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Museums #12 in Hastings

Bexhill Museum

4.7 · 505 reviews
Curated, educational, and nostalgic.
Bexhill Museum, Egerton Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3HL, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds the original 1902 Brighton to London speed trial trophy, marking the first motor race held on a British closed road.

2

The geology collection includes significant finds from the local cliffs, including Iguanodon dinosaur footprints.

3

It houses the personal archives and memorabilia of Sergeant Major Henry 'Harry' T.T. Evans, who served in the Boer War.

4

The costume collection contains over 2,000 items, emphasizing the change in silhouettes from 1890 to the late 20th century.

5

The museum building itself sits within the historic Egerton Park, designed as a public space in the late 19th century.

Overview

Bexhill Museum houses a significant collection centered on the town's role in the birth of British motor racing, notably the 1902 Brighton to London speed trials. The museum features the Sargent Motor Racing Collection, documenting early automotive history on the local seafront. Beyond racing, the facility serves as a repository for local social history, including the evolution of Bexhill-on-Sea from a fishing village to a Victorian resort. It contains extensive archaeology and geology exhibits, highlighting fossils found in the local Wealden strata. The fashion gallery displays a rotating collection of costumes spanning from the Victorian era to the 1970s. The museum is located in Egerton Park, adjacent to the historic De La Warr Pavilion site. It is run by a charitable trust and functions as a community hub for local heritage research.

Photo spot

The main motor racing gallery, specifically near the vintage racing vehicles.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Egerton Park.

Check the museum's temporary exhibition calendar before visiting, as the costume gallery rotates seasonally.

Allow extra time to examine the detailed historical photographs of Bexhill’s Victorian architectural development.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the fashion gallery, as the textile displays are dense and require time to appreciate the craftsmanship.

Good to know

Closed on certain weekdays during the winter season; check the official website for seasonal changes.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume and avoid touching display cases or artifacts; photography is permitted for personal use without flash.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure a quiet viewing experience of the smaller display cases.
Address
Bexhill Museum, Egerton Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3HL, United Kingdom
50.837, 0.466
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits1902 Motor Racing collection, local geology fossils, and historic costume gallery.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure a quiet viewing experience of the smaller display cases..

The main motor racing gallery, specifically near the vintage racing vehicles.

Close by you'll find Egerton Park, Polegrove, Beulah Baptist Church.