Birling Gap
A gap in the cliffs at the eastern end of the Seven Sisters, with steps down to the beach below and views of the chalk cliffs and the Belle Tout lighthouse.
Birling Gap is a low gap at the eastern end of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, managed by the National Trust. It has a café, a visitor centre and a car park. Metal steps lead down to a pebble beach, where you can look up at the chalk cliffs from below. At low tide you can find small sea creatures in the rock pools. Walking about 1.5 km east brings you to the clifftop Belle Tout lighthouse and, beyond it, Beachy Head. Coastal erosion is significant, and houses on the cliff edge have been demolished one after another. Watch out for falling rocks and tides below the cliffs. Parking is charged, and in summer the 13X sightseeing bus runs from Eastbourne.
Opening hours
All day (café approx. 10:00–16:00)
Nearby sights
- Beachy Head
- Seven Sisters Cliffs & Cuckmere Haven
- Long Man of Wilmington
- Alfriston
- Charleston
- Lewes Castle
- Undercliff Walk & Rottingdean
- Brighton Marina