Bexhill-on-Sea is a beautiful seaside town in East Sussex, between Hastings and Eastbourne. It’s calm, cultured, and proudly different from its louder seaside neighbours (looking at you Brighton). If you’re looking for classic coastal charm with interesting architecture and tons of culture, these Bexhill attractions are a great place to start.
De La Warr Pavilion
The De La Warr Pavilion is perhaps one of the best known Bexhill attractions, and is one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in the UK. Opened in 1935, this Grade I listed masterpiece sits right on the seafront and remains a cultural focal point today. It’s named after Herbrand Sackville, the 9th Earl De La Warr, a visionary socialist and Mayor of Bexhill who championed the project to build a public modernist entertainment venue for the town. If you're interested in history, it's well worth reading more about the Sackville family, the Earls De La Warr, and their place in Sussex history. In fact, the state of Delaware in the United States is named after them!
Inside the De La Warr pavilion in Bexhill, you’ll find fascinating exhibitions, lively performances, and fun events, alongside a café and bar with fabulous sea views. The sweeping curves of the building and its position overlooking the promenade make it a must-see.
Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1DP
Bexhill Beach and Promenade
Bexhill’s long, gently curving shingle beach is one of its biggest draws. Considerably less busy (and commercial) than many south coast resorts, it’s ideal for peaceful walks, fresh sea air, and uninterrupted views across the Channel.
The two-mile promenade is flat and easy to stroll, popular with cyclists and walkers alike. On clear days, it’s a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the town. In summer, it offers family-friendly swimming with lifeguards, plus watersports like sailing and windsurfing.
Egerton Park
Just a short walk from the seafront, Egerton Park is one of the most popular Bexhill attractions. This well-kept public park has open lawns, a lake, mature trees and seasonal plants. Created during the late 1800s by local developer John Webb, it offers something for everyone, from family picnics in the summer to ball courts and duck ponds.
It’s a favourite with locals for relaxed walks and quiet afternoons, and it adds welcome variety to the list of Bexhill attractions. Grown-ups can enjoy tennis and bowling facilities, while kids will love the whimsical play structure. There’s also an outdoor gym and a café, meaning everything you need is here in one place.
45 Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3HN
Bexhill Museum
For a deeper understanding of the town, Bexhill Museum is well worth a visit. This traditional volunteer-run museum explores local history, including Bexhill’s development as a seaside resort and its place in motoring history, alongside rotating exhibitions. Among its unique collections you’ll find everything from dinosaur footprints to the history of the town's iconic De la Warr Pavilion.
One of the most interesting exhibits at Bexhill Museum is the Izzard Family Model Railway, one of two model railways donated to Bexhill Museum by their patron, internationally-renowned actor and performer Suzy Eddie Izzard.
Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3HL
Manor Gardens
These immaculately kept gardens are a must-visit Bexhill attraction, with seasonal plants, green lawns, plenty of seating, and views towards the De La Warr Pavilion. With historic features like flint walls, a Sussex long barn, and ruins of a manor house dating back to the 11th century, you really feel like you've stepped back in time. Manor Gardens also features an ornamental pond with lily pads and lotus flowers, with rhododendrons putting on a spectacular display in spring and a beautiful rose garden in the summer.
4 De La Warr Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 2JA
Shopping in Bexhill
Bexhill’s town centre is compact and walkable, with a mix of familiar high-street names and independent businesses, from antique shops and art galleries to delicatessens and farm shops. Exploring Devonshire Road and the surrounding streets gives a good sense of the town’s everyday life and slower pace.
Cafés, bakeries and small shops make this area a pleasant place to wander without an agenda, and if you time it right, you’ll be able to see one of many regular events, from live music to community markets.
Is Bexhill worth visiting?
Bexhill attractions are not about spectacle or novelty. Instead, they offer a blend of architecture, culture, green space and coastline that feels thoughtful and unpretentious. Bexhill is a town that suits exploration, where the appeal lies as much in atmosphere as in individual sights. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer, Bexhill-on-Sea is well worth visiting.
