7 activities for all the family at Birling Gap

The natural world has so many fascinating things you can uncover. Check out our list of family activities for ideas of what you can do together. Pick up a 50 things to do poster and stickers from the visitor centre when you arrive at Birling Gap and start exploring. All the activities are suitable for complete beginners so embrace your wild side at Birling Gap.

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
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Family coast walk

If you fancy a perfect spring stroll then take a wander up Lookout Hill to Mad Jack Fuller's folly and enjoy some breathtaking sea and downland views. This walk is perfect for views of the Seven Sisters and the red and white stripe Beachy Head lighthouse.

Walking directions and map
Boy standing on sea edge about to skim a stone

No. 5 Skim a stone 

Skimming stones across the surface of water looks incredibly cool, but there's definitely a knack to it. Here are tips to help you be the best stone skimmer.

Learn to skim stones
A girl holding up a pebble with a fossil in it on a beach in Yorkshire

No. 26 hunt for fossils and bones 

Journey back in time and search for clues to the life of animals and plants from the past. Fossil and bone hunting is mammoth fun for all the family - and it's No. 26 of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾’.

Guide to fossil hunting
Clouds over the sea off Pennard, Gower, Wales.

No. 33 go cloud watching 

There's lots you can learn from looking at the clouds - and it's one of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. Choose a comfortable spot on a summer's day, lie back and start watching.

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Reflection of visitors in a rock pool near Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

No. 37 explore the wonders of a rock pool 

Rock-pooling is a great family activity, best enjoyed from late spring until early autumn. Clamber, crouch, peer and scoop on a rock-strewn beach to discover wonders of the sea. It’s No. 37 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.  

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Two girls catch a crab on the Isle of Wight

No. 39 Catch a crab 

Crabs can look pretty crazy when they're scuttling sideways along the beach or shore. If you want to catch one, you'll need to learn more about them.

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Boy kicking and splashing while laying in the sea

No. 42 Go swimming in the sea 

Swimming in the sea is one of those brilliant experiences. It is so different from swimming in a pool, and you'll need to be very careful of currents and tides. Always swim with an adult and preferably on a beach with lifeguards, and you'll have an unforgettable, wild time.

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