Birling Gap
Eastbourne, East SussexAbout 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!
Opening Times
Year round access. No lifeguard cover at any time.
Pricing & Tickets
No fees.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Birling Gap by visiting our attraction tickets section.
FAQs
Contact Details
Verification
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Birling Gap Reviews
Recent blog posts

The Summer holidays have well and truly ARRIVED and there’s plenty of up and coming summer events kicking off to get excited for! Read on to find out what’s happening near you… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Cockfields Farm, Ashton-under-Lyne From 25th July to 31st August 2026, Cockfields Farm Park is…

Explore resort holidays for pre-teens with bigger pools, waterparks, kids’ clubs, sports and safe independence, plus family-friendly TUI options.

See what’s showing at the free NEC Lakeside Cinema this summer, including July and August family film listings, opening times and free family activities at the NEC.

Planning a holiday with older kids? Discover the best family holidays for 8 to 12 year olds, from Spain and Turkey to Croatia and Greece.

The Summer holidays have well and truly ARRIVED and there’s plenty of up and coming summer events kicking off to get excited for! Read on to find out what’s going on near you… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent Ready for a Wild Summer? That’s exactly what’s…

Explore TUI family resorts made for little explorers, from kids’ clubs and splash parks to pools, mini discos and family entertainment in Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Find the best holidays for 4 to 7 year olds, with kids’ clubs, splash parks, sandy beaches and easy family-friendly resorts in Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Looking for places to see capybaras in the UK? Discover family-friendly zoos and wildlife parks where kids can spot, meet or learn about these gentle animals.
