Seven Sisters and the South Downs

What it is and why it matters

The cliffs are the cut-off ends of dry chalk valleys, eroded by the sea and left to erode naturally. Each crest has a name, running from Haven Brow in the west to Went Hill Brow by Birling Gap. The country park covers part of the cliffs and the land inland to the A259. The visitor centre stands where the village of Exceat was abandoned after the bubonic plague; only one stone from its church survives.

Visiting practicalities

Regular buses from Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne stop outside the visitor centre, which is why this is the easiest car-free trip to the cliffs from Brighton. There are two pay-and-display car parks, locked overnight. The Easy Access Trail runs about 2 km each way along the valley floor to the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven. Toilets, a shop and a café are by the visitor centre; there are none at the beach or on the cliffs. Rangers warn that chalk falls are unpredictable: stay at least 5 metres from the cliff edge and base, and check tide times. Never try to cross the river mouth, which can be 6 to 7 m deep with strong currents at high tide.

Nearby and combine with

The South Downs Way follows the cliff edge east over each summit to Birling Gap and on towards Beachy Head and Eastbourne. To the west, Seaford Head gives the classic view back across Cuckmere Haven to the cliffs.

Highlights

• Chalk cliffs from Haven Brow to Went Hill Brow
• Easy Access Trail, about 2 km each way, to Cuckmere Haven beach
• South Downs Way along the clifftops
• Bus stop outside the visitor centre

Good to know

• Stay at least 5 m from the cliff edge and the cliff base.
• Do not attempt to cross the Cuckmere river mouth; check tide times.
• No toilets at the beach or along the cliffs.
• Car parks are locked overnight and overnight parking is not allowed.

Frequently asked questions