Bexhill-on-Sea - Park, Parade & Pavilion

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Bexhill-on-Sea Park, Parade & Pavilion, with Agents helping Agent Cam O'Flage decode SEA's sinister scheme to deactivate a squawking drone, save the seafront parkers and stop the seagull mess before it's too late.

The operation covers approximately 1.8 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll follow a seafront route with plenty of twists and turns, using the promenade, pavement and paths, and visiting areas including De La Warr Parade, the stylish seafront, Egerton Park and the route back along the promenade past the war memorial.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes steps down into Egerton Park, although wheelchair and pushchair users can enter the park further down the road using the slope.

Take care when crossing roads several times, including two intersecting roads and the main road parallel to the sea. There is also a section near the leisure centre car park where vehicle movements need extra attention, plus the final return mentions those pesky seagulls.

Getting There

By car: Begin the mission at the entrance to the Sackville Apartments, on De La Warr Parade (TN40 1LS). There is parking along the seafront, or parking on side roads, both handy options for assembling your Agent squad before setting off.

By public transport: Make your way to the entrance to the Sackville Apartments, on De La Warr Parade, to begin the operation. The circular route returns along the seafront promenade, or you can stay in the area for a snack or ice cream once the intel has been gathered.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available by Knights Amusements near Clues 04, with another useful stop in Egerton Park near Clues 10-12.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the mission, with a few seaside precautions. 🐾

The route includes promenade walking, pavements, park paths, road crossings, steps down into Egerton Park and a section near vehicle movements at the leisure centre car park, so keep canine recruits close where needed. Also watch out for pesky seagulls - SEA's feathered associates may not respect operational boundaries.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-breaking beside the sea works best with supplies. There are shops and cafes along the route, and at the end you can stay in the area for a snack or ice cream.

The route is great for picnics too, and it passes the cafe made famous by 'Sovereign Light Cafe', giving music-loving Agents an extra reason to pause for refreshments.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Egerton Park

Egerton Park is one of the safe zones on the mission and a strong family add-on. There are play areas, a boating lake, six tennis courts and a leisure centre nearby, with the park map and byelaws also referenced near Clue 32. If you want to avoid the steps, the park can be entered further down the road using the slope.

de La Warr Pavilion

The de La Warr Pavilion, built in 1935, is the most famous building in Bexhill. Designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, it was one of the UK's first public buildings constructed in this style and now serves as a vibrant arts centre, hosting exhibitions, performances and cultural events.

Bexhill Seafront Promenade and Colonnade

The mission follows Bexhill's stylish seafront and promenade, with the sea on one side and contemporary gardens on the other. Keep time after the operation to enjoy the iconic Colonnade and the town's mix of contemporary and traditional features along the promenade without having to decode every suspicious detail.

Sovereign Light Cafe

The route passes the cafe linked to Keane's 2009 song 'Sovereign Light Cafe'. The video features local people showcasing sporting and dancing skills, and there is a mini-shrine inside with framed photos from the shoot.

Bexhill's Motor Racing Heritage

Bexhill has an important place in British Motor Racing history. In May 1902, the 8th Earl of De La Warr and the Automobile Club of Britain and Ireland organised the first large motor car race in Britain, which attracted over 200 vehicles and 30,000 spectators; French driver Leon Serpollet won, with Lord Northcliffe also taking part.