Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Birling Gap is where the South Downs meet the sea at the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest undeveloped stretches of the south coast. Walk the clifftop downland, or take the steps down to the shingle beach for rock pools and fossil hunting. The National Trust café, shop and visitor centre sit on the cliff top.
Highlights
- Seven Sisters chalk cliffs
- Rock pools and fossil hunting
- Over 500 acres of chalk grassland
- Belle Tout Neolithic enclosure nearby
- Clifftop café and visitor centre
Good to know
- The beach is reached by 50 steps, which can close at short notice
- Keep at least 5 metres from cliff edges and bases, and check tide times
- Dogs on leads are allowed on the beach and in the café and shop
Getting there
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 0ABParking: National Trust pay and display car park; minibus and motorhome rates apply.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0Beachy Head
Britain's highest chalk sea cliff, rising 162 metres above the lighthouse and the Channel. Walk up from the western end of Eastbourne seafront on the South Downs Way, or park at the top and stroll towards Belle Tout.
Image: Seven SistersSeven Sisters Country Park
The classic view of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs starts here, where the Cuckmere river meanders down to the sea. A level trail runs about 2km to the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven, so it works for pushchairs and less confident walkers too.
Image: National TrailsSouth Downs Way
A 100 mile National Trail along the chalk ridge of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne, open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Tackle the whole route over about nine days, or pick a short section for a day out with views to the sea.