Location
The Colonnade, Bexhill-on-Sea,TN40 1FH
Bexhill-on-Sea a Seaside Gem in East Sussex
Bexhill-on-Sea (often simply referred to as Bexhill) is a charming seaside town and civil parish in the Rother District of East Sussex, South East England. Nestled along the picturesque Sussex Coast, it lies conveniently between the historic town of Hastings and the vibrant resort of Eastbourne.
The De La Warr Pavilion
Bexhill-on-Sea’s most iconic landmark is the De La Warr Pavilion, a Grade I listed building prominently located on the seafront. This architectural masterpiece was the result of a design competition initiated by Herbrand Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr, after whom the building is named. Completed in 1935, the Pavilion exemplifies modernist architecture and remains a cultural hub for exhibitions, performances, and events.
The Colonnade
Another key feature of Bexhill’s seafront is the historic colonnade, built in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. Designed as a sheltered space for enjoying open-air beachfront concerts and performances, the colonnade originally stood in front of a coastguard station. This station was later replaced in 1936 by the De La Warr Pavilion, further enhancing the area’s appeal.
The colonnade is flanked by two-story circular pavilions (pictured above). On the ground floor, rusticated pilasters and round-headed windows with keystones create a striking aesthetic. The upper level features circular domed shelters supported by eight Tuscan columns, offering shade and panoramic views. Additional curved single-story shelters extend from each side, supported by ornamental cast-iron columns and topped with cast-iron balustrades. At either end, concrete steps with solid balustrades and corner piers topped by pyramidal caps lead visitors to the upper promenade, providing access to sweeping coastal views.