Planning a day out at Seven Sisters from London

Seven Sisters is a series of striking chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel, offering one of England's most scenic coastal walks just less than two hours from London. As the name implies, the trail includes seven main hills, or 'sisters,' along with a few smaller ones on either side.

The hike presents stunning views as you ascend and descend each hill - perfect for those looking for a challenge or a more difficult walk away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Route options will be outlined later in this guide, with recommended stops for delicious food to fuel you (and warm you up) along the way. Grand Central trains are also a great option for travelling there from London.

Where is the Seven Sisters hike?

The Seven Sisters hike is located in the South Downs National Park along the southern coast of England. The trail runs between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne in East Sussex, following the coastline and offering spectacular views of the English Channel.

The hike takes you across the iconic Seven Sisters, a series of dramatic chalk cliffs, as well as other notable landmarks like Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap, and Beachy Head.

How long is the Seven Sisters hike?

The full Seven Sisters hike is approximately 13 miles long. The hike typically takes between 4 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your pace, weather conditions, and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Seven Sisters hike starting point

A popular starting point is in the town of Seaford, East Sussex. The hike begins at Seaford's seafront, where you can start by walking along the promenade before heading towards the cliffs.

This direction is recommended because it offers better views and easier access to the Seven Sisters' iconic chalk cliffs as you walk towards Eastbourne.

Seven Sisters hike route

Seaford to Cuckmere Haven

The walk starts in Seaford, a quaint seaside town with a pebbly beach and a long promenade lined with colourful huts.

Walking from Seaford to Eastbourne is more popular because of the superior views and quicker access to the cliffs. From the station, head to the seafront, walk along the promenade, and soon you’ll reach the grassy mounds of the cliffs. Over the next 22 km, you’ll experience the ups and downs of the ‘Sisters,’ with lush green countryside on your left and the blue waters of the English Channel on your right.

After about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Cuckmere Haven Beach, where the path descends to the shore. On your way, you’ll pass the iconic Coastguard Cottages, set against the dramatic white chalk cliffs, making this one of the UK’s most photographed views.

Built in the 1820s, these cottages housed coastguards tasked with preventing smuggling. They’ve also appeared in a couple of films, including ‘Atonement’, where the characters dream of living there after the war, with the final scene filmed on-site.

Cuckmere Haven Beach

Cuckmere Haven is where the river meets the English Channel, splitting the beach into two as it winds through grasslands to the sea. Don’t miss the chance to photograph the Coastguard Cottages overlooking this beach.

Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap

At low tide, you might cross the beach's shallower parts to reach the cliffs on the other side, though most will take an inland path through grasslands to The Cuckmere Inn. This diversion offers a pleasant walk along the meandering river and oxbow lakes.

Cross the bridge and head back down the other side of the river towards the grassy cliffs. As you ascend onto the South Downs Way, be sure to look back for a stunning view of Cuckmere Haven.

After about 50 minutes, you’ll reach Birling Gap, where there’s a café and a National Trust information centre. Many visitors park here and take a shorter walk, so this area can be busy. As you climb back up the cliffs, you might spot wild ponies grazing on the grass.

Birling Gap to Beachy Head

After one last big climb, you’ll reach Belle Tout Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse, decommissioned in 1902, was bought by the BBC in 1986 for a mini TV series and later featured in the James Bond film ‘The Living Daylights’. In 1996, it became a family home, but in 1999, it had to be moved inland due to erosion threats. Today, it’s a unique B&B offering incredible views.

As you continue, you’ll see Beachy Head Lighthouse ahead, with its red and white stripes, nestled at the bottom of the cliffs. This charming spot is perfect for a rest, picnic and some photos of the lighthouse against the white cliffs.

Beachy Head to Eastbourne

A car park at Beachy Head means many people return to their cars after seeing the lighthouse, leaving the final stretch to Eastbourne relatively quiet, apart from those walking in the opposite direction.

After nearly five hours of walking, this last section can be tough. The steep descent into Eastbourne is followed by a 25-minute walk along the promenade to the train station. By the time you reach the station, you’ll likely be eager for a well-deserved drink and a warming homecooked meal before heading back to London.

Getting to the Seven Sisters from London with Grand Central

Seven Sisters Country Park is less than a two-hour journey from London meaning that you can wrap up warm and view the frosty hills of the Seven Sisters in no time.

We recommend booking a single ticket to Seaford and another single ticket for your return from Eastbourne for a full day of exploring.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact our helpful team.