A slow morning, a fish and chip brunch, and a wander through the best of the South Downs. Here’s how to do the Seven Sisters…without doing the Seven Sisters.
Currently, the 13x is a Sunday bus service and the last bus is at 6:45PM from the Seven Sisters Park Visitor centre. You must check local bus times and routes on https://www.buses.co.uk before visiting.
step 1: Get to The station
There are two options for trains from London. London Victoria to Seaford and London to Brighton. Trains from London to Brighton run more frequently.
Step 2: Brunch in Brighton
If you’re in Brighton, there are many food options. We had a fish and chips at Harry Ramesdens. This was located opposite the pier, near a bus stop for the 12, 12X, or 12A to Seaford Library.
Step 3: Walk to Seaford Esplanade Car Park
From Seaford Station or the Seaford Library, you must walk to Seaford Esplanade Car Park, the starting point of your hike. You can grab an ice cream from a beachfront stall and enjoy the pebbly shore as you head towards the cliff ahead of you.
Step 4: Continue towards Cuckmere Haven & the Coastguard Cottages
Set off along the cliff-top path for sweeping views of the South Downs. Follow the trail toward the Coastguard Cottages at Cuckmere Haven, one of the most picturesque spots in the area. The paths can get tiring but the well-paved route makes the journey up manageable. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches offering perfect spots to rest and take in the views.
Step 5: Crossing the Cuckmere River
- At low tide, wade through the very shallow and rocky stream to explore the beach, with its rock pools and chalk cliffs. I decided to head inland to the Seven Sisters Park Visitor Centre (VC) after crossing the river.
- At high tide, if you want to cross the river to explore the beach or the path above the seven sisters, go to the Cuckmere Inn to cross the bridge, then return to the beach. This detour takes about 50 minutes.
- If you do not want to cross the river, you could cross the bridge at Cuckmere Inn and continue towards the VC.
Step 6: Detour to the Visitor centre
After crossing the river, I planned to continue along the Seven Sisters, but the incline was too steep for me, though other families were managing it. At the time, I couldn’t spot an alternate route to the top, but later did on my way out of the park. But as I’d put everyone through enough, I decided to look for buses to our next destination, the Beachy Head Lighthouse. I set my map to the Visitor Centre, and caught the 13X from here to Beachy Head.
Step 7: Beachy Head to East Dean
Continue along the cliffs to Beachy Head for a beautiful view of the Beachy Head Lighthouse on a misty day. From here you’ll make your way to East Dean, passing the Belle Tout Lighthouse and making sure to stop for pictures at the Birling Gap.
Step 8: Walk from Birling Gap to East Dean Garage Bus Stop
Head north on Birling Gap Road away from the coast. The road becomes Gilberts Drive. Follow this road for countryside views, leading you to East Dean village.
The road ahead intersects with the A259 at a junction, with the bus station located on your left. From there, you can catch a bus to Brighton Station. This walk took around 35 minutes
When walking on the road, stay single file facing oncoming traffic, unless you need to stay on the outside of blind curves. Be cautious of quieter electric cars, and use any paths on the side of the road where possible.
Make sure your navigation is on while you have a good mobile signal beforehand. This helps keep your route available even if the signal goes out near Birling Gap, which is the only place I noticed service being spotty.
Step 9: East Dean Garage to Brighton
Catch the 12 or 12A bus back to Brighton Station. Maybe, treat yourself to a pizza from the Little Rebel Pizza machine outside the station ;).
Walkways 
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