Bexhill

Bexhill (sometimes known as Bexhill-on-Sea) was created in 772 by King Offa II of Mercia when he granted power to the Bishop of Oswald to build a church. Almost 300 years later, William gave the settlement to Robert, Count of Eu. The town has had a few famous people visit it: Agatha Christie used it in her novel The ABC Murders, and John Logie Baird, the creator of television, spent his last years in Bexhill.

The town, like many other English seaside resorts, is now much more a settled community. Although there is a small entertainment area on the seafront, it now has a large retired population, like much of the south coast.

In 2021, it had a population of about 44,000.

• 🌍 Bexhill Museum, Egerton Road, Bexhill On Sea, TN39 3HL, ☏ +44 1424 222058, enquiries@bexhillmuseum.co.uk. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-M and Bank Holidays 11AM-5PM. This museum covers all aspects of modern life: from the history of wildlife in one section, fashion in another, and automobiles all in one small museum. Bexhill museum is perfect for family visits and educational visits. Admission £3 for adult, £1.50 for children 5-16, free admission for under 5s. 
• 🌍 De La Warr Pavilion Arts Centre. Daily 10AM – 5PM. The De La Warr Pavilion, a building in the International Modernist style, has undergone a major refurbishment and redevelopment. There is a magnificent restaurant offering fresh local produce, excellent wines and great views of the sea. exhibitions free, charges for events. (updated Apr 2019)

At the top of Galley Hill are the remains of a World War II military bunker. The Irish comedian Spike Milligan was posted to Bexhill in the early 1940s. He mentioned the bunker in his book Adolf Hitler - My Part In His Downfall. Later in the book he referred back to the town in the Goon Show's "The Dreaded Batter Pudding Hurler of Bexhill-on-Sea".

Sporting facilities include: squash, tennis, bowls, football, golf, cricket and swimming. The town is also proud of its leisure centre and the indoor leisure pool complex. The latter being located as part of the Ravenside Retail Park at Bulverhythe.

Bexhill is renowned as the ‘birthplace of British motor racing’ with regular displays of cars from various eras throughout the year. The town is particularly proud of its seafront with an award winning beach. The promenade stretches for miles, from Trafalgar Beacon on Galley Hill to Cooden Beach, offering magnificent views. You may even get the chance to watch the sailing or rowing club in action.

The De La Warr Pavilion, a building in the International Modernist style, has been refurbished and redeveloped. There is a magnificent restaurant offering the best in fresh local produce, excellent wines and great views of the sea.

Opening hours are 10AM-4PM in the winter and 10AM-5PM in the summer. The Sovereign Light Café on the seafront featured in the Keane song of the same name.

🌍 The Picture Playhouse, 36, 38 Western Rd, TN40 1DY, ☏ +44 1424 819 500. A Wetherspoons Pub in an old cinema (updated Mar 2024)

🌍 The York Hotel, 92 London Rd, TN39 3LE, ☏ +44 845 805 3478. (updated Oct 2017)

🌍 Coast, 58 Sea Rd TN40 1JP (one block south of railway station), ☏ +44 1424 225260. Italian comfort and flair in this Edwardian B&B with five rooms. No children under 5 or dogs. B&B double £100. (updated Aug 2020)

🌍 The Driftwood, 40 Sackville Rd TN39 3JE, ☏ +44 1424 732584. Stylish small hotel in Victorian villa near seafront. No dogs. B&B double £100. (updated Aug 2020)

🌍 The Relais Cooden Beach, Cooden Sea Rd, Bexhill, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 4TT (near Cooden Beach Station), ☏ +44 1424 842281. (updated May 2016)