Along the coast of England
The Seven Sisters Cliffs is a well-known image from the coast of England, and has a view you can easily enjoy by taking a day trip out of the capital on your next visit. Whether you are in the mood to stroll a bit or go for a longer walk, this is an experience that is worthy of a postcard and should definitely be added to the dream list!
About the Seven Sisters Cliffs
Seven Sisters Cliffs is located in East Sussex along the south coast of England, between Seaford and Eastbourne. They are part of South Downs National Park and contain 280 acres of beautiful white limestone cliffs. Rumor has it that the cliffs, from west to east, are named: Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Brow, Bailey's Hill and Went Hill. The area consists of grassland and salt marshes, which provide a variety of habitats for wildlife, especially birds.
Different routes you can choose
To complete the entire trip you can start either in Eastbourne or Seaford and then go east or west. However, it is worth mentioning that the view is more spectacular if you go east. The whole trip takes approx. 6-7 hours, depending on how fast you walk. It is slightly technical, but moderate due to the distance and the undulating climbs over the cliffs.
If you prefer to tackle a smaller part and have a more relaxed visit, then I recommend that you find your way to Cuckmere Haven, and walk along the Cuckmere river down to the famous Coastguard Cottages. This segment of the trail is my absolute favorite, as it offers the most impressive view of the sparkling cliffs. Then you can walk down to the beach where the Cuckmere River joins the ocean and divides the beach into two sections. During low tide you can cross the river to the other side, but during high tide you have to go inland again, back to the Cuckmere Inn, where there is a bridge crossing to the other side.
If you are adventurous, you can travel further along the cliffs to Beachy Head. It takes between 2 to 3 hours. From here you can hop on the bus back to Eastbourne, or if you have it in you, walk the last stretch as well. There are so many options to choose from, it all depends on your mood, the weather and if your ready for an adventure.
What to keep an eye out for
Along the route you can enjoy so much more than just the beautiful view of the sea! The tour offers large grasslands as far as the eye can see, an iconic lighthouse and views of the two towns of Seaford and Eastbourne. Take note of the famous Coastguard Cottages at Cuckmere Haven, which you will surely recognise, as the view from there is one of the most photographed views in the UK. This tranquil bay is highly loved by hikers, nature lovers and tourists from all over the world. On the beach below the houses you can also take a dip in the sea, if the weather will permit it. You will also find a rich wildlife, especially in the form of birds, but also both cows and sheeps, in the park.
Practical tips for the trip
Good shoes are always a good idea when you go out for a walk, but sneakers work just fine on this trip as well. Depending on how far you are going, we recommend bringing water and some snacks so you can refill your energy when you need it. But if you feel like enjoying yourself a little extra with a cold pint, you can stop by The Cuckmere Inn or the Beachy Head Pub, depending on the route you choose.
The wind blows a lot on the coast, so try to choose a day with relatively good weather forecasts. And by all means remember the camera; for there is little that can beat the view. Truth be told; it's a bit like stepping into a beautiful postcard. But do not forget that large parts of the trail run parallel to the cliff edge, so try to keep a distance from the edge, as it can be slippery.
How to get here
The train from London to Eastbourne takes approx. 1.5 hours and then it depends on which route you want to go. Just outside the train station are buses 12, 12A and 12X which take you all the way to Seaford. If you want a slightly easier route, I recommend that you hop off the bus on the way out to Seaford, at the Seven Sisters Park Center or stop after; Cuckmere Haven. It's a 15 minute bus ride, with an unbeatable view. If you have a rental car, the trip from London to Eastbourne takes just over 2 hours and you can park both at Seven Sisters Park Center or along Beachy Head Road.
No matter how comprehensive the program you might choose is, I promise an unbeatable day that goes straight into the memory book of wonderful experiences in life.
Lots of love from Henriette Sophia
