Address: Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 0AD
Location
Birling Gap is a coastal area located in East Sussex, England, situated between the larger towns of Eastbourne and Seaford. It is known for its stunning Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, part of the South Downs National Park, and provides beautiful views of the English Channel.
What's There?
At Birling Gap, you will find:
Cliff and seaside views
Cafe
Gift Shop
Bookshop
Public Toilets
National Trust Cafe
The on-site cafe is open from 10am to 5pm. They serve hot breakfast baps, homemade soup, sausage rolls, pasties, and cream teas. Hot and cold drinks are served all day, including a selection of wine and beer, alongside cakes and bakes.
Parking
The National Trust car park is pay and display, but free for NT members, motorcycles, and Blue-Badge holders.
The car park is large with 130 spaces, but finding a space can be a challenge during peak seasons.
There are designated Blue-Badge spaces in front of the National Trust building.
There is no height limit.
Duration | Price |
1 Hour | £1.50 |
2 Hours | £3.00 |
2 Hours Plus | £6.00 |
Accessibility
The car park is bumpy with a mixture of paved and gravel surfaces. There are lunch tables next to the cliff edge, about 120 metres from the furthest point in the car park, that have a view over the water. There are also benches outside the National Trust buildings.
There is an external toilet block with men's & ladies facilities and 1 ambulant toilet. These toilets are open from 9.30am-6pm April - October, and 10am-4pm November- March.
Inside the main National Trust building there are two additional ladies cubicles and an accessible toilet. The interior toilets are open when the café and shop are open.
The cafe, gift shop, and toilets are all wheelchair accessible.
There are 50 steps down to the beach, which will unfortunately make this area inaccessible for visitors with mobility issues.
Dogs on lead are allowed on the beach, in the shop, and in the cafe.
Visitors with mobility challenges may find it difficult to navigate the shingle beach due to its large rocks and uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
With its serene views, inviting café, and charming gift shop, Birling Gap provides a picturesque destination for visitors of all ages.
Potential visitors should be mindful of the challenges posed by the terrain, especially the 50 steps down to the beach and the uneven shingle surfaces. Regardless of physical mobility, Birling Gap offers wonderful views, even from the viewing platform at the top of the cliff.
For those planning a visit, checking local conditions and being aware of parking options will enhance your experience at this stunning coastal gem.
Comments