While Sussex is home to many smaller and quaint villages, typically along the coast or nestled in the countryside, this one is the opposite.
Lancing is a large coastal village in the Adur district of West Sussex, England, on the western edge of the Adur Valley.
Frequented as the largest village in the country, it has a rich history and remains a popular seaside resort today.
Here is all to know about Lancing and why it is worth a visit if you haven't already done so.
History of Lancing in Sussex
As explained by Visit South East England, Lancing has a "long history dating back to the Stone Age".
It said: "During the Bronze Age (1500 to 500BC) a sacred place was made near Lancing Ring and an incense cup and fragments of pottery from this spot are now in the British Museum.
"Lancing College chapel dominates the landscape to the north of the A27 and is notably famous for being a national monument and a masterpiece of nineteenth century gothic design.
"The Southern Railway works in Lancing were a significant local employer and in 1953 employed 1,750 people.
"When it was closed in 1964, the site, now known as Lancing Business Park, was bought and the existing buildings were then converted into factory units and new ones built."
After the Second World War, shopping facilities have "continued to expand" along with the population.
Lancing is believed to be the biggest village in the UK
Lancing is often cited as being one of, if not the largest, villages in the country.
Despite its population of well over 15,000, it maintains its village status by having a parish council rather than a town council.
It has well-known landmarks in and around the village, such as the Grade II* listed Shoreham Tollbridge, which was the last toll bridge in use in Sussex.
The bridge, which crosses from Adur into Shoreham, was in use for motorised traffic until the opening of the A27 flyover in 1970.
The nearby Shoreham Airport opened in 1911 and is the oldest licensed airfield in the UK.
There is also Lancing College, found on a hill in the South Downs overlooking the River Adur.
The school is for pupils aged 13 to 18 and was founded in 1848.
It has a 19th-century, Grade I listed chapel, which was finally completed in 2022, and is the largest school chapel in the world.
Things to do in Lancing
Today, Lancing is a popular destination for those wishing to visit and walk the South Downs, or looking for a seaside getaway.
As Visit South East England explains, the village's main shopping centre is South Lancing, with smaller, older shops being south of the railway.
North of the railway, there are shopping parades offering a selection of independent and national retailers.
The Adur and Worthing Councils' website has also picked out some great things to do in Lancing.
It said: "If you're planning a family day out in Sussex, you can't go wrong with Lancing Beach.
"As well as the long stretch of shingle beach, the area has many local amenities, including a café, an ice cream kiosk, public toilets and a children's playground and BMX & skatepark.
"Start your day with a stroll along the seafront, followed by a coffee and some breakfast at the award-winning Perch on Lancing Beach.
"Then sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of this wonderful space."
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Lancing Beach is also popular for watersports and is a great spot to learn how to kitesurf.
Visitors can enjoy all-day parking just minutes from the beach, and there is a bus stop for the Coastliner 700, which runs every 10 minutes throughout the day.
Have you visited Lancing before? Let us know in the comments.
