Britain Day Trips 
Birling Gap is a dip in the Seven Sisters cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne, run by the National Trust. It is the only easy place along this stretch where you can walk down to the beach and stand right under the white chalk.
What’s there
- Café, shop and toilets, run by the National Trust (typically café and shop 10:00–17:00; hours vary by season).
- Beach steps: 50 steps in four flights, with landings to rest on.
- Clifftop paths heading west along the Seven Sisters and east towards Belle Tout and Beachy Head.
Parking
At the time of writing (September 2026) the National Trust car park costs £2 for up to an hour, £4 for two hours and £8 for longer. National Trust members, motorcycles and Blue Badge holders park free. There is no overnight parking. It fills quickly on sunny weekends, so arrive early.
Getting there without a car
The seasonal coastal bus between Brighton and Eastbourne stops at Birling Gap, usually on summer Sundays and bank holidays. On other days, the regular coastal bus stops at East Dean, about a 25–30 minute walk away. Check current timetables with Brighton & Hove Buses before you travel. A coach day tour stops here directly.
Walks from Birling Gap
West along the Seven Sisters
Follow the clifftop west over the rolling “sisters” towards Cuckmere Haven. The grass is open and the views are huge, but the path goes up and down steeply over each peak.
East to Belle Tout and Beachy Head
Head east uphill to the old Belle Tout lighthouse, then on to Beachy Head, where you can look down on the red-and-white lighthouse in the sea. Allow about an hour each way at an easy pace.
Safety
- The cliffs are made of soft chalk and can collapse without warning. Stay at least 5 metres from the edge and from the base of the cliffs.
- Check tide times before going onto the beach, and keep the steps in sight so you can’t get cut off.
- Keep children and dogs close on the clifftop.
Photo tips
From the beach, walk a short way west for a view of the cliff face rising above the pebbles. From the clifftop just east of the car park, you get a classic line of cliffs stretching into the distance.
Related: Beachy Head guide · Seven Sisters destination guide
Frequently asked questions
Can you get down to the beach at Birling Gap?
Yes. A staircase of 50 steps in four flights leads down to the pebble beach.
Is there a café at Birling Gap?
Yes, the National Trust runs a café, shop and toilets. Opening hours change with the seasons, so check before you go.
How much is parking at Birling Gap?
At the time of writing: £2 for up to 1 hour, £4 for 2 hours and £8 for longer. National Trust members park free.
