Destination guide

Seven Sisters Cliffs: Birling Gap, Beachy Head & Seaford Head

Everything you need to plan a day at England's most famous white cliffs.

Visitor photographing the Seven Sisters cliffs and lighthouse from the clifftop

The Seven Sisters are a line of brilliant white chalk cliffs on England's south coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne in East Sussex. They sit inside the South Downs National Park and are one of the most photographed coastlines in Britain.

What to see

Seaford Head and Cuckmere Haven

The classic view of the Seven Sisters is from Seaford Head, looking across the mouth of the Cuckmere River with the old Coastguard Cottages in front of the cliffs. Seven Sisters Country Park, at Exceat, has walking paths along the meandering river down to the beach.

Birling Gap

Birling Gap is a low point in the cliffs with steps down to a pebble beach, so you can stand right below the chalk. The clifftops here are flat and grassy, making it one of the easiest places to walk.

Beachy Head

Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, at around 160 metres. From the top you can see the red-and-white striped lighthouse standing in the sea below, and Belle Tout, an older lighthouse on the clifftop.

Brighton

Many day trips pair the cliffs with Brighton, about 30–40 minutes away, for its seafront, pier and the Royal Pavilion.

Tips for visiting

  • Wear walking shoes and bring a windproof jacket, even in summer.
  • Stay well back from cliff edges. The chalk erodes and edges can collapse.
  • Spring to early autumn has the longest daylight and the best chance of blue skies.
  • Toilets and cafés are limited to a few spots, such as the country park and Birling Gap.
Want the easy way?

Our Seven Sisters day trip from Birmingham covers Seaford Head, Birling Gap and Beachy Head in one day by executive coach, from £25.

Seven Sisters FAQ

Where are the Seven Sisters cliffs?

On the East Sussex coast between Seaford and Eastbourne, inside the South Downs National Park, about 60 miles south of London and around 200 miles from Birmingham.

What is the best viewpoint for the Seven Sisters?

Seaford Head, near the Coastguard Cottages, gives the classic postcard view across the Cuckmere estuary to the cliffs.

Can you walk on the beach under the cliffs?

Yes, at Birling Gap there are steps down to the beach. Keep away from the base of the cliffs, as chalk falls happen, and check tide times.

More help: how to get to Seven Sisters from Birmingham.