Sussex Heritage Coast

Description

The high chalk ridge of the South Downs terminates at the coast in a spectacular range of cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. The Sussex Heritage Coast stretches for six miles around the point at Beachy Head from Eastbourne to Seaford. There is a waymarked path along the cliffs between the two towns, and part of the path is included in the long distance South Downs Way trail.

Beachy Head is the highest point along the coast, and excellent views can be obtained from the clifftops. Road access is easy, which is a double-edged sword, as this means that it can often be crowded. By contrast, the Seven Sisters (a series of rolling cliffs to the east of Seaford) are comparatively isolated and peaceful. The "sisters" are valleys between eight chalk hills.

Seven Sister Country Park visitor centre has exhibits which explore the changing environment and geography of the coastal region as well as regional wildlife.

At the eastern end of the Seven Sisters is Birling Gap, where a path dips down to a pebble beach at the foot of the cliffs.

Area Countryside attractions

Sussex Downs AONB
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is dominated by the sloping chalk ridge of the Downs, which stretch to the Hampshire border in the west. The Downs are dotted with small villages along river valleys, and the highest point is Ditchling Beacon at 812 feet. The area is rich in prehistoric remains, the best preserved being Chanctonbury Ring and Cissbury Ring hill forts.

The South Downs Way
An exhilarating bridleway route along the rolling chalk downs of Sussex and Hampshire. The route follows prehistoric droveways that have been in use for some 5,000 years, and numerous Bronze Age round barrows decorate the trail. More ...

Attractions in South East England

Maps:
OS Landranger series #198, 199

Travel Guides
East Sussex
West Sussex

Contact
Sussex Downs Officer
Chanctonbury House, Church Street,
Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4LT