A NOTABLE HISTORY
WITH THE DE LA WARR FAMILY
The Relais Cooden Beach was once the private home of the De La Warr family. Their influence on the area spans in the introduction of the train station at Cooden Beach - providing easy access for guests coming in from London. During their time at Cooden Beach, they entertained many a notable guests including King George VI and his family; the young Princess Elizabeth used to play on the beach with her sister Princess Margaret. It also became a favourite hideaway for the Duke of Windsor and Wallace Simpson as well as Winston Churchill.
The De La Warr Pavilion at neighbouring Bexhill-on -Sea is an iconic modernist landmark and pioneering arts and culture centre. It was the result of an architectural competition initiated by Herbrand Edward Dundonald Brassey Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr.
THE HOME OF BRITISH MOTOR RACING
Discover the home of British Motor racing, rich in history and a setting that has inspired adventure and re-discovery for generations. It was the 8th Earl De La Warr who made history in the 19th May 1902 when he organised Britain's first automobile race in the town of Bexhill, together with the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland. This put Bexhill on the map as Britain's home of motor racing and attracted international attention.