Last Updated on 06/07/2026 by Ting Dalton
The first time I mentioned I was off to walk the Seven Sisters, a colleague looked baffled. They thought I meant the Tube stop in north London, not the run of white chalk cliffs on the East Sussex coast. I’ve since been back more than once, walked the easy valley path with a small child in tow and tackled the full clifftop switchback another time, and it’s earned a permanent spot on my list of best day trips from London.
This guide covers every way to walk it, from a flat 30-minute stroll to the beach right up to the 13-mile Seaford to Eastbourne hike, so you can pick the route that suits your legs, your weather and whoever you’re dragging along.
Where are the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters are a run of chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne, within the South Downs National Park. They sit either side of Cuckmere Haven, where the meandering Cuckmere River spills into the English Channel. The wider country park covers 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. There are actually eight peaks these days, but the name stuck.
In a lovely bit of recent news, on 19 March 2026, the area was designated a National Nature Reserve, protecting more than 1,500 hectares of chalk grassland and coast. So you’re walking through a protected landscape now, not just a pretty stretch of coastline.
Which Seven Sisters walk should you do?
There’s no single Seven Sisters walk. The route you want depends on how far you fancy going and what you want from the day. Here’s the quick version before I go into detail on each.
- Cuckmere Haven valley walk – about 3 miles return, flat, easy. The only pram and wheelchair-friendly option, and the one I did with a toddler.
- Exceat to Birling Gap clifftop walk – around 7km (4.3 miles), 3 to 4 hours, moderate. All seven cliffs, seven steep climbs.
- Seaford to Eastbourne full hike – roughly 13 to 13.5 miles, 5 to 6 hours, challenging. The classic end-to-end.
- Birling Gap out-and-back – about 5 miles, but you tackle all seven hills twice.
The easy one: Cuckmere Haven valley walk
Distance: about 3 miles return | Time: 1 to 1.5 hours | Difficulty: easy
This is the walk I’d send anyone with young kids, a pushchair or anyone who wants the views without the leg-burn. You start at the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre at Exceat, cross the A259 carefully, and pick up the easy access trail, a firm gravel path that follows the Cuckmere River along the valley floor down to the sea.
It’s flat the whole way, well signposted, and the only route here suitable for wheelchairs and prams (bar the final stretch of shingle onto the beach itself). When I did it, my son was perfectly happy ambling along watching the canoeists on the river and the sheep grazing the grassland, and he spent a good half hour building little dams in a gully running off the beach. If you fancy getting on the water yourself, the Buzz Active watersports centre at Exceat hires out canoes and kayaks for paddling the Cuckmere.
The payoff comes at Cuckmere Haven, a quiet shingle beach where you get the postcard view of the cliffs rising to your right. Look out for the coastguard cottages perched above the shore, the ones you’ll recognise from the film Atonement, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s one of the most photographed views on the south coast, and you’ve earned it without breaking much of a sweat.
One thing to know: there are no facilities at the beach itself. The visitor centre back at Exceat has the nearest toilets, including a Changing Places accessible toilet, so it’s worth a stop before you set off. We had a slightly brisk march back when an ice cream was demanded, so pack snacks or save the café for the end.
The classic: Exceat to Birling Gap over the cliffs
Distance: around 7km (4.3 miles) | Time: 3 to 4 hours | Difficulty: moderate
This is the classic Seven Sisters cliff walk, and the one most people picture. From Cuckmere Haven, you climb up onto the ridge and walk the full run of cliffs east to Birling Gap, taking in all seven (well, eight) summits. The first and highest you reach is Haven Brow, and the view back over the valley from the top is worth the climb on its own.
Don’t underestimate it. There are seven steep chalk climbs in a row with almost no flat recovery between them, and going down is trickier than going up, since wet chalk is slippery. Keep a safe distance from the edge of the cliffs the whole way, as the chalk is unstable. The views, though, are the best on the whole coast: sea on one side, rolling downland on the other, and the cliffs falling away in front of you.
At the far end, Birling Gap has a National Trust café, toilets and a steep set of steps down to a shingle and chalk beach at the bottom of the cliffs. It’s a good spot to catch your breath at sea level and look straight up at the white wall you’ve just walked. From here, you can carry on to Belle Tout lighthouse and Beachy Head lighthouse if your legs are willing, or hop on a bus back.
The big one: Seaford to Eastbourne
Distance: roughly 13 to 13.5 miles | Time: 5 to 6 hours | Difficulty: challenging
The full end-to-end hike runs from Seaford to Eastbourne along the South Downs Way, and it’s the route serious walkers come for. Most people walk it west to east (Seaford to Eastbourne), because the views are better that way and the climb out of Eastbourne at the other end is a slog.
From Seaford seafront, you head up onto Seaford Head for the classic view of all seven cliffs lined up across the Cuckmere valley, then drop down to Cuckmere Haven and climb up onto the Sisters proper. You’ll pass Birling Gap, Belle Tout and Beachy Head before descending into Eastbourne.
The one logistical catch is the Cuckmere River crossing. At low tide, you can cross the river mouth at the beach and save yourself around 1.5 miles. At high tide, you have to detour inland past the Cuckmere Inn and over the bridge. Check tide times before you set off, or you’ll be adding distance you didn’t plan for.
Not feeling all 13 miles in one go? Plenty of people split it over two days, or just do the middle section. The Exceat to Birling Gap stretch above gives you all the drama in a third of the distance.
Getting to the Seven Sisters
By train and bus
This is an easy car-free day trip. Take a direct train from London Victoria to Seaford (around 1 hour 25 minutes, changing at Lewes) or to Eastbourne (about 1 hour 10 minutes). Both towns sit at either end of the walk.
From either station, the 12, 12A and 12X Coaster buses run along the coast between Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne and stop right at the Seven Sisters Country Park entrance at Exceat, as well as Birling Gap and Beachy Head. That makes it simple to walk one way and bus back, which is exactly what I’d recommend for the longer routes.
By car and parking
If you’re driving, the main car park is at Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, Seaford, BN25 4AD, just off the A259 between Seaford and Eastbourne. There are two pay and display car parks on site, taking coins, cards or the RingGo app (location 40750). They get busy fast on sunny weekends, so arrive early to bag a space.
Parking charges change, so check the rate on the machine when you arrive rather than relying on an old figure. The other main option is Birling Gap (BN20 0AB), run by the National Trust and free for members. For a free alternative with the classic Seaford Head view, walkers often start from South Hill Barn in Seaford.
Best time to do the Seven Sisters walk
Spring (April and May) is my pick. The chalk grassland comes alive with wildflowers, the migrating birds are passing through, and you avoid the summer crowds. Autumn is lovely too, with quieter paths and golden light on the cliffs.
Whenever you go, the weather on this coast turns fast, so pack a windproof layer even on a bright day. Early morning rewards you with clear paths and softer light, and if you time the longer walk for late afternoon, the chalk glows gold then pink as the sun drops.
Keep an eye out for wildlife as you walk. The cliffs are home to peregrine falcons, kittiwakes and fulmars, while skylarks sing over the open chalk grassland and the meadows fill with wildflowers, including pyramidal orchids, in late spring. Down along the Cuckmere River you might spot a flash of a kingfisher, or grey herons and oystercatchers picking along the water’s edge. On my last visit the sight that stopped me was a kestrel hanging dead still over the valley floor before dropping like a stone.
What to wear and bring
- Sturdy footwear. Walking boots or trainers with good grip. Wet chalk is slippery, so flip-flops and smooth soles are a no.
- Water. There are no taps or shops on the ridge between Birling Gap and Eastbourne. Carry at least 1.5 litres each on a warm day.
- Snacks. Facilities are limited to the start and end points, so bring lunch for the cliff routes.
- A windproof layer. It’s exposed up top, even in summer.
- Beach shoes if you fancy paddling. The beaches are pebble, and the water is cold.
Where to eat and drink nearby
The visitor centre at Exceat has a Grab & Go takeaway and is open daily 10am to 5pm (4pm in winter). Over the bridge, the Cuckmere Inn does traditional pub food with views over the river and valley. At the far end of the cliff walk, the Birling Gap café (National Trust) is a welcome sight for tea and cake.
If you’ve walked the inland route, nearby Litlington has the Plough and Harrow pub and the Long Man Brewery tasting room, and East Dean has the lovely 15th-century Tiger Inn on the village green, a fine reward at the end of a long day.
Staying safe on the cliffs
The cliff edges are unfenced and the chalk is unstable, with rockfalls common. Keep well back from the edge, stick to the marked path, and don’t be tempted to get closer for a photo. Drones are banned across the entire Heritage Coast, so use a telephoto lens if you want that aerial-style shot.
Seven Sisters walk FAQs
How long is the Seven Sisters walk?
It depends on the route. The easy valley walk to Cuckmere Haven beach and back is about 3 miles. The clifftop walk from Exceat to Birling Gap is around 7km (4.3 miles). The full Seaford to Eastbourne hike is roughly 13 to 13.5 miles.
Is the Seven Sisters walk hard?
The valley walk is flat and easy, suitable for all abilities. The clifftop routes are moderate to challenging, with seven steep chalk climbs and descents in a row. Most people find the descents harder than the climbs.
Can you do the Seven Sisters walk with a pushchair?
Yes, but only the Cuckmere Haven valley walk. It follows a firm, flat gravel path from Exceat to the beach. The ridge and clifftop routes are steep and rough, and not suitable for prams.
How do I get to the Seven Sisters from London?
Take a direct train from London Victoria to Seaford (about 1 hour 25 minutes) or Eastbourne (about 1 hour 10 minutes), then the 12, 12A or 12X Coaster bus to the park entrance at Exceat.
Do I need to cross the Cuckmere River?
Only on the full Seaford to Eastbourne route. At low tide you can cross at the river mouth. At high tide you detour inland past the Cuckmere Inn and over the bridge, adding around 1.5 miles. Check tide times before you go.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The reserve is free to enter and walk. You only pay for parking at the car parks.