We are planning a trip to England in August of next year and would like to visit the Seven Sisters and the vicinity. I was wondering if one can walk the length at the bottom of the cliffs from the Berling Gap staircase/Visitor center to near Cuckmere Haven. I was also wondering if anyone who has visited the cliffs has recommendations for viewing them.
Thanks!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4558 posts
Here is where I think the most spectacular views are. There is a small parking lot and then you walk the trails toward Cuckmere Haven for some great views. From there you'd have to drive to Birling Gap to walk on top of the Seven Sisters. We tried to walk from here over past Cuckmere Haven to Seven Sisters along the water and weren't able to. I'm not sure if it's something you can sometimes do if the tides are out.
Posted by
United States
505 posts
Ahhh, Seven Sisters. My favorite place on earth! Judy, we took the Coaster bus from Eastbourne and it dropped us off at the Seven Sisters Visitor Center. From there you could go down to Cuckmere Haven, but another path took you to where you walked on top of the cliffs. Some of the climbs are pretty challenging, but you are always in view of the sea so it takes your mind off the difficulty! We climbed each of the Sisters and walked back to Birling Gap. There we had a delicious lunch at the National Trust cafe, shopped a bit and went to the beach area there to see the cliffs from below. It was an amazing day. I don’t think anyone was walking on the beach/sand below from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap, but I could be wrong. In my opinion, the view from atop the cliffs is superior to what you see below in any event. But, if you go to the Cuckmere Haven area first before walking atop on the path, you can see down along the coast and view the cliffs from that vantage point. You can also do that from the beach at Birling Gap.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Posted by
New England
696 posts
If you’re planning to stay overnight in the area, check out Belle Tout, a decommissioned lighthouse converted to a bed and breakfast right on the cliffs between Beachy Head and Birling Gap. Stunning views. Have stayed twice and booked again for next year. My favorite thing is to get up early, head out onto the South Downs Way just outside the front door, and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the cliffs before the school groups / tour groups arrive.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2266 posts
There is a footpath along the top. Have a look at this picture on google images and I think you will realise why it isn't sensible to walk along the bottom of the cliffs...
Posted by
United States
505 posts
Accidental Southerner, that sounds amazing! Looking it up rn for a future trip. Thank you for the recommendation.
Posted by
New England
696 posts
You’re welcome, mustlovedogs
Belle Tout is easiest if you have a car but I never have had one there. I have been able to get around with either local taxis or the Eastbourne Sightseeing hop on hop off bus. In season, the bus does a circuit of the area every 30 min and stops at the base of Belle Tout leaving a you a steep but short-ish walk up the path to the lighthouse. A really special place!