decided to try their Sunday Roast service. I ordered the Spinach and Mushroom Wellington, which arrived with roast potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding. Chris ordered pan-fried gnocchi and a side of sausage stuffing balls, which felt cozy and seasonally fitting. 

The service here has a friendliness that feels natural rather than trained-in, a warmth that comes from people enjoying where they work.

Need to Know

The Railway Hotel is ideal for travelers arriving by train. Simply walk across the street from Worthing Railway Station and you’re there. No car required. If you do need to park, the Teville Gate Car Park is less than a five-minute walk away.

The pub can be lively, especially on weekends, but the guest rooms feel like their own quiet world. Because the building is historic, room sizes and layouts differ, but that variation adds personality. Breakfast, dinner, drinks, and Sunday Roast are served onsite in the Railway Pub.

FAQ About The Railway Hotel in Worthing

• Is The Railway Hotel noisy because of the pub?
  Our room remained quiet in the evenings, even on the ground floor.
• Is this hotel convenient for train travel?
  Extremely. It’s directly across from Worthing Railway Station.
• Does the hotel serve food and drinks?
  Yes, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, coffee, and Sunday Roast are all available onsite.
• Are the rooms modern?
  They blend contemporary comfort with Victorian character. Each room is unique.
• Is Worthing a good base instead of Brighton or Hove?
  Yes. Worthing is calmer, more affordable, and still just minutes from Brighton and Hove by train.

If you’re planning a trip to Worthing and would like to stay at The Railway Hotel, you can check current rates and availability through our trusted travel partner:

→ Check rates & availability for The Railway Hotel on Expedia

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Staying at The Railway Hotel gave us exactly what we hoped for: the feeling of being part of Worthing while also having a quiet room to retreat to. If you’re dreaming of a place where you can rest, wander, read, and look up at the horizon, Worthing offers that, and The Railway Hotel is a perfect place to begin.

If you like charming Victorian hotels along the seaside, you may also enjoy our review of the Royal Valentia Hotel. It’s on Valentia Island along Ireland’s stunning Kerry coastline.

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