Seven Sisters Country Park and Beachy Head

4 years ago

0 ratings

Eat & Drink-Cafe Eat & Drink-IceCream Parlour Eat & Drink-Pub Exhibition-Exhibition Nature-Beach Nature-Cliffs Nature-Ocean Nature-River Nature-View point

Seven Sisters Country Park and Beachy Head

When people think of chalk cliffs in the UK, they mostly conjure up ideas of the white cliffs of Dover. What people don't realise is that Beachy Head in West Sussex is actually the highest chalk headland in Britain. This coastal section between Seven Sisters Country Park and Eastbourne also marks the end of the South Downs National Park where the nature reserve meets the sea, making it a perfect final stop to your 3-day itinerary. It's possible to park at the Seven Sisters Car Park and follow the walking paths beside the Cuckmere River to the Cuckmere Haven beach. From here you'll have fabulous views along the shingle beach and up towards the white cliffs. Alternatively, you can park at the South Hill Barn Car Park, which is closer to the beach, to spend some time exploring the Seaford Head Nature Reserve. If you follow the walking paths east you'll cross through Birling Gap and up towards Beachy Head for some of the finest coastal views in the area looking out over the English Channel. Keep an eye out for the small red and white lighthouse at the base of the cliff which has been warding off sea-faring vessels for over 100 years. There's a small museum called the Beachy Head Story which has an exhibition and places for car parking. If you're lucky you'll be able to see out to France on a clear day. From this point, you can walk down into Eastbourne or back to Seven Sisters to collect your car. TOP TIP The route from Seven Sisters to Eastbourne is 7.5 miles one-way. So it may be worth taking a taxi or a local bus to get back to your car. That way you can enjoy walking along all the best bits of this coastline without having to drive between each spot. FOOD & DRINKS - Right on the seafront is the National Trust Birling Gap Cafe which offers a selection of hot drinks and cakes with an incredible view to boot. - In Seaford, at the Frankies Beach Cafe, you can sit on the loungers on the beach and enjoy your refreshments with the waves lapping nearly at your feet. - Nestled atop the headland is The Beachy Head, a country-style pub serving food and a selection of ales with a fantastic view from the windows and the surrounding gardens. Photo credits: Xavier Coiffic on Unsplash; Hilda Rytteke on Unsplash