Eastbourne Accommodation

Guide map of the Eastbourne Downland
Cafe marking the beginning of the South Downs Way up to Beachy Head
The Chalk South Downs Cliffs at the Beachy Head Lighthouse
Wildflower carpets on the Eastbourne Downland
Beachy Head views at Birling Gap
Reaching upto 530 feet, the Downs cliffs are particularly dramatic around Beachy Head
The approach to Beachy Head around Cow Gap and Falling Sands, Eastbourne Downland Walks
Wildflower carpets on the Eastbourne Downland near Birling Gap

Beachy Head South Downs Way Walk Birling Gap Coast Walking Holidays Eastbourne Sussex UK

One of Britain's most beautiful stretches of coast, Beachy Head sits just west of Eastbourne. From the far western end of Eastbourne seafront Beachy Head via the South Downs Way National Trail is a mere one and a quarter miles walk through stunning Eastbourne Downland. For direct access to the Beachy Head Countryside Centre bus services (no.12A) runs regularly between Brighton and Eastbourne stopping at Birling Gap and City Sightseeing Open Top bus tours of Eastbourne also run up to Beachy Head from Eastbourne Pier.

You are walking one of Britain's Designated Heritage Coastlines here at Beachy Head. The Downland in the area is criss-crossed by a number of walking trails including the South Downs Way National Trail, The Weald Way and the Beachy Head Circular walk. The South Downs Way runs right along the shoreline at Birling Gap. Boat trips also run regularly from Eastbourne Seafront along the Beachy Head coast taking in the dramatic cliffs from the water. Wildlife is rich on the Beachy Head Downland which is carpeted with a huge variety of plants including the Blackthorn and Blackberries in early autumn.

Featured Sussex Accommodation

Cleavers Lyng 16th Century… - Herstmonceux

Grade II 16th Century Country Guesthouse offering a wealth of charm and character. Set amidst landscaped gardens with unspoilt views. Elegant ensuite rooms.

£65 to £100 B&B per room (based on 2 sharing)

Beachy Head Walks, Birling Gap & The Beachy Head Countryside Centre

There are a variety of ways to access the spectacular Beachy Head coastline, one of Britain's Designated Heritage Coasts just west of Eastbourne. Many opt for direct access from Birling Gap and the Beachy Head Countryside Centre which sits right near the most dramatic stretch of the Beachy Head white cliffs and lighthouse where the South Downs meets the sea. This is easily reach by car off the A259 Beachy Head Road with a large carpark situated at Birling Gap. Alternatively the Brighton Bus Service runs regular buses between Brighton and Eastbourne stopping at Birling Gap (bus no.12A) or East Dean village (12). If you're staying around Beachy Head, for example in the East Dean area, you can walk direct from East Dean village down to Beachy Head. Comprehensive walking guides are via the Beachy Head webguide and East Dean & Friston local guide websites. To reach Beachy Head directly from Eastbourne to appreciate not just the Beachy Head Cliffs but also the stunning Eastbourne Downland around Foyle Way, Whitbread Hollow and the cliff edge at Cow Gap an access path sits at the very end of King Edwards Parade beyond Helen Gardens on the western edge of Eastbourne seafront. A cafe marks the beginning of the access point to the Beachy Head Circular Path. In fact from this point at the far west of the Eastbourne seafront you are at the very start/or end of the South Downs Way National Trail as well as being at the end/start of the Weald Way which moves inland towards the Weald and Ashdown Forest from Eastbourne and on to Gravesend.

The Beachy Head Countryside Centre is home to an extensive exhibition and guide on the history, geology and natural history of Beachy Head and also has an on-site art gallery and gift shop.

Reaching upto 530 feet at Beachy Head, the white chalk Downs Cliffs together with the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs just west of Beachy Head are one of Britain's most striking coastal features. Walking, cycling and horse riding are all popular around the Beachy Head Downland. For birdwatchers and lovers of wildlife, the Beachy Head area of the Downs contains a huge variety of habitats. Look out for numerous birds including the Cuckoo, Redstart, Skylark, Perigrin Falcon and the Herring Gulls to name a mere few. In early autumn the Downland is carpeted with Blackberries with other shrubs and trees including Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Yew and Sweet Briar. These and other scents mingle with the sea air to great effect. Care is needed at the cliff edge and dogs are recommended to be kept on leads. For a comprehensive guide to the choice of walking and cycling paths around the Eastbourne and Beachy Head Downland with details on birds and wildlife in the area see the Beachy Head webguide.

Beachy Head Countryside Centre, Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7YA. Situated off the A259 following signs for Beachy Head. The centre sits adjacent to the Brewers Fayre Family Pub & Restaurant. City Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tours run up to Beachy Head from Eastbourne Centre.

South Downs Way from Seven Sisters to Beachy Head & Eastbourne

The final stretch of the South Downs Way National Trail pushes from the Seven Sisters Country Park and the mouth of the Cuckmere River east along the edge of the Downs White Cliffs towards Beachy Head and Eastbourne.

This coastal stretch of the trail is one of the most dramatic parts. The South Downs Way actually runs right down to the beach at Birling Gap taking in sublime views of the Beachy Head Cliffs from below. At low tide rock pooling is outstanding at Birling Gap.

Seven Sisters Sheep Centre near Beachy Head

Easily accessed off the A259 coast road sits the family run Seven Sisters Sheep Centre near Beachy Head. Superb for families, this farm park has lots of animals including one of the largest collection of sheep in the world - 40 breeds in all!

Kids can help feed the lambs, take rides on a tractor trailer and fun exhibits explore the history of agriculture and particularly sheep on the Downs. Other farm animals include pigs, goats, chicks and rabbits in outdoor and indoor areas. The centre is housed within a 17th century Flint Barn and the Hayrack Tea Room is on-site. Lambing time is from March to May. The centre is open weekdays from 2pm to 5pm and at weekends and during school holidays 10am to 5pm. Checkout the centre's weblink right for more details on the sheep breeds which gives you a taster of just some of the fascinating and varied breeds of sheep you're likely to see here.

Seven Sisters Sheep Centre, Gilberts Drive, East Dean, East Sussex BN20 0AA. Tel. 01323 423302.

Boat Trips to Beachy Head

Based just east of Eastbourne Pier on the seafront is Allchorn Pleasure Boats who offer heritage pleasure cruises along the Beachy Head coast from Eastbourne.

A boat trip with views from the water is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of the chalk white Downs cliffs at Beachy Head which reach upto 530 feet around the 100 year old red and white stripped Beachy Head lighthouse.

Allchorn Boat Trips to Beachy Head last around 45 minutes and a live commentary guide is provided along the way. The drama builds as you pass the Martello Wish Tower on the west Eastbourne seafront on to Cow Gap and the Beachy Head cliffs and lighthouse beyond. Cruises run from the end of May until the end of September, weather permitting. The first departure time from Eastbourne beach is 10.30am followed by further boats departing at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. If demand dictates then an extra boat sometimes departs at 4.30pm.

Allchorn Boat Trips to Beachy Head from Eastbourne. Tel. 01323 410606 (webguide right for more details on booking)

Featured Sussex Accommodation

Cleavers Lyng 16th Century… - Herstmonceux

Grade II 16th Century Country Guesthouse offering a wealth of charm and character. Set amidst landscaped gardens with unspoilt views. Elegant ensuite rooms.

£65 to £100 B&B per room (based on 2 sharing)