The Seven Sisters are a run of brilliant-white chalk sea cliffs on the East Sussex coast within the South Downs National Park, forming an undulating line of peaks between the River Cuckmere (near Seaford) and Beachy Head (near Eastbourne), with Haven Brow the highest at about 77m. Often used as a stand-in for the White Cliffs of Dover, they have featured in films such as Atonement and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, making them one of the south coast's most iconic landscapes. As of 2026 the main access points are the Seven Sisters Country Park at Exceat and the National Trust's Birling Gap; entry is free and only parking is charged. It is best enjoyed as a half-day walk along waymarked trails taking in the cliff ridge and the meanders of the Cuckmere River.
The classic postcard view of the full run of cliffs seen from the Cuckmere Haven side
Haven Brow, the highest of the sisters at around 77m, above the sweeping meanders of the Cuckmere River
The Country Park visitor centre in an 18th-century barn, with displays on the area's nature and geology
The shingle beach at Birling Gap, reached by steps, and the towering chalk face seen from below
Golden-hour light on the white cliffs at sunset - the best time for photography
Good to know
SafetyThere are no fences at the cliff edge and the chalk collapses without warning. Stay at least 5m back from both the top edge and the base, and never approach the edge for a photo. The coastline erodes by roughly 30-40cm a year.
SafetyIf going down to the beach at Birling Gap, check tide times first. You can be cut off at high tide, and beach access can close suddenly due to rockfalls or bad weather.
SeasonThe clifftops are exposed and windy and the weather changes fast; bring a windproof, waterproof layer and grippy footwear even in summer. There is little shade, so sun protection and water are needed on hot days.
RulesCar parks are locked overnight (a release fee applies) and overnight parking is prohibited. Pay by card, coin or the RinGo app; car parks fill quickly at peak times.
RulesOn hot, dry days there is a high fire risk, so barbecues and smoking are banned. This is a nature reserve - keep to the waymarked paths and take your litter home.
MannersThe surrounding downland is grazed farmland; keep dogs on leads near livestock, close gates behind you, and respect crops and wildlife by keeping to the trails.
CautionBe wary of unofficial resellers marketing overpriced 'Seven Sisters day tours' online. Visiting independently on the Coaster bus 12/12A/12X from Brighton or Eastbourne is far cheaper, and a bus-app day saver avoids overpaying single fares.
Practical info
The Coaster 12/12A/12X bus service links the railway stations at Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne and stops right outside the visitor centre at Exceat (a 13X runs on Sundays/Bank Holidays). The Country Park visitor centre opens daily 10:00-17:00 (to 16:00 in winter); entry is free and parking is pay-and-display. The National Trust's Birling Gap is a separate access point. Fares, opening hours and bus timetables change, so check the official website for the latest before you go.
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