Seven Sisters Cliffs day trip guide: hiking routes, viewpoints and tips

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The Seven Sisters are a series of wavy white chalk cliffs stretching along the English Channel between Eastbourne and Seaford in southern England, only a 1.5 hour train ride away from London. Unlike the nearby (and more famous) White Cliffs of Dover, the Seven Sisters remain unspoiled by urban development, making them a favorite destination for hikers and filmmakers. The Seven Sisters have appeared in several well-known films and TV series, including Atonement, Anatomy of a Scandal, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Wicked, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In the latter, the cliffs serve as the backdrop when the characters catch a Portkey to the Quidditch World Cup and arrive in a field overlooking the Seven Sisters.

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These dramatic cliffs, which reach heights of up to 162 meters, surpassing the 110-meter White Cliffs of Dover, are part of the South Downs National Park and offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the English Channel. The landscape is marked by a series of seven distinct peaks and valleys, giving the cliffs their iconic “Seven Sisters” name.

​With their natural beauty and cultural significance, the Seven Sisters remain one of England’s most iconic coastal landscapes.

 

Highlights include:

• Beachy Head: the highest sea cliff in England

• Beachy head lighthouse: classic red and white striped lighthouse

• Belle Tout Lighthouse: perched dramatically on the cliff edge

• Birling Gap: a beach access point with facilities

• Cuckmere Haven: where the river meets the sea

• Seaford Head: offering the famous postcard view with the Coastguard Cottages

 

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There are a few different ways to experience the Seven Sisters, depending on how much time and energy you have.

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Full Hike: Seaford to Eastbourne (or vice versa)

• Distance: ±21 km

• Duration: ±7 hours (including breaks)​

• Route: linear hike following the coast from Seaford to Eastbourne, or in reverse

This classic route covers all the major highlights, including Seaford Head, Cuckmere Haven, the Seven Sisters cliffs, Birling Gap, the Belle Tout Lighthouse, the Beachy Head Lighthouse, and Beachy Head itself, ending in Eastbourne.

 

Shorter option: Beachy Head to Seaford (the route we took)

• Distance: ±14 km

• Duration: ±5.5 hours (including breaks)

• Route: taxi from Eastbourne station to Beachy Head, then hike to Seaford

This is a great option if you want to skip the less scenic inland part of the trail but still experience all the major highlights along the cliffs. There are always taxis waiting outside Eastbourne Station. A one-way ride to Beachy Head costs around 12€ and takes only 15 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimal hiking: best viewpoints without walking too much

If you prefer to admire the spectacular views without committing to a full hike, there are several easily accessible spots:

• Seaford Head: Famous for its postcard views and coastguard cottages, accessible by car or a 15 min taxi ride from Seaford station (14€).

• Birling Gap: National Trust site with a beach, café, visitor centre, and toilets. Easy access via car or bus from either Seaford or Eastbourne.

• Beachy Head: England’s highest sea cliff, with the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, accessible by car, taxi, or bus from either Seaford or Eastbourne.​

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The only bus that stops directly at Birling Gap and Beachy Head is the scenic 13X, which runs daily from June to September and only on Sundays outside the summer. From Seaford Station, the closest bus stop for the 13X is Seaford Library, just a 10-minute walk. From Eastbourne Station, the nearest 13X stop is at Pier, around 15 minutes on foot. The bus ride from these stops to Birling Gap or Beachy Head takes about 20 to 35 minutes. If the 13X isn’t running, you can take bus 12 or 12A to East Dean and walk roughly 20 minutes to either destination. Always check the latest schedules on the Brighton & Hove Buses website or their app before traveling.

 

These locations let you experience the stunning views of the Seven Sisters landscape with minimal walking.

 

 

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Visiting the Seven Sisters is easy whether you’re using public transport or coming by car. Below you’ll find all the practical info based on your starting point (you can either walk from Seaford to Eastbourne of the other way around). Or start somewhere along the way if you don't want to do the full hike.

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By public transport

From London

To Eastbourne (start at Beachy Head or Birling Gap):

• Take a direct train from London Victoria to Eastbourne (around 1 hour 25 minutes).

• From Eastbourne Station, take a taxi to Beachy Head (approx. 12€, 10–15 minutes) or Birling Gap (approx. €18).

• In the summer you can also catch bus 13X from Eastbourne Station to Birling Gap (about 35 minutes).

To Seaford (start at Seaford Head or Cuckmere Haven):

• Take a train from London Victoria to Seaford with one transfer at Lewes (total journey around 1 hour 25–35 minutes).

• From Seaford Station, it’s a short walk to Seaford Head (15–20 minutes).

• If you prefer to start at Cuckmere Haven, you can take a taxi from Seaford Station (14€ and around 15 minutes).

 

From Brighton

To Eastbourne:

• Trains from Brighton to Eastbourne take around 45 minutes (direct).

• From Eastbourne, continue by taxi to Beachy Head or take bus 13X to Birling Gap.

To Seaford:

• Take the train from Brighton to Lewes, then transfer to Seaford (total travel time around 45 minutes).

• Walk to Seaford Head or take a bus or taxi to Cuckmere Haven, depending on your chosen route.

Extra tip:
If you're traveling in a group of 3–9 people, you can get 1/3 off Off-Peak train tickets using the GroupSave discount via Trainline.

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Important bus info:

 The only bus that stops directly at Birling Gap and Beachy Head is the scenic 13X, which runs daily from June to September and only on Sundays outside the summer. From Seaford Station, the closest bus stop for the 13X is Seaford Library, just a 10-minute walk. From Eastbourne Station, the nearest 13X stop is at Pier, around 15 minutes on foot. The bus ride from these stops to Birling Gap or Beachy Head takes about 20 to 35 minutes. If the 13X isn’t running, you can take bus 12 or 12A to East Dean and walk roughly 20 minutes to either destination. Always check the latest schedules on the Brighton & Hove Buses website or their app before traveling.

 

By car

Driving to the Seven Sisters offers the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore multiple viewpoints and keep hiking to a minimum.

Main parking areas:

• Beachy Head Car Park: ideal if you want to start at one of the highest points of the cliffs.

• Birling Gap National Trust Car Park: located right on the coast, with easy access to the beach, café, and visitor centre.

• Seaford Head Car Park: the best option for the classic view of the Seven Sisters with the coastguard cottages in the foreground.

• Cuckmere Haven Car Park: quick access to the cliffs, but you'll miss the coastguard cottages.

Good to know: parking is limited and fills up quickly on sunny weekends and holidays, so it’s best to arrive early.

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Hiking the Seven Sisters is one of the most scenic coastal walks in southern England, but a little preparation goes a long way.

The trail is well-marked and follows a mix of dirt paths, grassy slopes, and occasional stair sections. With frequent elevation changes and no shade, the route can be quite challenging, especially in sunny or windy conditions.

Facilities are limited. You’ll only find toilets, food, and drinks at Birling Gap and Belle Tout Lighthouse (food and drinks, no toilet), so be sure to bring enough water and snacks, particularly if you plan to walk the full route.

One key thing to check before you go is the tide at Cuckmere Haven. During high tide, the beach path is not accessible and you’ll need to take the inland detour. Always check the tide times in advance to avoid surprises. We didn't and ended up with wet socks and shoes...You can check the tide times for the area using the BBC Tide Tables for Newhaven, which is the closest tide station to Cuckmere Haven.

Good footwear is essential, and it’s wise to dress in layers with protection against both sun and wind. If you’re visiting on a weekend or sunny day, try to arrive early, parking fills up quickly and the trail can get crowded.

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The best time to hike the Seven Sisters is during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). The weather is generally mild, the skies are often clear, and the trails are less crowded, making it perfect for a scenic and peaceful experience.

Summer offers stunning views under bright blue skies, but it can get very busy, especially on weekends and school holidays. The sun can be strong, so it's best to start early in the day to avoid hiking in the midday heat.

Winter is the quietest time to visit, offering a more solitary experience. However, the weather is less reliable, expect wind, rain, and muddy or slippery paths. If you do plan a winter hike, make sure to check the forecast and wear proper gear.

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