Group visits to Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

South Downs, Managing our downland landscape South Downs Managing our downland landscape
Views over the sea towards the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters

We welcome thousands of visitors to the Sussex coast at Birling Gap each year. To help you make the most of your visit and avoid disappointment please read our guide to group visits below. If you are visiting by coach please note the restrictions around coach parking. There is a £20 charge per coach which is payable on arrival either in cash at a car park machine or by card in our shop.

Family walking dogs

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love. We've already opened more than 200 National Trust coast and countryside car parks. From 3 June, we’re reopening a small number of gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland. We’ll open more places in the coming weeks. All houses remain closed for now and all places in Wales remain closed following Welsh Government advice. For many places, you’ll need to book your visit in advance. Read this article to find out what's open now, how you can visit, and what to expect from your visit.​

  • There is limited capacity for coaches at Birling Gap.
  • Coach spaces are currently offered on a first-come first served basis. We are unable to currently reserve spaces in advance. 
  • Due to the limited capacity of the property at peak times we are unable to offer coach parking on weekends, bank holidays or East Sussex school holidays. Coaches will be refused entry at these times.
  • Coach parking is charged at £20 per coach and can be paid in coins at parking machines or by card in the shop during opening hours. 
  • Please do not park or drop groups off on the roadside. This is dangerous and also causes a nusiance to our neighbours

Pre-booked school visits

Pre-booked school visits can be made by calling 01323 423197 or emailing birlinggap@nationaltrust.org.uk

Pre-booked school visits may be eligible for free coach parking. 

Group conduct

For information on group conduct please download our groups guide. National Trust staff may refuse entry to groups or ask groups to leave the site if behaviour is inappropriate, impacts on other visitors or is a safety risk to group members or others. Group leaders are expected to maintain control of groups at all times and be visible to National Trust staff.

Birling Gap group and coach leaflet 2019