A 4.5-mile (7.2 km) branch line was ceremonially opened between Crowhurst and Bexhill on 31 May 1902 by the nominally independent Crowhurst, Sidley & Bexhill Railway Company which had been promoted by the Earl De La Warr together with other local businessmen and landowners.

The line had the backing of the South Eastern Railway which ran services to the nearby Hastings and St Leonards stations.

Welsh slate was used on the roof which is crowned by a clocktower, and the main entrance features a block-moulded pediment which was carved in situ.

The Southern arranged for most main line services through Crowhurst to include three corridor coaches for Bexhill West to avoid the need to change trains, but this still failed to tempt passengers on to the branch.

Emergency bus services ran from Crowhurst to St Leonards, Hastings and Bexhill West.

Services on the East Coastway Line terminated at St Leonards West Marina.

The line's demise was confirmed by its inclusion in the Beeching Report, and it finally closed to all traffic from 15 June 1964.

Bexhill West station building has survived and is now occupied by Sivyers Antique Emporium and Auction, along with Brief Encounters Cafe.

The adjoining former refreshment rooms are now a pub and restaurant, and the engine shed forms part of the light industrial estate now occupying the former trackbed to the rear of the station along Beeching Road.