Walking Seven Sisters Cliffs – Seaford Head to Eastbourne

Walking the Seven Sisters is a beautiful adventure that takes you along the stunning coastline of East Sussex, England. Named after the magnificent seven chalk cliffs that grace this picturesque stretch, this iconic trail offers visitors an unforgettable day full of breathtaking views, dramatic landscapes, and rich natural diversity. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply seeking time in the outdoors, it promises to be an experience you won’t forget. So lace up your hiking boots, grab some snacks and plan the perfect day walking the Seven Sisters, a trail stretching from Seaford to Eastbourne.

What are Seven Sisters Cliffs, and why are they called that? 

If you’re not familiar with the Seven Sisters cliffs, let me explain what they are and why walking this trail is an absolute must. The Seven Sisters are a series of eroding white chalk sea cliffs that face the English Channel on the Sussex heritage coast, nestled within the South Downs National Park. Seven peaks, or rolling hills, make up the cliffs, hence the name The Seven Sisters (an eighth cliff has now formed but the name remains). One of the best ways to experience the dramatic white cliffs and turquoise blue sea is to stand on top of them. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), these cliffs are also safeguarded by dedicated conservation groups, ensuring the protection of their unique wildlife, geological formations, and marine ecosystems. It’ll be easy to see why they’ve earned their status as a cherished UK landmark. 

How long is the Seven Sisters walk? Where does it start? 

The Seven Sisters walking trail stretches 14 miles (22.5 km) from Seaford Head to Beachy Head in Eastbourne, or vice versa. The route is deemed moderately difficult due to the length and some steep hill elevations. However, visitors don’t need to walk the entire trail to experience the beauty of the area. There are various entry and exit points where walkers can join or leave the route throughout the trail. There are also some popular viewpoint areas. I’ll highlight these throughout this guide and a map. 

Walking Seven Sisters – Where to Park?

There are several options to park your car and enjoy the Seven Sisters walking path. However, I’m focusing on these main areas, they are some of the most convenient and popular for good reason. 

Coastguard Cottages Parking, Seaford Head

South Hill Barn, Chyngton Ln N, Seaford BN25 4JQ. This is one of the most famous spots to view the Seven Sisters, so it’s worth a stop here. It’s free to park, and you can begin your walk from this point towards Cuckmere Haven. There is also a mobile unit, Brewster’s Coffee Co., serving barista coffee, cakes, and snacks. You can also find some toilets here. This iconic view features on postcards and is one many visitors wish to see for themselves.    

Parking at Birling Gap, East Dean

National Trust – Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 0AB. Birling Gap is a busy area on the Seven Sisters walking trail. This National Trust location has a café, shop, car park and stunning beach views. There is pay & display parking at Birling Gap, and the fees are £1.50 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 2 hours, £6 for more than 2 hours, accepted coins and mobile pay. 

Parking at Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 7YA Parking is available in several laybys for free, and there is a large public car park with pay & display options. If you’re heading into The Beachy Head pub, it also has a large car park for use. This area is popular, so always check if there is a parking fee. 

How to get to Seaford Head from Eastbourne by Bus

Buses between Eastbourne and Brighton regularly call at East Dean if you’d like to start walking from Birling Gap (1.5 miles). It also stops in Seaford Library for the Seaford Head Nature Reserve, but a taxi is recommended to take you to the starting point, but a taxi is recommended to take you to the starting point (3 3 miles). The most frequent buses are the Coaster 12, 12A and 12X. You can visit the Brighton and Hove buses website for the most up to date timings.  

How to get to Seven Sisters Cliffs from London

To get to Seven Sisters, you can take a train from London Victoria Station to Seaford Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Seaford Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the Seaford Head Nature Reserve, which is the starting point of the Seven Sisters Country Park Trail. You can also take the train from London to Eastbourne and walk the trail in reverse.

Alternatively, you can book a tour directly from London, and have everything taken care of.

Discover more easy day trip ideas from London in this handy guide!

Where to Stay when Walking Seven Sisters

Eastbourne and East Dean have several great places to stay while in the area. Some of my favourites include The Tiger Inn, East Dean for a unique stay in an English pub. Or one of the seafront hotels in Eastbourne overlooking the promenade and beach, such as The Chatsworth Hotel for a luxury stay or The Lansdowne.

Walking the Seven Sisters – Route Options

When walking the Seven Sisters, there are several trails that you can take. The most popular is the coastal path that runs directly on top of the chalk cliffs. It starts at the Seaford Head Nature Reserve and ends at Beachy Head, or vice versa. The trail offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and the surrounding landscape. I’m breaking the route down into sections below so you can walk the entire length or choose a section.

Seaford Head Reserve to Cuckmere Haven

This route begins at the South Hill Barn car park as opposed to Seaford Esplanade. Once there, take the path down towards the Coastguard Cottages at Cuckmere Haven. It’s around a 20-minute walk, and you’ll see the magnificent chalk cliffs come into view. After soaking in the iconic postcard spot, continue towards the beach and the Cuckmere River. To get to the cliffs on the other side, you need to cross the river. Walk up the river, away from the cliffs, until you get to the Cuckmere Inn. There you you will cross a bridge and head back along the opposite side until you reach the cliffs. If the tide is low, it’s possible to wade through instead of having to walk around.

Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap

It’s onto the first climb of the Seven Sisters cliffs from here, Haven Brow. The path continues to dip and rise as you walk Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Brow, Baileys Hill and Went Hill before reaching Birling Gap. There is a cafe, toilets, shop and visitor centre, so it’s a great place to stop and enjoy the beach and view of the Seven Sisters before continuing.

Birling Gap to Beachy Head Lighthouse

From Birling Gap, you’ll start to make the climb up towards Belle Tout Lighthouse. The path is much the same with grassy parts and some sandy trails. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll see the hill roll back down again, and the red and white Beachy Head Lighthouse in the distance. Continue towards Beachy Head and take some photographs of this famous spot. If you continue from here towards Eastbourne, you’ll see some war memorials along the path. There is also The Beachy Head Inn, where you can grab a bite to eat, or a drink. If you’d like to end the walk, buses run from East Dean back to Seaford. 

Beachy Head to Eastbourne 

From the Beachy Head Lighthouse continue along the coastal path until you get into Eastbourne. This route forms part of the South Downs Way, and there are a couple of paths to choose from. Each one ends in Eastbourne. We enjoy sticking to the cliffs and soaking in the views across the English Channel.

Tips for Walking the Seven Sisters

Before setting off, there are a few essential safety tips to keep in mind while exploring the Seven Sisters trail on foot. Always check the weather forecast before heading out. The cliff path is known for its strong winds and gusts, so it’s worth checking beforehand. The best time to walk the Seven Sisters weather-wise is between May and September, but it’s open year-round. The walking path is also very close to the cliff edge. Always keep behind the ropes, and don’t stray towards the edge. These unstable chalk cliffs are constantly eroding.

Ensure you wear suitable clothing for hiking that is comfortable and practical for the changeable weather conditions. Dressing in layers is a good way to regulate body temperature while protecting yourself from sunburn or wind chill. In terms of footwear, you don’t need full on hiking boots, but something sturdy with support is enough. I’ve completed the walk in a sturdy pair of trainers (sneakers), and my feet felt good.

Planning and knowing your walking route is also recommended. Particularly any areas where you can exit the path and return to your starting point, as the route isn’t a loop trail.

Walking the Seven Sisters Map

This map highlights places of interest, where to eat and where to park along the Seven Sisters coastal walking path.

Local Restaurants & Pubs – Walking the Seven Sisters

Although the area is remote, there are quite a few places to grab a bite to eat, pick up a coffee or enjoy a drink while walking Seven Sisters. I’ve also highlighted their locations on the handy map.  

The Cuckmere Inn, Seaford

This country pub has beautiful views over the Cuckmere River and serves classic British favourite dishes. Enjoy the views from their garden deck or cosy up inside. It also has a dog-friendly bar area, so your furry friend can enjoy it too. 

The Plough & Harrow, Litlington 

This pub is slightly off the Seven Sisters walking trail, but it’s a great stop if you’re following the Friston Forest route. We enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast in this cosy pub, washed down with some local beers and wine. 

The Tiger Inn, East Dean

A short walk from the cliffs at Beachy Head is The Tiger Inn. This quintessential English pub has been serving locals since the 15th century. Enjoy the cosy fire, low ceiling and oak beams inside, or enjoy views across the green from their outdoor patio. I recommend trying one of their burgers and sticky toffee pudding! 

Birling Gap Cafe

This popular cafe at Birling Gap, run by the National Trust, is a busy stop along the Seven Sisters walking trail. Stop by for a warm drink, light bite or piece of cake, and enjoy the views overlooking the beach.

The Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Conveniently located along the Seven Sisters walking trail is The Beachy Head pub. With views over the South Downs towards the Belle Tout Lighthouse, you can stop and enjoy classic pub food in a beautiful setting.

Bistrot Pierre, Eastbourne

This French seafront restaurant has a prime spot overlooking the English Channel and Seven Sisters. With its extensive menu, visitors can enjoy a drink or a dining experience. It’s the perfect stop after a long walk. 

Thanks for reading! Walking the Seven Sisters is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose a challenging multi-day hike or opt for shorter sections, exploring the Seven Sisters is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. So get ready to breathe in the salty sea air and plan an unforgettable adventure along one of Britain’s most picturesque coastlines.

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