Birling Gap (East Sussex) – sitting on top of the chalk cliffs
The East Sussex coast has fantastic chalk cliffs that far surpass the beauty of the white cliffs of Dover. From the seaside town of Eastbourne at Beachy Head, a great chain of cliffs runs along the coast, ending with the famous Seven Sisters.
On the chalk cliffs is the hamlet of Birling Gap – ultimately just a few houses. Due to progressive erosion and the demolition of parts of the chalk cliffs, the break-off edge is getting closer and closer at almost one metre of erosion per year, and some houses have already been lost.
Birling Gap itself is now owned by the National Trust, which runs a café here and has built an impressive metal staircase. The staircase provides easy access down the cliff to the beach.
Attention: The car park is chargeable for non-members of the National Trust! Instead, it is recommended to park the car in nearby East Dean and do a nice walk to Birling Gap (circular walk approx. 1.5 hours).
Homepage with information and hiking suggestions
Birling Gap (East Sussex) – National Trust building near the ledge
Birling Gap (East Sussex) – looking east towards with the white chalk cliffs
Birling Gap (in the background) seen from the Seven Sisters
