Between Eastbourne And Hastings Is A Relaxing Coastal Town With A Scenic Beach, Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

With charming towns scattered along the English coastline, it can be hard to pick a destination. Consider underrated Bexhill-on-Sea, which overlooks the English Channel. Bexhill offers an idyllic escape from London, about a two-hour train ride away, thanks to its sprawling beachfront and bevy of quaint eateries.

Back in Anglo-Saxon times, the town was called Bixlea. It was destroyed during the Norman Conquest in 1066, but by the late Victorian era it had become Bexhill, an upscale retreat complete with a fancy hotel and seafront promenade. Today, eager adventurers can head straight to Bexhill Beach, where a pebbly shoreline stretches against a backdrop of pretty townhouses. Galley Hill Viewpoint and benches scattered along the hillside offer spots to gaze out at the calming seafront panorama, which reaches all the way to rugged cliffs on the horizon. Meanwhile, travelers who enjoy more cultural activities can stop by Bexhill Museum to explore fossil exhibits, archeological specimens, and historic costumes.

Bexhill is just under 20 minutes by train east of Eastbourne, while Hastings is an even shorter train ride away. If you're looking for more seaside excitement nearby, you should also plan a trip to Camber Sands, one of the U.K.'s least crowded beaches.

Your first stop in Bexhill should be the seashore. Take a picnic blanket and a book to Bexhill Beach, then relax on the pebbly sand, admiring picturesque views of boats bobbing on gentle waves. When the tide draws back, beachgoers will be treated to a surprise — fossilized dinosaur footprints embedded in the rocky, shallow seabed. "An incredible experience to see something so old," says a visitor on Google Maps. Just behind the beach, a paved promenade bordered by lawns and decorative pavilions offers ample space for a stroll.

After unwinding by the beach, make your way into the town center for a spot of retail therapy. Card collectors and gaming enthusiasts should stop by Galleon Games on St. Leonards Road. "This store has such a wholesome vibe," says a customer on Google Maps. Disney fiends can look for Lorcana card decks, while Dungeon Masters will find an array of "Dungeons & Dragons" guidebooks. The store also stocks Warhammer figurines and board games such as Ticket To Ride.

Records & Retro is about a 5-minute walk away, on Sackville Road. Audiophiles and enthusiasts of retro music formats can spend the day browsing its shelves of old CDs and vinyl albums. Whether you're in the mood for Michael Jackson, Electric Light Orchestra, or Sting, there will no doubt be an album that catches your eye. There are even old-school turntables and CD players available for purchase. 

After spending the day shopping and meandering along the beach, you will surely be hungry. Pebbles On The Beach, a seafood restaurant with whimsical nets and oars on its walls, overlooks the waterfront promenade. Find a table indoors or dine on the terrace to enjoy a glimpse of the waves while eating. "Great vibes, great food, great service," one customer on Google Maps says. The crab-loaded fries are a popular choice, while the menu also includes fish and chips, lobster rolls with truffle aioli, and a seafood boil drizzled in a buttery sauce.

For a taste of France, stop by The Crafty Norman Brasserie just across the street from Galleon Games. The restaurant's bright pink facade welcomes diners into a minimalist yet elegant interior. "Great food with stellar service, in a nicely furnished and light space," says a customer on Google Maps. Fill up on a platter of cold cuts, cheese, and chutney, or try a baguette. The menu also offers French crêpes along with quiche and pastries. For a fun pub vibe later in the day, head to The Strand Bexhill, a highly-rated bar with exposed brick walls and patterned floor tiles. Sit at the counter to mingle with other customers, or try your luck on its slot machines. 

After you've crossed Bexhill off your list, hop on a 30-minute train ride to Rye, England's postcard-pretty village with historic streets and cozy pubs. The South Downs National Park's windswept cliffs and ancient forests are not much farther away.