Seven Sisters Cliffs, England: Complete Hiking & Visitor Guide 2026

Introduction: Why Visit Seven Sisters Cliffs?

The Seven Sisters Cliffs are one of England's most breathtaking natural landmarks. Formed 87-83 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, these pristine chalk cliffs remain brilliantly white thanks to continuous coastal erosion that exposes fresh rock faces to the elements.

What makes the Seven Sisters special is their undeveloped beauty. While the White Cliffs of Dover attract tour buses and crowds, the Seven Sisters offer an authentic wilderness experience along 14 miles of protected coastline. The clifftop walk provides constantly changing perspectives, with each "sister" revealing new vistas of the English Channel.

The seven individual peaks from west to east are:

• Haven Brow (77m)

• Short Brow (69m)

• Rough Brow (73m)

• Brass Point (80m)

• Flagstaff Point (75m)

• Bailey's Hill (72m)

• Went Hill (79m)

How to Get to Seven Sisters Cliffs from London

Getting There by Train

From London to Seaford (Western Access):

• Trains depart from London Victoria or London Bridge

• Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes

• Frequency: Approximately every hour

• Cost: £20-30 return (off-peak), £40-50 (peak)

• First train: Around 6:00 AM

• Last return: Usually 11:00 PM

From London to Eastbourne (Eastern Access):

• Direct services from London Victoria

• Journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

• Cost: £25-35 return (off-peak)

Pro tip: Book your train tickets in advance for the best prices, especially during summer months. (Book on Omio)

Getting There by Bus

Brighton & Hove Bus Services:

Route 12X: Brighton → Seaford → Eastbourne (coastal route)

• Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times

• Journey from Brighton: 1 hour

• Accepts contactless payment

Route 13X: Brighton → Beachy Head → Eastbourne (scenic route)

• Frequency: Hourly

• Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Best for views

(Book transportation via Omio)

Driving to Seven Sisters

Driving gives you the most flexibility for exploring multiple viewpoints. From London, take the A23/M23 south toward Brighton, then the A27 east.

Parking Options:

Seaford Head Car Park

• Capacity: 50 vehicles

• Cost: £4 (4 hours), £7 (all day)

• Facilities: Toilets, information boards

• GPS: 50.7614° N, 0.1397° E

Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre

• Capacity: 120 vehicles

• Cost: £3.50 (2 hours), £6 (all day)

• Facilities: Café, toilets, gift shop, ranger services

• GPS: 50.7800° N, 0.1667° E

Birling Gap Car Park

• Capacity: 100 vehicles

• Cost: £5 (3 hours), £8 (all day)

• National Trust members: Free

• Facilities: Café, toilets, beach access

Insider tip: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends and holidays to secure parking, as these lots fill up quickly in summer.

Book car rental with Expedia

Day-Trip from London

You can also book a day trip to Seven Sisters & Brighton from London on GetYourGuide for those who do not want to drive, take the train, or bus. (Book here)

Best Hiking Routes at Seven Sisters Cliffs

The Full Seven Sisters Walk: Seaford to Eastbourne

Distance: 13.6 miles (22 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,037 feet (621m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Surface: Grass paths, some steep ascents and descents

This is the classic Seven Sisters experience and one of England's finest coastal hikes.

Detailed Route Breakdown:

Section 1: Seaford Head to Cuckmere Haven (2 miles, 1 hour) Start at Seaford Head car park with immediate panoramic views. This gentle warm-up section follows the clifftop with the first glimpses of the Seven Sisters ahead. Bird watchers should bring binoculars for seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes.

Section 2: Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap (4 miles, 2.5 hours) This is the heart of the hike, where you'll cross all seven chalk peaks. Each climb and descent offers new perspectives of the dazzling white cliffs against the blue Channel waters. This is the most physically demanding section with steep ups and downs.

Section 3: Birling Gap to Beachy Head (3 miles, 1.5 hours)
After Birling Gap beach and café, a more gradual ascent leads to Beachy Head, England's highest chalk sea cliff at 162 meters. Views of the red-and-white striped lighthouse are spectacular.

Section 4: Beachy Head to Eastbourne (4.6 miles, 1.5-2 hours) Descend into Eastbourne through downland paths, eventually joining the Victorian seafront promenade with pier views.

Navigation: Download the OS Maps app or purchase the official Ordnance Survey Map OL25 (Eastbourne & Beachy Head).

If you are looking for an eSim service to help you navigate, you can book with Saily.

Family-Friendly Walk: Cuckmere Haven Loop

Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-friendly: Yes, suitable for ages 5+

Start at the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre and follow the meandering Cuckmere River to the beach. This mostly flat route is perfect for families with young children or those wanting a gentler experience. You'll still get stunning views of the cliffs without the challenging climbs.

Highlights: River wildlife, beach play area, ice cream at the visitor center

Short but Scenic: Seaford Head Circuit

Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Perfect for those short on time or staying in Seaford. This circular route from Seaford Head car park gives you prime views of the Seven Sisters from across Cuckmere Haven, with opportunities for sunset photography.

What to Expect on the Seven Sisters Trail

Trail Conditions

The Seven Sisters clifftop path is well-maintained with grass and chalk paths, but conditions vary seasonally. Spring and early summer see the firmest ground, while autumn and winter can create muddy sections after rainfall. The chalk becomes slippery when wet.

Key challenges:

• Steep gradients: Each "sister" involves a descent to sea level and a climb back up 70-80 meters

• Exposed terrain: Little shade and strong coastal winds year-round

• Limited facilities: Only three stops (Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap, Beachy Head) have toilets and refreshments

Safety Considerations

Cliff-edge safety is critical. The cliffs erode by 30-40cm annually, and recent collapses have occurred. Stay at least 5 meters from the edge at all times. Fencing marks dangerous sections, but not all unstable areas are marked.

Weather hazards: Coastal weather changes rapidly. Fog can roll in suddenly, making navigation difficult. Strong winds can be dangerous near cliff edges, especially in winter.

Emergency contacts:

• Emergency services: 999 or 112

• Coastguard: 01323 447962

• Nearest hospital: Eastbourne District General Hospital, 3 miles from the trail end

Mobile signal: Generally good along the route, but can be patchy in valleys

When to Visit Seven Sisters Cliffs: Best Times & Seasons

Spring (March-May): Wildflower Season

Temperature: 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Rainfall: Moderate
Crowds: Low to moderate

Spring transforms the clifftops into wildflower meadows. April brings carpets of cowslips, primroses, and early orchids. Nesting seabirds return to the cliffs, creating spectacular wildlife watching opportunities.

Pros: Stunning flowers, good photography light, fewer tourists
Cons: Can be muddy after rain, occasional cold days

Summer (June-August): Peak Season

Temperature: 15-23°C (59-73°F)
Rainfall: Lightest of the year
Crowds: Very busy, especially on weekends

Summer offers the longest days and warmest weather, perfect for swimming at Birling Gap beach. All facilities are fully operational, and sunset hikes are magical with daylight until 9 PM.

Pros: Best weather, warmest sea temperatures, full cafe hours
Cons: Crowded parking, peak tourist pricing, strong sun exposure

Autumn (September-October): The Sweet Spot

Temperature: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Rainfall: Moderate
Crowds: Low

Many consider autumn the ideal time to visit. School holidays have ended, but the weather remains pleasant. Golden morning light creates perfect photography conditions, and migrating birds pass through.

Pros: Fewer crowds, beautiful lighting, comfortable temperatures, lower accommodation prices
Cons: Shorter days, unpredictable weather

Winter (November-February): Dramatic & Deserted

Temperature: 3-8°C (37-46°F)
Rainfall: Heaviest season
Crowds: Very quiet

Winter offers solitude and dramatic stormy seas crashing against the cliffs. Clear winter days provide crystal-sharp visibility extending to France. However, strong winds and rain are frequent.

Pros: Complete solitude, dramatic scenery, crisp, clear days
Cons: Limited daylight (as short as 8 hours), cold winds, many facilities closed

Best single month to visit: September combines warm weather, manageable crowds, and excellent light.

Seven Sisters Packing List: What to Bring

Essential Hiking Gear

Footwear: Hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for the steep, uneven terrain. Trail runners work in dry summer conditions, but boots are better for muddy sections.

Clothing layers:

• Moisture-wicking base layer (t-shirt or long sleeve)

• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or lightweight down jacket)

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell

• Hiking trousers (avoid jeans - they're cold when wet)

• Warm hat and gloves (October-March)

• Sun hat or cap (April-September)

Day pack: 20-30L capacity with comfortable straps

Navigation & Safety

• OS Map OL25 or downloaded OS Maps app

• Fully charged smartphone

• Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)

• Basic first aid kit with blister treatment

• Emergency whistle

• Headlamp (for early/late hiking)

Food & Hydration

Carry at least 2 liters of water per person. The full walk has only three stops for refills. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, and fruit.

Photography Equipment

• Camera with wide-angle lens (16-35mm ideal)

• Fully charged batteries plus spares

• Lens cleaning cloth (sea spray is constant)

• Polarizing filter to reduce glare

• Neutral density filters for long exposures

• Lightweight tripod

Optional but Recommended

• Binoculars for wildlife and ship watching

• Walking poles for knee support on descents

• Packable rain cover for bag

• Lightweight microfiber towel

Where to Stay Near Seven Sisters Cliffs

Budget Accommodation (Under £50/night)

West Beach Hotel

• Location: located in Brighton

• Facilities: Self-catering kitchen, common areas, WiFi

• Perfect for: Solo hikers, backpackers, budget travelers

Camping at Birling Gap

• Wild camping is not permitted, but nearby campsites include:

• Seven Sisters Camping: From £20/night

Compare all hotels on Expedia

Mid-Range Hotels (£75-150/night)

The View Hotel Eastbourne

• Location: Seafront with direct beach access

• Rooms: Sea view and standard options

• Includes: Breakfast, free parking

The Sheldon B&B

• Location: Town center, 15-minute drive to trailhead

• Facilities: Restaurant, onsite parking

One-bed apartment near beach

• Location: Charming spot in Seaford

• Great if you are looking for a kitchen to cook meals in

Luxury & Boutique Options (£150+/night)

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

• Location: Victorian seafront icon

• Amenities: Spa, multiple restaurants, afternoon tea

• Best for: Special occasions, luxury travelers

Deans Place Hotel

• Location: Historic country house near Alfriston

• Features: 6 acres of gardens, excellent restaurant

• Best for: Romantic getaways, countryside charm

Self-Catering Cottages Vrbo offer excellent cottages in East Dean, Seaford, and surrounding villages. Expect £100-200/night for properties sleeping 4-6.

Compare all hotels on Expedia

Where to Base Yourself

Stay in Eastbourne if: You want amenities, restaurants, Victorian charm, and easy trail access
Stay in Seaford if: You're starting the hike from the western end
Stay in East Dean if: You want a quintessential English village experience
Stay in Brighton if: You want city nightlife and are willing to commute 1 hour

Where to Eat Near Seven Sisters

On-Trail Refreshments

Seven Sisters Country Park Café

• Location: Visitor Centre, Exceat

• Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (April-October), reduced winter hours

• Menu: Coffee, sandwiches, cakes, ice cream

• Seating: Indoor and outdoor with river views

Birling Gap Café (National Trust)

• Location: Birling Gap Visitor Centre

• Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM (daily, seasonal variations)

• Menu: Soups, sandwiches, scones, hot drinks

• View: Stunning clifftop terrace overlooking the beach

Beachy Head Pub

• Location: Beachy Head Road

• Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM

• Menu: Full pub menu, Sunday roasts

• Feature: Panoramic windows with cliff views

Restaurants in Nearby Villages

The Cuckmere Inn

• Location: Exceat (adjacent to Country Park)

• Cuisine: Traditional British pub food

• Specialties: Fish and chips, local ales

• Best for: Post-hike meals, family-friendly

The Tiger Inn, East Dean

• Location: The Green, East Dean village

• Cuisine: Gastropub, locally sourced ingredients

• Specialties: Sunday roast (booking essential), craft beers

• Atmosphere: Cozy 16th-century inn with open fires

Eastbourne Dining

The Dolphin Pub

• Cuisine: Seafood specialists

• Location: Seafront

• Known for: Fresh fish, local catch

Bibendum Restaurant

• Cuisine: Modern European

• Best for: Special occasion dinners

Food for Hikers: Pack supplies from Tesco or Sainsbury's in Eastbourne or Seaford before starting your hike. Limited on-trail options mean bringing your own lunch is smart.

Seven Sisters Cliffs FAQs

How long does it take to walk the Seven Sisters? The full 13.6-mile walk from Seaford to Eastbourne takes 6-7 hours at a moderate pace, including breaks. Shorter sections take 1.5-3 hours, depending on which portion you choose.

Can you swim at Seven Sisters? Yes, Birling Gap has beach access for swimming, though the water is cold year-round (10-18°C). Always check tide times and be extremely cautious of currents and underwater hazards. Never swim near the cliff base due to rockfall risk.

Is Seven Sisters suitable for children? The full clifftop walk is challenging for young children due to steep sections and cliff edges. However, the Cuckmere Haven loop (3 miles, flat) is perfect for families with children aged 5+. Always supervise children closely near cliff edges.

Are dogs allowed at Seven Sisters? Yes, dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads at all times due to livestock and ground-nesting birds. Clean up after your dog and carry water for them.

How much does it cost to visit Seven Sisters? Entry to the cliffs is free, but parking costs £3.50-£8 depending on location and duration. Budget £20-40 for the day, including parking, food, and refreshments.

What's the difference between Seven Sisters and White Cliffs of Dover? Both are chalk cliffs, but Seven Sisters are more dramatic, unspoiled, and better for hiking. The White Cliffs of Dover are more famous historically, but heavily developed. Seven Sisters offer superior natural beauty and hiking experiences.

Can you see France from Seven Sisters? On exceptionally clear days (fewer than 50 days per year), you can glimpse the French coast approximately 64 miles away, but it's rare. You're more likely to see France from Beachy Head.

When is sunset at Seven Sisters? Sunset times vary dramatically: June sunset ~9:15 PM, December sunset ~4:00 PM. The cliffs face south, making them excellent for sunrise from the east and evening light from the west.

Are there toilets on the Seven Sisters walk? Toilets are available at three locations only: Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, Birling Gap, and Beachy Head. There are NO facilities between these points, so plan accordingly.

Final Tips for Visiting Seven Sisters

Book accommodation early: Summer weekends fill up months in advance, especially in East Dean and Birling Gap area properties.

Check weather and tide times: Coastal weather changes rapidly. Check the Met Office forecast and tide times at Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap before setting out.

Start early: Begin your hike by 8-9 AM to avoid crowds, secure parking, and complete the walk with daylight to spare.

Bring cash: Some parking meters and small cafés don't accept cards. Carry £10-20 in coins.

Download maps offline: While signal is generally good, download OS Maps offline before hiking in case of signal loss.

Respect the environment: Follow the Countryside Code - take all rubbish with you, close gates, stick to paths to protect chalk grassland.

Don't underestimate the walk: The constant ups and downs over seven climbs make this more challenging than the distance suggests. Factor in fatigue when planning.

Watch the cliff edge: Stay at least 5 meters back from the edge at all times. The cliffs are actively eroding, and overhang collapses happen without warning.

Consider hiring a guide: Local walking companies offer guided hikes with historical and geological insights, taking the navigation stress away.

Book your train tickets in advance: Save 50% or more by booking trains weeks ahead rather than buying on the day.

Book all of your England hotels, rental cars, and more on Expedia

Ready to explore one of England's most stunning coastal walks? The Seven Sisters Cliffs offer an unforgettable hiking experience combining natural beauty, excellent trails, and iconic white chalk scenery. Start planning your adventure today!

Photography Guide: Best Seven Sisters Instagram Spots

Top 5 Photography Locations

1. Seaford Head Viewpoint

• What makes it special: The iconic view showing all seven undulating cliffs stretching east

• Best time: Sunrise (6-7 AM in summer, 7-8 AM in winter)

• GPS: 50.7614° N, 0.1397° E

• Parking: Seaford Head car park (5-minute walk)

• Camera settings: f/8-f/11, ISO 100-400, wide-angle lens

• Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise for the best light

2. Cuckmere Haven Beach

• What makes it special: The meandering river creates leading lines to the cliffs

• Best time: Low tide (check tide times), sunset

• Access: Easy 20-minute walk from Country Park

• Unique feature: River reflections at sunset

• Drone photography: Permitted but follow CAA regulations

3. Birling Gap Beach

• What makes it special: Beach-level perspective showing cliff scale and erosion

• Best time: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset)

• Features: Vintage stairs, people for scale, dramatic cliff face

• Tide consideration: Check tide times - beach access limited at high tide

• Technique: Shoot HDR to capture cliff brightness and shadow detail

4. Beachy Head Lighthouse View

• What makes it special: The red-and-white striped lighthouse against white cliffs

• Best time: Morning light (8-10 AM)

• Vantage point: Multiple clifftop locations

• Focal length: 70-200mm lens ideal for telephoto compression

• Weather: Dramatic in stormy conditions

5. Haven Brow Summit

• What makes it special: 360-degree panoramic views

• Best time: Clear days for maximum visibility

• Can see: Cuckmere Valley, Seaford, all seven sisters

• Stitched panorama: Perfect for multi-shot panoramas

Camera Settings for Seven Sisters

Landscape Photography:

• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness

• ISO: 100-400 (lowest possible for best quality)

• Shutter speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld

• White balance: Daylight or Cloudy preset

Long Exposure Seascapes:

• Use 6-10 stop ND filter

• Tripod essential

• Aperture: f/11-f/16

• Shutter: 30 seconds to several minutes

• Shoot in RAW format

Smartphone Photography Tips

Modern smartphones can capture stunning shots with these tips:

• Use HDR mode for high-contrast scenes

• Portrait mode works great for foreground subjects against cliffs

• Shoot in RAW format if your phone supports it

• Use third-party apps like Halide or ProCamera for manual control

• Clean your lens constantly (sea spray!)

Things to Do Near Seven Sisters Cliffs

Beachy Head

England's highest chalk sea cliff at 162 meters towers above its famous red-and-white striped lighthouse. The walk from Seven Sisters to Beachy Head is spectacular, or drive directly to the viewpoint parking.

Highlights:

• Belle Tout Lighthouse: Former lighthouse converted to B&B

• Beachy Head Countryside Centre: Free exhibitions

• Beachy Head Pub: Clifftop dining

Eastbourne

This classic Victorian seaside resort offers a perfect post-hike recovery.

Must-see attractions:

• Eastbourne Pier: 1870s pleasure pier with arcade

• Towner Art Gallery: Contemporary art, free admission

• Redoubt Fortress: Napoleonic-era coastal defense

• Carpet Gardens: Ornate floral displays

Alfriston

This picturesque village sits 5 miles inland and feels frozen in medieval times.

Don't miss:

• Clergy House: First property acquired by the National Trust (1896)

• St. Andrew's Church: 14th-century "Cathedral of the Downs"

• Thatched cottages along the High Street

• Drusillas Park: Family zoo nearby

Charleston Farmhouse

The former country home of Bloomsbury Group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant is 4 miles from the cliffs.

What to see:

• Artist-decorated interiors

• Walled garden

• Gallery exhibitions

• Cafe

Admission: £15 adults (book ahead)

UK attraction tickets: Book on GetYourGuide

Lewes

Historic county town 12 miles north offers medieval castle ruins, independent shops, and Harvey's Brewery tours.

Brighton

Just 30 minutes west, this vibrant city offers complete contrast with its bohemian culture, Royal Pavilion, beach bars, and nightlife.

Book Brighton Hotels on Expedia for the best deals