Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

An ever changing landscape, where the South Downs meet the sea

More about this place

View through the Devils Dyke valley towards Saddlescombe Farm

The Changing Chalk partnership 

A partnership of 10 organisations has received initial National Lottery support for the Changing Chalk project. Made possible by National Lottery players, the partnership will work with local communities and landowners to connect people with nature and address challenges facing the Sussex Downs to protect this fragile chalk grassland landscape for future generations.

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Things to see and do 

Two little girls splashing in puddle with parents in background

Autumn and winter family fun at Birling Gap 

There’s so much for you and your family to see and do at Birling Gap. Tracker packs for strand line searches and fossil hunting can be picked up from the Visitor Centre.

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

Stay 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

What's on 

Upcoming events

See all events

Gildredge House School Exhibition

Thu 24 Oct 2019
10:00-16:00
Discover the work students from Gildredge House school have produced to inspire environmental care and change.

Seven Sisters archaeology walks - Crowlink Circular

Sun 27 Oct 2019
11:00-14:00
Come and discover the fascinating history of the Crowlink area and find out how things could have been very different without the power of people to save this land from development

Halloween half-term creepy creatures trail

Mon 28 Oct 2019
11:00-15:00
Follow our indoor trail to discover more about batty bats, wriggly worms, scary spiders and monster moths.

Landscape Writing Clinic with Cole Moreton

Sat 09 Nov 2019
11:00-15:00
Develop your creative writing style with author and writer Cole Moreton while drawing inspiration from the landscape around Birling Gap

A performance from the Light Keeper by Cole Moreton

Sat 09 Nov 2019
17:00-19:00
Join award-winning author and broadcaster Cole Moreton with a storytelling, visual and musical performance based on his debut novel, The Light Keeper, set in the stunning landscape around Birling Gap.

Christmas Wreath Making

Sat 30 Nov 2019
10:30-13:00
Use foliage from the South Downs to create a natural Christmas wreath for your home.
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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Eating and shopping

A clifftop cafe, perched above the sea

Enjoying our cafe at Birling Gap 

Enjoy views of the sea whilst savouring a freshly ground coffee, juice or beer on our terrace. Ask our team about vegan and gluten free options. Children can enjoy an ice-cream or lunchbox on the beach. All the profit we make helps us care for chalk grassland habitats throughout the South Downs.

Visitors sitting outside the cafe at Standen House, West Sussex

Allergen information 

Most of the food and drink served in our café’s, restaurants and tea-rooms is prepared on site in our kitchens, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free. If you have an allergy or intolerance, please ask the café staff who will be happy to advise on the ingredients in your food and drink.

Scarf from our autumn range

Autumn gifts at Birling Gap 

The hills around Birling Gap are swathed in autumnal hues so why not pop into the shop to refresh your home and wardrobe from our range of bags, clothes, scarves and range of gifts and homeware

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Our work

Volunteer sieving soil on an archaeological dig

Looking after our landscape at Birling Gap 

Birling Gap is a diverse site with many different elements, including a mix of habitats, a cafe, shop and visitor centre. Protecting the chalk grassland is a delicate job, using traditional methods such as grazing ponies and with lots of help from our volunteers we are care for this rare environment, protecting it for years to come.

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

Countryside sites across the South Downs  

Why not find out more about 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

Wildlife

A swallow flying low over the water

Autumn at Birling Gap 

Autumn is a time of change when the colours of the grassland start to fade, and the downland plants begin to bear fruit

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

Get involved

A close up shot shows a volunteer cleaings scrub on the coastal path, an essential part of managing a coastal site such as Birling Gap

Volunteer with us 

With so many volunteering opportunities on offer, find out how you could make a difference ans support the work we do at Birling Gap and across the South Downs.

Sunset at Birling Gap

Supporter Groups in Sussex 

Fundraising, fun and days out. Why not join a Supporter Group and help us in our valuable conservation work?

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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Groups

Views over the sea towards the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters

Group visits to Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters 

Find out more about visiting Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters with your group and coach parking.

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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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