Walking in and around Bexhill brings a surprising change of scenes. The town and seafront are mostly flat, making for easy coastal strolls, while wetlands and open countryside stretch away in either direction. To the west lie Hooe Levels and the wider Pevensey Levels, a landscape of low-lying meadows and waterways. East, between Bexhill and Hastings, Combe Haven Valley opens into a patchwork of reedbed, grazing marsh, ditches and woodland, with Filsham Reedbed at its southern end. Head north from town and the landscape becomes more undulating, with paths leading towards Crowhurst and Battle.
Green spaces in and around Bexhill
You don’t have to travel far from the town centre to find somewhere leafy to stretch your legs. If you’re after a shorter stroll, a more accessible walk or simply a change of scene from the seafront, Bexhill has a lovely collection of green spaces within and around the town.
Collington Wood
Just west of Collington railway station, between Bexhill and Cooden, this woodland is a favourite with dog walkers. A main path runs through the middle, with smaller footpaths branching off through the trees. There’s also an open picnic field and a children’s play area.
Gillham Wood
Hidden in plain sight in Cooden, this three-hectare community nature reserve is a peaceful place for a short wander. Its meandering paths wind through the woodland, and the reserve also hosts community activities.
Bexhill Down
Close to the town centre, Bexhill Down is an area of old common land, now a mixture of woodland, meadows and recreation space. Explore the network of paths, enjoy the established trees and keep an eye out for the birdlife.
Broad Oak Park
Just off the A259, near Little Common Road, Broad Oak Park combines meadows and woodland, with footpaths threading through the green space. The walking is easy, with no gates or stiles, and the park is also used for horse riding.
Highwoods
On Bexhill’s northern edge, Highwoods is a 33.7-hectare (83-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest. From the car park, two paved Access for All trails (600 metres and 1,200 metres long respectively) offer a chance to enjoy the countryside on a route designed for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs.
Bexhill urban walks
Our Sussex Exclusive urban walks (which can be split into two separate walks, takes you via the town’s main attractions with plenty of places to stop for coffee and cake along the way.
Two Bexhill long-distance routes
Bexhill sits on the King Charles III England Coast Path, which follows the coast through the town. Heading west, the route passes Cooden and continues towards Normans Bay, Pevensey Bay and Pevensey; eastwards, it follows Bexhill’s promenade and coastal walkway towards Bulverhythe, St Leonards and Hastings. It’s an easy linear walk, with bus stops along the way. You can also walk towards Pevensey and return by train from Pevensey Bay or Pevensey & Westham. All of which means you can walk as far or as a short a distance as you like:
The 1066 Country Walk Bexhill Link offers a very different day out. Starting near Bexhill Old Town and the old disused railway, the route heads inland towards Crowhurst, passing through the countryside and woodland on its way to Battle. Crowhurst has strong connections to King Harold, and the path joins the main 1066 Country Walk near Battle Abbey.
Whether you’re after a flat coastal stroll, an urban walk, a short wander in the woods or a longer countryside trail, there’s a walk to suit you in and around Bexhill.
We’ll keep adding to this guide but for more ideas, visit:
