Kng George V Colonnade, Bexhill-on-Sea
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The Colonnade Bexhill

4.3
·249 reviews·Bexhill, United Kingdom

A historic seafront promenade in Bexhill featuring independent shops, cafes, and stunning English Channel views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Kng George V Colonnade, Bexhill-on-Sea

The Colonnade Bexhill

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic seafront promenade in Bexhill featuring independent shops, cafes, and stunning English Channel views.

4.3
(249 reviews)

"Enjoy coffee with sea views or browse unique gifts from local businesses."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Enjoy the Views

Grab a coffee and soak in the sea views, especially beautiful at sunset.

🛍️ Shop Local Gems

Explore the indie shops for unique gifts and crafts.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seaside Views & Cafe Culture

Seaside Views & Cafe Culture

Outdoor seating areas

Savor coffee and snacks with stunning sea views, perfect for watching sunsets or weathering a storm.

Independent Retail Therapy

Independent Retail Therapy

Various shop units

Discover unique gifts, jewelry, and art from local independent businesses.

Architectural Charm

Architectural Charm

Exterior of The Colonnade

Admire the historic architecture, built in 1911, alongside the iconic De La Warr Pavilion.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Colonnade Trader Changes

Plans for refurbishing The Colonnade are impacting existing traders, with some facing displacement. While Rother District Council intends to market units post-renovation, there's been community support for traders to return. Stay informed about these changes before your visit.

Embrace the Seaside Vibe

The Colonnade offers a charming seaside experience with cafes and independent shops. It's a great spot to enjoy views, grab a bite, or browse unique items. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, especially when sitting outside.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Event days
Why
Live music and vibrant energy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Business owners who rent space at the Colonnade in Bexhill said they were being forced out by plans to refurbish the building. Rother District Council said once work was completed, it will openly market the available units. Read the full story online.
bbcsussex
21 likes • 1.3K views

☕ Enjoy the Views

Grab a coffee and soak in the sea views, especially beautiful at sunset. Instagram

🛍️ Shop Local Gems

Explore the indie shops for unique gifts and crafts. Instagram

The perfect spot to watch the sunset, with a hot drink and a bite to eat! ☕️🌊🌅 @ The Colonnade, Bexhill #thecolonnade #cafe #bexhill #bexhillonsea #beach #sea #views #autumn #sunset
bexhillcolonnade
75 likes • 3.2K views
Tonight at the Rother District Council Full Council Meeting, I proudly spoke in favour of the petition supported by 4,500 people to support the Colonnade traders in Bexhill. 📣 I called out the lack of communication from Rother, the refusal to support local businesses, and the shocking decision to deny traders a right to return after refurbishment. I said it plainly: 👉 “This is economic vandalism...
cllrconnorwinter
9 likes • 373 views

🌬️ Brace for Wind

It can get breezy! Bring layers for outdoor seating. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Treats

Some cafes are very welcoming to dogs, even offering treats! Reddit

For those who missed what I was saying over the GALE FORCE WINDS 💨 😂 “Boss Babe-ing in all weathers! At least it’s warm in The Colonnade!” We have had all kinds of weathers during our Bexhill Boss Babes sessions at @bexhillcolonnade … but come wind, rain, frost, scorching sun or the usual greyness 🙄 we still show up for the meetings and for each other. Here’s hoping that when Spring finally arr...
bossbabesnetworkinguk
4 likes • 240 views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Enjoy the Views

Grab a coffee and soak in the sea views, especially beautiful at sunset. Instagram

🛍️ Shop Local Gems

Explore the indie shops for unique gifts and crafts. Instagram

🌬️ Brace for Wind

It can get breezy! Bring layers for outdoor seating. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Treats

Some cafes are very welcoming to dogs, even offering treats! Reddit

🎶 Check for Events

Look out for live music or fitness classes on the promenade. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(249 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise The Colonnade for its charming seaside location, excellent coffee, and the opportunity to browse unique independent shops. The sea views and relaxed atmosphere are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some reviews mention instances of poor customer service, which can detract from the overall experience.

"Excellent food, lovely service. The chef was really kind to our dog Teddy gave him a sausage. One happy dog.
Great place to sit and watch the rain and sea on a horrible day.
Played connect four.
💕💕💕💕"

Tracey-Anne Medland

"We were extremely disappointed with our experience here. The young woman behind the counter was shockingly rude and aggressive, raising her voice at us during what should have been a calm midday service. It was very unsettling to be spoken to like that as paying customers.
We had cycled from London in the heat and, while sitting outside, removed our jerseys to cool off. We hadn’t noticed the “no shirt, no service” sign, but once it was pointed out, we immediately put our shirts back on. Despite this, the staff member refused to serve us, shouting that she didn’t care and telling us to leave. Her tone was unnecessarily hostile and humiliating — even nearby customers commented on how inappropriate her behaviour was.
Unfortunately, the overall experience left a sour taste. The poor attitude, low standard of service, and subpar food made our visit to Bexhill memorable for all the wrong reasons."

Vinnie Raulinaitis

"Visited Bexhill today, with the family. Thought I’d get some drinks to sit on the beach with and the waitresses were very nice and helpful, gave us 2 big cups full of ice.

Went back after the beach to take a walk along the seafront and my daughters chose some ice creams, as my daughter chose a mint ice cream by mistake the man (I’m guessing the owner) who served us changed it over with no problems and spoke kindly to the children, as uncle Albert says “you’ll never meet a nicer person than a south Londoner” even if he is a palace supporter 😂"

Max Sparks

What People Like

Great sea views
Excellent coffee
Independent shops

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Colonnade is located on the seafront in Bexhill-on-Sea. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transport is also available, with bus routes serving the seafront. Many visitors arrive by train to Bexhill station and then take a short walk or bus ride. Instagram

Yes, there are several parking areas along the seafront near The Colonnade. Some are pay-and-display. It's advisable to check local signage for the most up-to-date parking information and charges. Instagram

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Bexhill train station to The Colonnade, approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also catch a local bus service that runs along the seafront. Instagram

Absolutely. Numerous bus routes stop along the seafront, making it very accessible. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient routes. Instagram

Many visitors travel by train to Bexhill. Driving is also an option, with parking available. For those coming from nearby towns, buses are a convenient choice. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Colonnade itself is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. You can wander through the area and browse the shops and cafes freely. Instagram

The Colonnade is an open public space, so it's accessible at all times. Individual shops and cafes within The Colonnade will have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check with specific businesses if you have a particular shop or cafe in mind. Instagram

There are no entry fees to access The Colonnade. You are free to explore the area. Any costs would be for purchases made at the shops or cafes. Instagram

While some cafes may accept reservations, it's often a walk-in situation, especially during peak times. It's advisable to call ahead if you have a specific cafe in mind or are visiting with a larger group. Instagram

For a relaxed experience, weekday mornings are ideal. Late afternoons offer beautiful sunset views. Check for any scheduled events on the promenade for a livelier atmosphere. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Colonnade hosts a variety of independent shops, including gift shops, jewelry stores, and art boutiques. It's a great place to find unique, locally made items. Instagram+1

Yes, there are cafes offering drinks and light bites. Visitors often praise the coffee and the opportunity to sit and watch the sea. InstagramReddit

You can enjoy the sea views, browse the independent shops, relax at a cafe, or simply stroll along the promenade. It's also a good spot to watch events happening on the De La Warr Pavilion lawn. Instagram+1

Yes, families can enjoy the open space, the proximity to the beach, and the ice cream options. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant outing. Reddit

Many of the cafes at The Colonnade are dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas. Always check with individual establishments. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The cafes typically offer a range of drinks, including coffee and tea, as well as light snacks, cakes, and ice creams. Some may offer more substantial lunch options. InstagramReddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially given the prime seafront location. Coffee is often noted as being good value. Reddit

While specific menus vary, many cafes offer a selection of cakes and snacks that can cater to vegetarian or vegan diets. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe. Reddit

Reviews often highlight the quality of coffee and the friendly service at various cafes. It's a matter of personal preference, but many visitors have positive experiences. Reddit

While The Colonnade itself has cafes, the wider Bexhill seafront and town center offer a variety of restaurants and eateries to suit different tastes and budgets. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The seafront views, especially during sunset, are fantastic for photos. The architecture of The Colonnade itself and the nearby De La Warr Pavilion also make for great shots. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The west-facing aspect of the seafront makes The Colonnade an ideal spot to capture stunning sunset colors over the sea. Instagram

Generally, it's polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private businesses. Most shop owners are happy to allow photos of their products if you're a customer. Instagram

Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the sea and sky can still provide interesting photographic opportunities. Instagram

There are no general restrictions on photography in the public areas of The Colonnade. However, always be mindful of people's privacy and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Colonnade is a great spot for families looking for a relaxed seaside outing. The open promenade is perfect for kids to move around, and the proximity to the beach means easy access for sandcastle building or paddling. Reddit

Several cafes offer ice creams and kid-friendly snacks, making it easy to refuel. The generally friendly atmosphere and the chance to browse unique shops can also be engaging for children. Just be mindful of the wind if you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors.

🐶 Dog Owners

Bexhill's Colonnade is a welcoming destination for dog owners. Many of the cafes here are dog-friendly, allowing your furry companions to join you for a coffee or snack, especially in outdoor seating areas. Reddit

Your dog will likely enjoy the sea air and the open space of the promenade. It's a pleasant place for a walk with your pet, and the chance for them to be treated, as one review mentioned a chef kindly giving a dog a sausage! Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds

If you love discovering independent boutiques and artisanal products, The Colonnade is a must-visit. It's home to several small businesses offering everything from handmade jewelry and gifts to local art. Instagram+1

This is the perfect place to find a souvenir that's a little more special than the usual tourist fare. Take your time exploring each shop to uncover hidden treasures and support local creators.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Colonnade: A Hub of Independent Businesses

The Colonnade in Bexhill is more than just a row of shops; it's a vibrant collection of independent businesses that contribute to the town's unique character. From artisanal crafts and handmade jewelry to unique gifts and local art, these shops offer a refreshing alternative to high-street chains. Visitors often praise the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind items and support local entrepreneurs. Instagram+1

However, it's important to note that the future of some of these traders has been uncertain due to refurbishment plans by Rother District Council. Community efforts have been made to support these businesses, highlighting their value to the local economy and community spirit. Instagram+1

When visiting, take your time to explore each unit. You might find a hidden gem or strike up a conversation with a passionate business owner, adding a personal touch to your shopping experience.

Seaside Serenity and Culinary Delights

The seafront location of The Colonnade makes it a prime spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. The cafes here are known for their excellent coffee and pleasant service, providing a perfect place to unwind, whether the weather is sunny or stormy. InstagramReddit

Visitors often mention enjoying a hot drink while watching the waves, playing games like connect four, or simply taking in the views. The outdoor seating offers a chance to feel the sea breeze, though it can get windy, so bringing layers is a good idea. InstagramReddit

While the cafes offer a good selection of drinks and light bites, including ice creams, it's worth noting that some reviews have pointed out instances of poor customer service. However, many other reviews highlight the kindness of staff, with one mentioning a chef being particularly accommodating to a dog. Reddit

Architectural Heritage and Coastal Views

The Colonnade itself boasts a notable architectural heritage, having been built in 1911 to commemorate King George V's coronation. Its design contributes to the distinctive seaside charm of Bexhill. Instagram

Strategically positioned along the seafront, it offers panoramic views of the English Channel. This makes it an ideal location for enjoying the seascape, from calm sunny days to dramatic stormy weather. The proximity to the iconic De La Warr Pavilion, a modernist masterpiece designed in the 1930s, further enhances the area's architectural appeal and historical significance. Instagram

Visitors can appreciate the blend of historical architecture and the natural beauty of the coast, making it a visually engaging destination for a stroll or a relaxing break.

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