Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

A popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea

More about this place

A visitor taking a blustery walk along Birling Gap beach

Birling Gap steps closed for repairs

We would like to advise visitors that the steps and beach access at Birling Gap are closed from Monday 19 April for 2 weeks. This is to make repairs to the platform to ensure the safety of our visitors. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our visitors for their patience and understanding.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Things to see and do

Sunset at Birling Gap

Visiting Birling Gap - what you need to know 

If you are planning on visiting Birling Gap here are some things you need to know before you set off from home to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Cardboard egg from the collection at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Easter activities at home 

From curious Easter objects in our collections to advice for gardeners there is plenty to enjoy over Easter at home or in the garden. Find out how the humble egg became synonymous with Easter or get inspired on your local walk by looking out for more signs of spring. And there's inspiration and activities for the whole family too.

Three people walk along the top of the magnificent Seven Sisters cliffs with distant views behind of sea , horizon, Birling Gap coastguard cottages and Belle tout lighthouse

Wonderful walking at Birling Gap 

Step out and enjoy big skies and coastal landscapes throughout the year. A perfect spot to enjoy big skies, seascapes, changing colours and quiet walks.

Dog walking on a lead

Walking your dog at Birling Gap 

The South Downs are a great place to walk your dog, so there's always somewhere near to you where you can enjoy this rich countryside throughout the year.

Crashing waves can increase the chance of cliff falls

Staying safe when visiting Birling Gap 

When visiting the coast stay away from the cliff edge and think about your safety and the safety of others. It isn’t safe to sit or stand close to the edge of the cliffs as they may be unstable or undercut in places.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Eating

Woman holding takeaway hot drink

Refreshments at Birling Gap 

Our cafe at Birling Gap is serving a range of takeaway hot and cold drinks and snacks. We've introduced new safety measures including closing seating areas, screens at till and collections points, and one way routes. We'll also only be accepting card payments. It is a legal requirement for face masks to be worn inside the cafe. We look forward to welcoming you back and know that you'll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Wildlife

Common Blue Butterfly

Springtime at Birling Gap 

Spring time sees the grassland start to wake up from its winter slumber. The flowers begin to emerge and the sight, sounds and smell of the wildlife can be enjoyed as everything begins to emerge to welcome the new year.

Fulmar over the sea

Wonderful wildlife at Birling Gap 

It is the combination of a constantly changing landscape and unique geology that creates such an amazing diversity of habitats and wildlife at Birling Gap. Find out more about the wildlife of this incredible place.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Our work

Way mark sign on Devil's Dyke

The Changing Chalk partnership 

Changing Chalk is a partnership connecting nature, people and heritage on and around the South Downs. Led by the National Trust and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, it will restore lost landscapes and habitats, bring history and local cultures to life and provide new experiences in the outdoors.

Panoramic view at sunset in August from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex

South Downs sites we look after  

Discover the incredible diversity of countryside sites across the South Downs, from chalk grassland to river valleys, beech hangars and chalk cliffs.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

History

A view of the coast guard complex at Birling Gap

History at Birling Gap 

Birling Gap and the surrounding area are a landscape and people rich in history. From prehistoric times right through to the 21st Century the area has always attracted settlement and community living.

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