Name: Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
Rating: 5.0

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Crangon Cottages, Birling Gap, East Dean, Eastbourne BN20 0AB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Birling Gap and Crowlink, near Eastbourne in East Sussex, are part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. One minute you can be walking on ancient downland, the next you could be rockpooling below towering cliffs of chalk. Spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea can be seen from all angles.

Birling Gap provides a point of entry for coastal walks and you can find our café, shop and visitor centre here on the cliff top. The beach below is ideal for seaside picnics with its rock pools and areas of pebbles and sand. It is a first class example of a marine nature reserve. The wild forces of the sea create unusual chalk platforms and huge heaps of gleaming white chalk as the cliffs erode at up to one metre a year.

Birling Gap can get busy so for a more secluded walk venture inland at Birling Gap or Crowlink. With over 500 acres of open chalk grassland the area is rich with butterflies and downland flowers. Nearby sites of archaeological interest, like Belle Tout neolithic enclosure, have much to tempt families further along the coast.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Coast: Birling Gap and Crowlink, near Eastbourne in East Sussex, are part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast.
Countryside: Autumn sees the start of strong winds and showers keeping wildlife hidden in whatever shelter they can find. The leaves are turning and the hedgerows are rich with berries and autumnal bounty, offering a feast for wildlife. Swallows can be seen overhead, gathering before their long journey south for the winter.
Exploring Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters: Birling Gap is a popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea. It’s part of the world-famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. From walking on 500 acres of ancient downland to spotting wildlife and exploring rock pools below towering cliffs of chalk, there is plenty to see and do whilst you soak up the spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea.
Countryside and woodland in Sussex: Discover the wide range of countryside and woodland spots to explore around Sussex, from the highest point of East Sussex at Ditchling Beacon to the incredible landscape of the South Downs, which takes in broad swathes of chalky downland hills and farms.
Shop: Showcasing the uniqueness of the National Trust countryside and coast our shop offers a range of items to refresh your home and wardrobe from our range of bags, clothes, scarves, gifts and homeware. Buying these seasonal designs helps us to care for the coast and countryside throughout the South Downs.

Facilities

Parking: Pay & display parking charges at Birling Gap: £2 up to 1 hour, £4 for up to 2 hours, £8 for more than 2 hours. Minibus and motorhome rates £10 for up to 2 hours £20 all day. NT members, motorcycles and Blue Badge holders park free. NT members should scan their membership cards at the machines and collect the ticket to display in their car. Overnight parking/camping is not permitted at this location.
Food & Drinks: Café - Whatever time of the day you visit there’s something to hit the spot, from hot breakfast baps to homemade soup, sausage rolls, pasties and cream teas. Hot and cold drinks are served all day, including a selection of wine and beer, alongside cakes and bakes.
Toilet: There is an external toilet block with men's & ladies facilities. These open 9.30am-6pm April-October and 10am-4pm November-March. Please note, long queues can occur at busy times and all toilets are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. An accessible toilet is available within the main shop/café building during opening times.
Dogs allowed: Dogs on lead are allowed on the beach, in the shop and in the cafe. Dog walkers are encouraged to make use of the countryside, please keep your dog on a lead around wildlife and livestock or when near the cliff edge.

What to see

Top trails:

Birling Gap walk from the Tiger Inn: This circular walk allows you to enjoy views over the downs and the East Sussex coast. By following old drovers' and smuggling routes to the sea from this small downland village you may also feel a sense of the landscape's long history.
Bounding up to Belle Tout at Birling Gap: Take a wander up to Mad Jack Fuller's folly on this relaxing circular walk and enjoy some sweeping sea and downland views, as well as wonderful flora and the Beachy Head lighthouse.
Clifftop walk from Birling Gap to Exceat: Experience iconic clifftop views of the Seven Sisters coastline and discover the history of this walk to Exceat and the Seven Sisters Country Park.
Between the South Downs and the sea circular walk: Starting and finishing in the peaceful hamlet of Crowlink, this invigorating walk takes you through meadows and trees, down towards Birling Gap and up over three of the Seven Sisters. Along with great coastal views, there are seasonal wildlife and flower displays to look out for and optional detours to a historic pub and a seaside café.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk
Visitor centre: 10:00 - 16:00

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters#place-opening-times

Address: Crangon Cottages, Birling Gap, East Dean, Eastbourne BN20 0AB, UK

Post Code: BN20 0AB

Council: Wealden

County: East Sussex

By road: Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters are located south of the A259 midway between Eastbourne and Seaford. Birling Gap is sign-posted from the A259 at East Dean, Crowlink car park, is accessed from A259 using the lane between Friston Pond and Friston Church. Please note, their are no longer coach parking or coach drop-off facilities at Birling Gap.
On foot: On South Downs Way between Exceat and Eastbourne. Birling Gap is accessible using footpaths and bridleways and forms part of the Seven Sisters route. The most direct route from East Dean follows the Birling Gap Road. Please note there are no pavements or walkways on this road. Follow the guidelines set out at Highway Code for Walkers to stay safe.
By train: The nearest railway stations are Eastbourne (5.5 miles) or Seaford (6.5 miles). Services are operated by Southern Southern Rail. Taxi ranks are located outside each station. For bus transfer please follow directions by bus.
By bus: Buses between Eastbourne and Brighton regularly call at East Dean (1.5 miles) all year round and over weekends and weekdays seasonally directly to Birling Gap. Please visit ,Brighton and Hove Buses for up to date details. The most direct route from East Dean follows the Birling Gap Road. Please note there are no pavements or walkways on this road.
Cycling: There is a network of bridle paths. Cycle stands available at the rear of the coach park at Birling Gap. Went Way bridleway from East Dean to Birling Gap. The South Downs Way is a footpath only across the Seven Sisters.
Parking: Pay & display parking charges at Birling Gap: £2 up to 1 hour, £4 for up to 2 hours, £8 for more than 2 hours. Minibus and motorhome rates £10 for up to 2 hours £20 all day. NT members, motorcycles and Blue Badge holders park free. NT members should scan their membership cards at the machines and collect the ticket to display in their car. Overnight parking/camping is not permitted at this location.