Beachy Head, Sussex travel guide and information

Visit Beachy Head

Beachy Head is a scenic coastal location found near Eastbourne in West Sussex. It is within the South Downs National Park.

The highest of the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head plunge to the sea below, a vertical drop of 162 metres and the highest cliff of its type to be found in Britain. Beachy Head itself is clearly identifiable because there is a lighthouse in the sea at this point.

The sequence of cliffs to the west of Beachy Head is called the Seven Sisters (interesting note: there are eight hills, and the name comes from seven sisters who reputedly each lived in valleys between the hills.)

The views from both Beachy Head and the seven sisters along the coast are very impressive and the main reason why the location is so popular. Towards the east you can see to Eastbourne and beyond to Hastings, while to the west are views as far as Newhaven and Brighton.

They have also featured in numerous films and television programmes - the best known is at the beginning of the James Bond Film, 'The Living Daylights'.

The main facilities for visitors are found at Birling Gap, the valley between Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters.

Beachy Head walks

It is easy and very pleasant to follow the coast path - part of the South Downs Way long distance footpath - right along the Seven Sisters and on to Beachy Head.

Other walks around the area include the path to the pretty village of East Dean (with a welcoming pub), and the chance to walk on the beach below the cliffs at low tide, accessed by path via some steps a little north-east of Beachy Head.

You can find more local travel ideas in the South Downs guide and the