Birling Gap

Birling Gap offers a chalk and shingle beach great for rock pooling and fossil hunting at low tide. With a south west facing beach it is very popular with surfers and kite fliers too so really whatever sort of thing you fancy doing there's plenty of it here! The 50 steps from the car park lead down to a safe spot for paddling so be careful with little legs! There is no lifeguard cover at any time so it's best to stick to paddling unless you're a good strong swimmer and have people watching out for you! There are excellent walks on the South Downs Way over the Seven Sisters hills, and this area is really populous with butterflies. Immediate vicinity amenities include a toilet block, cafe and ice cream bar with more available at the local landmarks of Beachy Head and East Dean Village. Please note that apparently some regard the lowest part of the beach by the South Downs as an unofficial nudist beach, so do plan in advance which 'bits' you want to see!