Seven Sisters Cliffs, Walk and Country Park

Seven Sisters Country Park is a beautiful East Sussex beauty spot and UK landmark. The iconic coastguard cottages, Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs walk to Birling Gap make for an epic day out. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your Seven Sisters day out.

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Seven Sisters Country Park

The towering Seven Sisters cliffs, near Brighton, in East Sussex are part of England’s South Downs National Park. The cliffs stretch along the Sussex Heritage coast from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap in the East Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Seven Sisters cliff walk is one that every hiker should do at least once.

The South Downs roll along one side of the Seven Sisters cliffs and the English Channel reaches into the horizon on the other. If you love stunning coastal views, meandering rivers and dramatic chalk cliffs then you should spend a day at Seven Sisters Country Park, in East Sussex.

 Seven Sisters Country Park or Seaford to Eastbourne hike?

The Seven Sisters cliff walk from Seaford to Eastbourne takes around 7-8 hours. Fitness levels will need to be good to complete the 21.9 km (13.6 miles) Sussex Heritage Coast hike.

If you’re not a serious hiker and want to spend a day out walking the cliffs, see the best views of the coastguard cottages and spend time at Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven then pay a visit to Seven Sisters Country Park.

The country park is set in a rural East Sussex valley with trails leading down to the beach and along the cliffs. In this article you’ll find all the information you need on how to get there and where to find the best walks and view points with tips on how to get the most out of a day at Seven Sisters Country Park.

However, if you want to see all the best bits without doing any leg-work at all there’s an easier option… Spend an active day out at Seven Sisters Country Park.

How to get to Seven Sisters Country Park

Seven Sisters Country Park is in the village of Exceat near Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AD. Below are directions on how to get to Seven Sisters from London, Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne.

Parking at Seven Sisters Country Park

If you’re driving, park up in the Seven Sisters Car Park just past the bridge in Exceat. You’ll find it south of the A259 next to the Exceat building complex.

If that’s full there’s a second car park. Turn left onto the A259 and take the first right, just before the bridge. There’s a bus stop on the right and just past that you’ll see a sign for Friston car park.

Parking can be paid for online at Ringo or at the machines on site. The machines take cards and coins but not notes.

Parking for cars cost £3.00 for up to 2 hours or £4.00 for the day. The car park opens at 07:00 hrs all year round. Closure times vary with the seasons and are displayed on site. The car parked is locked overnight.

How to get the bus to Seven Sisters from Brighton and Seaford

The 12, 12a or the 12x buses run from Brighton or Seaford to the Seven Sisters. The 12x is faster than the 12/12a buses which take around an hour.

Use the Brighton and Hove Buses website or app to plan your journey. If you download the app, click the hamburger menu > Browse Tickets > Network > Network Saver > 24 Hours.

View the timetable for the Coaster 12, 12A and 12X services.

Tickets cost £5 GBP return for 1 Adult or £8.40 GBP for 2 Adults (“Duo 24 Hour”). The Duo ticket allows up to two people to travel together, on one mobile device, for one day. Tickets can be purchased to use within the networkSAVER area for £8.40.

Two bus stops are located near to the Seven Sisters car park at Exceat. One just before the car park and one just after, next to the South Downs Way footpath. There are also bus stops at Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

Eastbourne and Seaford buses have open-topped, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses to Seven Sisters Country Park, Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

How to get to Seven Sisters Cliffs from London

The train runs from London Victoria to Seaford with a change at Lewes. This will take approximately one hour 40 minutes. If you get the train that changes at Brighton this will add an extra 17 minutes to your journey so check when you buy your ticket.

Check the Trainline for timings and prices.

A group tour is another option if you’d prefer not to drive or take public transport. Find out how to take a tour to the Seven Sisters Cliffs from Brighton or London

Where to stay near Seven Sisters Country Park

If you want to stay close to Seven Sisters Visitor Centre then there’s a range of accommodation nearby from sixteenth century Saltmarsh farmhouse hotel to B&Bs and rooms. If you’d prefer a more lively location then opt for accommodation in Seaford which is en-route to the coastguard cottages.

Eastbourne is a good 2-hour walk along the cliffs but if you’re heading that way anyway it’s a good choice with plenty of restaurants and a varied range of accommodation options. There’s lots to see and do in Eastbourne if you fancy making a short break of it.

Seven Sisters Visitor Centre

Start your day at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre across the road from the car park. Learn about the geology and history of the area and the local wildlife.

A map and a list of birds you can look out for on your hike is available from the visitor centre. From here walk down to the coastguard cottages at Seaford Head.

Additional Information

Visitor Centre opening hours: April–September, every day 10am– 4.30pm subject to volunteer availability. Public toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet, are on site.

The Coastguard Cottages at Seaford Head

The walk to the coastguard cottages takes around 25-30 minutes although you’ll probably want to linger. Look out for the wind scuplted trees en-route.

As you walk over the brow of the hill you’ll be rewarded with the iconic view of the Seven Sisters looming up behind the coastguard cottages. On a calm, sunny day the sparkling sea will mesmerise. This view is one of England’s most spectacular.

Seven Sisters Filming Locations

The Seven Sisters cliffs are often used as stand-ins for the not so white Cliffs of Dover some 80 miles to the East.

Because of the lack of development in this part of the Sussex coast, the Seven Sisters cliffs have preserved their whiter than white good looks. Regular landslips also expose the pristine white chalk.

You’ve probably seen these views before because the area is often used for filming locations. The coastguard cottages are featured in the film ‘Atonement’. It’s where Robbie and Cecilia dreamed of living after the war.

The area is also shown at the beginning of the film ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’. Remember the bit in ‘The Goblet of Fire’ where Harry Potter walks up the hill to find the boots that transport him to the Quidditch World Cup? It was shot at the Seven Sisters cliffs. 

Cuckmere Haven

From the cottages walk down to the beach at Cuckmere Haven where the river Cuckmere meets the English Channel. The beach stretches out under the Seven Sisters and at low tide you can walk across the river to the base of the cliffs. However, be careful, It’s a lot deeper than it looks, there’s quite a current and the stones are slippery so only attempt this when the tide is very tide.

Rumour has it smugglers used to land their booty here before hauling it up river to the small village of Alfriston.

You’ll get some stunning views of the Seven Sisters cliffs from the beach. It’s a shingle beach and is hard on the feet if you’re thinking of having a paddle – and the English Channel is pretty chilly. At low tide look for crabs and sea anemones in the exposed rockpools.

South Downs National Park is the newest of the UKs 15 parks and was founded in 2011. Read my guide to the UKs National Parks.

Wildlife on the Cuckmere River

From Seven Sisters beach walk back up the valley alongside the river towards the car park. If you’ve crossed the river you’ll make your way back on the other side. If not then you’ll retrace your steps.

Behind the beach is an area of saline lagoons which were created to provide a habitat for wading birds. Depending on the time of year you might see a number of species as you walk.

Oystercatchers, gulls and kingfishers might be seen in early Spring followed by sightsing of swallows, martins and swifts in late spring.

In migrating season the wetlands are home to waders, redshanks, ringed plovers and dunlin. Summer might reward with sightings of heron, little egret, shelduck, mallard and Canada geese. Keep an eye out for sparrowhawks and hovering kestrels.

You’ll pass the Cuckmere Inn just by the bridge which is good news if you’re if you’re ready for a drink and a bite to eat.

Otherwise head back towards the car park where you started and head over the road to the Saltmarsh Cafe. It’s a lovely little cafe with a cosy courtyard. Treat yourself to tea or freshly ground hand-roasted coffee and cake. Guest rooms are also available if you’d like to stay a while.

Friston Forest Walk

From the cafe you could take a walk through Friston Forest before following the path to the South Downs Way and the start of the Seven Sisters Cliffs walk.

Additional Information

Duration: – From Seven Sisters Country Park to the coastguard cottages and back along the river to the visitor centre takes around 75 minutes. Add in extra time for photo stops.

Public toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet, are on site at Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre. Remember to check the opening times.

Kayaking on the Cuckmere River

Kayaking or paddle-boarding is a fabulous way to spend an hour on the Cuckmere and will give you a chance to see some of the birdlife up close. Buzz Active offer kayaking or SUP for individuals, groups, families and children from 6 years. Buzz Active are situated at the car park by the bridge at Seven Sisters Country Park.

The Cuckmere River

The next part of our day takes us on the Seven Sisters cliff walk. From Seven Sisters visitor centre follow the ‘South Downs Way’ signs towards the sea.

Before the trail reaches the sea it turns a sharp left and climbs the hill. You’ll likely meet a few sheep en route. Climb upwards and head towards the Seven Sisters cliffs. As you begin to climb the hill take in the wonderful views of the meandering Cuckmere River.

The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk

Haven Brow, the first of the Seven Sisters, meets you at the top of the hill. From here walk east towards Birling Gap.

If you’re not used to hill walking you’ll find this the most strenuous part of your day with ascents of 40-50 metres. Frequent stops will allow you to catch your breath along with some insanely spectacular views.

The cliffs have no set path along the route so just keep walking making sure to keep back from the edge. As you reach the peak of each brow you’ll meet with an ever-changing view of the stunning landscape. Keep walking until you reach Birling Gap.

Birling Gap

Birling Gap is literally that. A gap in the cliffs. It also marks the end of the Seven Sisters cliff walk.

Birling Gap is run by the National Trust and the clifftop makes a lovely spot for a picnic. The visitor centre has a small exhibition about the geology and history of the area. There’s an outdoor dining area, a cafe, gift shop and public toilets.

There’s a limited amount of parking nearby which means Birling Gap is one of the busier spots on the Sussex Heritage Coast. The bus also stops here.

Birling Gap Beach

The beach is accessed down a flight of metal steps and there’s also a viewing platform. Head down to the water’s edge for a close up view of the cliffs from ground level. You’ll appreciate their true scale from the beach below. There are rockpools and more fabulous views of the Sussex Heritage Coastline.

You may want to check Birling Gap tide times when planning your visit.

The Tiger Inn, East Dean

The Tiger Inn at the sleepy village of East Dean is perfect if you fancy a pub lunch. It’s a 20-minute walk inland from Birling Gap but worth the extra steps.

The sixteenth century pub, which sits by a large green, is a cosy place in winter with low beams and a toasty fire. In summer the tables outside make for lovely al fresco dining.

A nearby house sports a blue plaque – it’s where Sherlock Holmes allegedly spent his retirement.

From Birling Gap you could continue walking east to Beachy Head passing Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses. If you’re going to do that I recommend taking a full day’s hike from Seaford to the lovely seaside town of Eastbourne where the Sussex Heritage Coast finishes.

Today, however, we’ll retrace our steps along the cliffs to the Seven Sisters Country Park. The views are slightly different on the return journey but they’re no less spectacular.

If you’re done walking you could take the bus back to your start position. The number 12 stops at East Dean village on the A259.

Additional Information

Duration: The Seven Sisters cliff walk from Seven Sisters Country Park car park to Birling Gap is approximately 4-miles and takes around 1.5 hours each way. The round-trip including the Friston Forest walk is approximately 8-miles (13 km).

There are public toilets available at Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre.

To walk to the Tiger Inn takes an additional 20-minutes. I’d advise booking during good weather as it gets busy. The Hiker’s Rest cafe on the village green sells lunches, sandwiches and drinks. Horsefields car park nearby is free. (Apr 2023).

Cliff falls at Seven Sisters Cliffs

Are Seven Sisters Cliffs safe? Safety on the cliffs is important. The coastline is constantly changing due to erosion and the cliffs are retreating by between 0.5 and one metre each year. Coastal erosion sees cliff falls on a regular basis and without warning.

The cliffs are unstable and undercut in places and it’s recommended to keep a distance of 5-metres between you and the cliff edge. Don’t be that person standing on the edge taking a selfie.

• Stick to the path
• Avoide the edge
• Admire from a safe distance

What are the names of the Seven Sisters cliffs?

During your walk you may notice that there are actually eight sisters. The eighth bonus cliff was formed due to erosion by the sea.The cliffs run from west to east and are named in the following order. Brow means hill and the troughs between them are valleys.

1. Haven Brow
2. Short Brow
3. Rough Brow
4. Brass Point
5. Flagstaff Brow
6. Flat Hill
7. Baily’s Hill
8. Went Hill Brow

The best time to visit Seven Sisters Country Park

The Seven Sisters views are beautiful any time of year as long as you pick a clear day. These pictures were taken in July and in November so as long as it’s sunny it doesn’t matter when you go. Avoid windy days.

Tips for hiking the Seven Sisters Cliffs

Wear appropriate gear for the weather conditions. If it’s hot you’ll want to wear layers, take sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle. You might want to take some snacks or a picnic.

Don’t forget to wear good Hiking Boots/Shoesfor your visit to Seven Sisters Country Park.

In winter take a waterproof jacket, hat and spare socks. Quick-dry convertible hiking trousers work well.

Here are some good suggestions for reasonably priced, good quality day backpacks for walking and hiking. My Osprey daypack is my all-time favourite for walks and hikes.

Seven Sisters Map

For more information see the Seven Sisters website and download the PDF leaflet and map of Seven Sisters Country Park with details of three walking routes.

If you love UK National Parks you might want to check out these adventure activities in the Lake District.

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