The white cliffs of the Seven Sisters are more than just an iconic view — they offer one of the best coastal walks in England. This guide covers our favourite walking route that captures the most stunning viewpoints and ends at a classic country pub.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
The Seven Sisters cliffs ripple along the coast of the South Downs, forming one of the most recognisable landscapes in the UK.
With white cliffs plunging into the sea, framed by rolling farmland and wide coastal skies, it’s no wonder this is one of England’s top natural highlights.
While the traditional Seaford to Eastbourne hiking route is the most popular, we’ve mapped out an alternate that captures the best sections, skips the tedious trudge through Eastbourne, and finishes in a charming village with a welcoming pub.
We’ve also included tips on public transport, where to stay, and how to make this a smooth and scenic day trip from London.

SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS WALK: OUR RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Many of the best sections of the Seven Sisters can be seen by taking short walks from the car, which you can read about in our guide to the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
But our favourite way to explore the area is to walk the length of the cliffs.
There are several routes. The most popular is from Seaford to Eastbourne. But this route includes a long section getting through the outskirts of Eastbourne, which is not that interesting.
Instead, we highly recommend walking from Seaford to East Dean. This still includes the most scenic stretches of coastline but diverts through rolling farmland to finish in a charming local village with a great pub on the edge of a pretty village green.
As Seaford to Eastbourne is the most popular way to do the Seven Sisters hike, we’ve included instructions for both routes.
ROUTE OVERVIEWS
OUR PICK
SEAFORD TO EAST DEAN
- Distance: 10.7 miles (17.2km)
- Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes
- Ascent: 1,500 feet
SEAFORD TO EASTBOURNE
- Distance: 13.5 miles (21.7km)
- Duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes
- Ascent: 1,930 feet

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD
We recommend starting the Seven Sisters walk from Seaford Esplanade and walking eastward for two reasons. Firstly, the views are better in this direction, and secondly, if you choose the East Dean option, you finish at a great country pub.
BY CAR
If you have a car, Seaford is a 2 – 2.5-hour drive from London and around 30 minutes from Brighton. Parking is available at the Seaford Esplanade, where this hike begins. The car park is open 24 hours a day and is free of charge for up to 12 hours.
BY TRAIN & BUS
If you are travelling by public transport, get the train from London Victoria Train Station to Seaford Train Station. The journey requires one change in either Lewes or Brighton. and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
However, some services are slower, so check the times before you book. It’s a 10-minute walk from Seaford train station to the Seaford Esplanade car park to start the hike.
You can also take the train from London Victoria to Brighton Train Station, which has more services, then catch the 12, 12X or 12A bus to Seaford.
Get off at the Seaford Library stop (marked on the map below) and take the 10-minute walk down to the Seaford Esplanade to start the hike.



SEVEN SISTERS WALK MAP
The Seven Sisters Cliffs walk mainly follows the coast, so navigation is not very tricky. However, a map is always handy, and below is a Google Map of the two routes.
The red line shows the walk from Seaford Esplanade to Beachy Head. The orange line shows the route you should take if you want to end in Eastbourne. The purple line is our recommended route that ends in East Dean.
We have also included the bus stops, food or drink options and the start and finishing points.
For a more detailed route map, we have also created OS Maps:
- OS Map – Seaford to Eastbourne route
- OS Maps – Seaford to East Dean route
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
WALK DETAILS
START: SEAFORD ESPLANADE
From the eastern end of the esplanade in Seaford, follow the well-marked path that climbs around 50 meters to the summit of the glistening chalk facades.
From this point, the Seven Sisters trail enters the South Downs National Park. Continue along the coastline, passing the perfectly positioned golf course.
STEP 1: CONTINUE TO CUCKMERE HAVEN COTTAGES
Follow the undulating path over the cliff tops towards the coastguard cottages at Cuckmere Haven.
After enjoying this photogenic spot, drop down to the Seven Sisters beach at the Cuckmere River just behind the cottages.
Explore the tidal rock pools and examine the chalk cliffs from below – but don’t get too close in case of falling debris.

STEP 2: CROSSING THE CUCKMERE RIVER
To continue along the cliffs, you need to cross the Cuckmere River, which cuts through the beach. At low tide, the river can be crossed by wading barefoot over the shallow stream or by using a pair of parallel logs lying across the mouth.
At high tide, you will need to walk up the river to the Cuckmere Inn (away from the sea), cross over a bridge and then head back down the other side to the beach.
The distances and time on this walk assume you will have to walk up to the Cuckmere Inn and back. But if you are able to cross the river it shaves 50 minutes and almost 2 miles off the walk.
Cuckmere River Tide Times – Here are the Cuckemere River Tide Times.


STEP 3: CUCKMERE TO BEACHY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
On the other side of the river, climb back up to the South Downs Way Trail and count the Seven Sisters as the trail rises and falls over undulating grassy banks.
There is a National Trust café in Birling Gap with public toilets and a small beach where you can take a swim.
From Birling Gap, continue up past the Belle Tout Lighthouse and drop down the other side until views of the red and white Beachy Head lighthouse appear.
Continue on to Beachy Head to collect some photographs of this iconic sight.


FINISH: EASTDEAN OR EASTBOURNE
At the Beachy Head Lighthouse, you have the option to take our recommended route and finish at East Dean or continue to Eastbourne.
OPTION 1 – FINISH AT EAST DEAN (RECOMMENDED)
After walking up to the lighthouse, return the way you came for a short distance and take the path inland to the village of East Dean (see map above).
This shorter route ambles through sheep-strewn fields and ends in the charming village where you can stop for a pint at the Tiger Inn. Although it leaves the coast, it’s a lovely part of the walk; much nicer than continuing into Eastbourne in our opinion.
OPTION 2 – FINISH AT EASTBOURNE
To finish at Eastbourne, continue along the coastal path.
This is the option that most people take. However, after Beachy Head, the views start to get less good. It also involves a tedious slog through the outer suburbs of Eastbourne to the bus stop or train station at the modern shopping centre.


PRACTICAL INFORMATION
HOW TO RETURN FROM THE WALK?
As this is not a circular walk, you’ll need to get public transport back to your car or to continue home. Here’s how to return from the walk.
IF YOU FINISH AT EAST DEAN
If you end the walk at East Dean (which we recommend), there is a bus stop on the main road just a short walk from the Tiger Inn pub.
We have marked the location on the map. From here you can catch the 12, 12A or 12X buses to Eastbourne, Brighton or back to Seaford. The buses run roughly every 20 minutes.
IF YOU FINISH AT EASTBOURNE
If you end at Eastbourne, you can get a train back to London from Eastbourne Train Station. There is a direct train to London Victoria which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Alternatively, catch the 12, 12A or 12X bus back to Seaford or Brighton.


TRAIL CONDITIONS
The Seven Sisters hike is long and hilly making it a slightly demanding hike.
However, there is nothing particularly challenging on the walk, so if you are a regular hiker, you’ll find the walk reasonably easy.
If you are new to hill walking, the Seven Sisters hike will be an excellent challenge. It’s long and tiring, but with plenty of scenic places to take a break, it’s achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
The trail is easy to follow as it mainly sticks to the edge of the cliff. You also have all our maps to help you find your way.
Please note: The cliffs at Seven Sisters are very prone to erosion so stay well clear of the edge.
WHEN TO DO THE SEVEN SISTERS WALK?
If the sun is out and the wind is not blowing a gale, any time of year is a great time to do the Seven Sisters walk.
It’s a straightforward walk that can be done in most weather depending on your tolerance for getting wet.
May to mid-July is the optimal walking season in the UK when temperatures start to rise before the summer crowds descend. During this time, the days are long, flowers will punctuate the rolling green grass hills and lambs will be dotted across the fields.
If you want to swim, the water will be slightly warmer in August and September.


STOPS & FACILITIES ON THE SEVEN SISTERS WALK
The Seven Sisters Walk has plenty of grassy locations overlooking the sea that are perfect for a picnic. But, if you want a cafe or pub along the way, or at the end, here’s what is on offer.
CUCKMERE INN
If you’re doing the walk at high tide and not able to cross the Cuckmere River, you’ll need to walk up past the Cuckmere Inn to go around it. They have a nice deck overlooking the river which is the perfect place for a beer.
BIRLING GAP CAFE
The National Trust café at Birling Gap makes a great stop if you need a bit of a sugar hit on the walk. There are toilets in the car park.
BEACHY HEAD INN
Located just opposite the lighthouse, but tucked below the cliff top, the Beachy Head Inn has a huge menu of standard pub food. There are public toilets adjacent to the car park.
EAST DEAN
In the village of East Dean where we finish the walk, you can enjoy a pint at the Tiger Inn which has a wide selection of ales and a fantastic beer garden. The Hiker’s Rest café next door does coffee, cakes, sandwiches and quiches.
EASTBOURNE
Eastbourne is a large town. There are plenty of fast food options, cafes, restaurants and town pubs where you can wait for your train or bus.



WHERE TO STAY AT SEVEN SISTERS
The Seven Sisters walk can easily be done on a day trip from London. However, there are more appealing ways to wind down after the walk than commuting home. Here are some great places to stay.
SEVEN SISTERS COUNTRY PARK
CATHERINE TIGER INN
Have an authentic rural sleep right where you finish the walk at the Tiger Inn in East Dean. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, friendly hosts and an excellent country location.
ALFRISTON
WINGROVE HOUSE
Enjoy the charming village of Alfriston from the beautiful setting of Wingrove House with comfy beds, jazzy bathrooms and riverside location.
EAST DEAN
SALTMARSH FARMHOUSE
Book a luxury staycation in this small 16th-century farmhouse with stylish suits, relaxing spaces and quality food inspired by the forest and the ocean.
ALFRISTON – RATHFINNY ESTATE
FLINT BARNS
Treat yourself to the perfect country stay on the edge of a 600-acre wine estate. Flint Barns are full of character and perfectly located close to several walks.

MORE GUIDES FOR YOUR ENGLAND TRIP
- Put your trip with our 7-day England itinerary by car.
- Visit York on a day trip from London.
- Plan your stay in the capital with our area & hotel guide to London.
- All our top places to see in England are here.
- Feeling adventurous? Try these outdoor experiences in England & the UK.
- These wild swimming spots in the Lake District are perfect after a long hike.
- Find more great things to do in the Cotswolds here.
- Enjoy one of these country walks in the Cotswolds.
- Our guide to the top places to see in the UK might give you some ideas for your next trip.

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Thanks for your support. Paul & Mark
Nice article i have read it- AnandanRB
Great to hear.
I have only done some of this mainly in the Eastbourne area but I hope to do a lot more hiking in the UK when things have calm down with Covid. I done a lot of European hiking but not a lot in my home country. The scenery down there is breathtaking and its time for a return visit (and hopefully the pubs will be open so I can have a pint at the end of the day). 🙂
I agree Danik, Seven Sisters is definitely some of the best coastal scenery around. Hopefully, next time we can do this walk the pubs will be open.
I agree with you. The Beach Head Lighthouse is indeed a photogenic sight. It looks like something straight from a postcard. Would love to visit in the future. The view is just breathtaking. 🙂
Hopefully, you can make it here one day soon Clarice.
I never knew this part of England was called the Seven Sisters. I can see why you say this is the most picturesque part of the walk. I love catching views of lighthouses when I walk by the shore. I love that your post provides some options. And perfect that the bus can take you back from East Dean so you don’t need to walk back!
It’s definitely a very picturesque part of England.
The Seven Sisters cliff walk really does look dramatic and almost otherworldly, I must say. Good to know that it’s accessible by public transport, as I rarely rent a car when I travel. Having a beer at the end of the hike sounds heavenly.
It sure is a very dramatic hike and the public transport options mean you can take advantage of those atmospheric pubs on the route.
Public transport is always such a great option and it’s so good to know that you can avail the same and save some money when traveling for the Seven Sisters Cliff walk. The walk looks really exciting. The view of the Beachy head lighthouse is nice and the beach looks so unspoilt.
Thank you, Subhashish. You’re right, it’s a very exciting walk. The lighthouse is such a great photo opportunity.
The Seven Sisters Cliffs walk is fabulous. The place seems to be magical. I would love to visit it. The Beachy Head lighthouse is so beautiful. I love your photos and tips on how to prepare for this cliffs adventure. I add this walk to my bucket list for 2021!
Thanks so much, glad you like it. Hopefully, you get to do the walk sooner rather than later.
I have seen so many photos of Seven Sister cliffs walk on various social media, that I always wanted to visit this beautiful sight of UK. The beachy light house is truly photogenic. It is good to know that views are better from west to east. Thanks for all useful information on this walk.
You’re welcome, glad you found it useful.
Seven Sisters Cliff is certainly an extremely picturesque coastal walk. I loved your recommendation of a newer route for better views. I will surely take the East Dean route for the same. Loved the lighthouse pictures. Also thanks for recommending about places to stay there. The place is too beautiful for me to just spend a day and be back. I would rather spend a full weekend there.
It’s definitely a great place to spend a weekend if you have the time.
Paul, I’d love to commend you for the blog layout! It’s so clean and easy to load. I have to say this because I am currently optimizing my site to be faster and it’s been a pain! Anyway, I’ve never heard of Seven Sisters before but it looks like a fantastic walk! Do you live nearby? If yes, that’s a privilege to have this, most especially at this time when our travels are limited. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks so much, Trisha. Glad you like it. It’s definitely a fantastic walk if you get the chance to do it. No, we don’t live nearby but it’s not too far to get to from most parts of southern England.
They look familiar. Are The Seven Sisters featured in any movies and/or tv shows.
Regards,
Willie
Hi Willie – Yes, I think the cliffs have appeared in several movies and TV shows, Atonement and Fantastic Beasts are two that I can think of.
Hello,
Thanks for providing an alternative route! How long does it take in terms of time and distance to go from Seaford to the Light House and then to East Dean (Option 1)? I was thinking of catching the train from LDN at 10/10.20am, which means arriving at Seaford around 11.30am/ bit before 12 and then following the route you recommended and ending at East Dean (and then getting back to Seaford by train)
Thanks!
Hi Sophie, Just doing the walk without stopping takes about 5 hours if you have reasonable fitness. Allow another 90 minutes for rest breaks, views and a drink at the end. The buses from East Dean to Seaford are pretty regular until quite late in the evening, so you should be fine. Hope you have a great day. Mark
I love this walk. It is magical, especially on a sunny day. I have seen hiking groups organising night hikes at the Seven Sisters. Did you ever do this walk at night time?
This blog post was the most helpful post I’ve found about the seven sisters. We just did this hike yesterday and absolutely loved it. Thank you for all the great information that helped make a wonderful day for us.
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for your comment and glad you had a great day. Its a stunning part of the world isn’t it. All the best, Mark
Hi. Looks a great walk but I’d like to know how far it is from Saltdean to the Tiger Inn.
Hi Ane,
Saltdean is 13 miles from the Tiger Inn.
Paul.
Hi Paul and Mark,
This walk is stunning and I can not wait walk it.
How is the weather in mid December. I would assume it could be anything on the coast. But do you have a range of temps and I assume possible windy/rainy too. And, what is the approximate miles or kilometers from Seaford to the Tiger Inn?
I am hoping to do this as a day trip from London. Knowing our daylight hours are shorter, I think it would still be doable if I get an early train, then the bus to Seaford. Thank you for all your train/bus information.
Ginger
Hi Ginger,
You are quite right in that you could get anything weatherwise in December. The average high is 8 degrees and the average low is 3. Plus you are on the coast where it will be extra windy so it could be quite cold. You’ll want to make sure you’re rugged up.
Seaford to the Tiger Inn is just under 18 kilometres, so you should allow around 6 hours.
Enjoy,
Paul.