An Amazing Day Trip To The Seven Sisters
There seven sisters cliffs is no shortage of fun things to do in London but every now and again, it’s nice to escape the city for a day and enjoy a bit of travel beyond the hustle and bustle. Thanks to its prime location, there are plenty of great day trips from London that take less than two hours. One of the best is the Seven Sisters Country Park, a must-visit destination for nature and travel enthusiasts alike.
I’d wanted to take this trip ever since I saw photos of the dramatic white chalk cliffs. I finally managed to go in February this year and hiked the 22 km trail over the seven famous English cliffs from Seaford to Eastbourne. The hike was challenging in parts, but the scenery was absolutely spectacular a reminder of why travel in the UK can be so rewarding.
If you haven’t already been, a day trip to the Seven Sisters should definitely be on your travel bucket list. In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your own unforgettable Seven Sisters travel experience.
A Day Trip to the Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a series of dramatic chalk cliffs which overlook the English Channel. The trail from Seaford to Eastbourne is one of the prettiest coastal walks in England. As the name suggests, there are seven hills (‘sisters’) as well as a few smaller hills on each side of the Sisters.
The views are incredible as you ascend and descend over each hill. It is a long hike and can be demanding in places if you haven’t done a lot of hill walking in the past. The full walk is just over 13 miles long; however, there are a few shorter walks you can do instead. I’ve listed these options out later in the article along with places to stop and eat.
You’ll find all the information you need to help you plan your own day trip to the Seven Sisters at the end of this article. This includes how to get there, safety information, and a map of the route.
The Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a series of dramatic chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. The trail from Seaford to Eastbourne is one of the prettiest coastal walks in England. As the name suggests, there are seven hills (“sisters”) along with a few smaller hills on each side.
The views are incredible as you ascend and descend over each hill. It’s a long hike and can be demanding in places if you haven’t done much hill walking before. The full walk is just over 13 miles long; however, there are several shorter walks you can try instead. I’ve listed these options later in the article along with some great spots to stop and eat.
If you enjoy scenic adventures like this, you might also love The Turkey Hill Experience, where visitors can learn about ice cream production and even create their own flavor — a fun contrast to the rugged outdoor charm of the Seven Sisters.
You’ll find all the information you need to help plan your own day trip to the Seven Sisters at the end of this article, including how to get there, safety information, and a detailed map of the route.
Hiking the Seven Sisters
Seaford to Cuckmere Haven
The walk begins in Seaford, a small seaside town with a pebbly beach and a long promenade lined with colourful huts. Walking from Seaford to Eastbourne is the more popular direction as the views are better and it is quicker to reach the cliffs.
From the station, head to the seafront and walk along the promenade until you reach the grassy mounds of the cliffs. Over the next 22 km you’ll climb up and down the ‘Sisters’. The views from the cliffs are spectacular; the lush green countryside is on your left and the blue waters of the English Channel are on your right.
After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach Cuckmere Haven Beach. The path descends down to the beach and on the way you’ll pass the iconic Coastguard Cottages. The backdrop of the dramatic white chalk cliffs has made this one of the most photographed views in the UK.
The cottages were built in the 1820s for the coastguards who were stationed there to stop smugglers. They have been featured in several films, including Atonement with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. This is where their characters dreamed of living after the war and is where they filmed the final scene.
Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap
At low tide you may be able to walk across the shallower parts on the beach to the cliffs on the other side. However, you will most likely have to walk inland through the grasslands to The Cuckmere Inn. It is a bit of a diversion but it is a lovely walk along the meandering river and the oxbow lakes.
Cross over the bridge and walk back down the other side of the river towards the grassy cliffs. As you climb up on to the South Downs Way, don’t forget to look back for a beautiful view of Cuckmere Haven.
After about 50 minutes you will reach Birling Gap. Here you’ll find a cafe and the National Trust information centre. A lot of visitors park here and do a shorter version of the walk so you will find it is a busy stretch. As you climb back up the cliffs you may see some wild ponies grazing on the grass if you are lucky.
Where to Eat Near the Seven Sisters
If you’re looking for a great place to eat after your hike, stop by The Cuckmere Inn, located near Cuckmere Haven. This riverside pub offers hearty British classics like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and locally brewed ales perfect for refueling after a long coastal walk. The outdoor seating area offers lovely views of the river valley, making it a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the scenic countryside.
Conclusion
A day trip to the Seven Sisters Cliffs from london is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while visiting England. The combination of dramatic cliffs, peaceful countryside, and coastal views make it a truly special escape from the city. Whether you’re hiking the full trail or just visiting for the views, the Seven Sisters offer something for everyone nature, history, and breathtaking scenery.
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FAQs
1. How do I get to the Seven Sisters from London?
You can take a direct train from London Victoria to Seaford or Eastbourne, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Seaford, you can start the coastal hike toward Eastbourne.
2. How long does it take to walk the Seven Sisters cliffs?
The full walk from Seaford to Eastbourne is around 22 km (13.6 miles) and takes about 6–7 hours, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
3. Is the Seven Sisters walk suitable for beginners?
The walk includes several steep climbs and descents, so it can be challenging for beginners. However, there are shorter routes available from Birling Gap or Cuckmere Haven for a lighter experience.
4. What is the best time to visit the Seven Sisters?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is pleasant and the countryside is lush and green.
5. Are there places to eat or rest along the Seven Sisters trail?
Yes! You can find cafes and pubs like The Cuckmere Inn near Cuckmere Haven and a National Trust café at Birling Gap where you can enjoy a meal or snack during your hike.
