Eastbourne and Seven Sisters
Visit Eastbourne and Seven Sisters in the distinctive final section of the South Downs Way.
Eastbourne and Seven Sisters
https://www.contours.co.uk/eastbourne-and-seven-sisters
by Gosia Giernalczyk
Visiting seaside Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters cliffs has been on my wish list for some time, as I have never been there before — and Vitamin Sea brings me genuine joy. There is something wonderful about observing the waves, the open spaces, and the changing colours of the sky by the shore.
Unfortunately, I do not live very close to the sea, but each visit fills me with happiness. For a visit Eastbourne, I chose early autumn: an ideal time for a weekend getaway to enjoy nature and the daylight.
As much as I love nature, I also enjoy visiting new villages and towns. Each place has different things to offer and a unique atmosphere.
Eastbourne is a town situated on the southeast coast, approximately 66 miles from London, and it has good transport links to the capital. The South Downs Way, a 100-mile National Trail that begins in Winchester, concludes in Eastbourne.
As a town to visit, Eastbourne is a very vibrant destination with many attractions to offer. There are multiple theatres, a cinema, a bandstand from the 1930s, and an art gallery.
For everyone who likes to try different flavours, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés, and their culinary offering is rich. Additionally, there is a shopping centre and the high street hosts many shops.
Eastbourne’s architecture is majestic, elegant, and unique. Many buildings, including the hotels, were built in the Victorian and Edwardian eras and look very impressive.
A walk along the seafront and promenade is very joyful. There are multiple places to sit down and rest. It is such an immense pleasure just to watch the waves and birds.
One of the most recognizable attractions in Eastbourne is the pier, opened in 1870. The pier is an amazing place, especially considering the fact that it was built so many years ago and remains open today.
On the pier there are shops and places to buy drinks and food. At the end of the pier, there is also a pub, where it is possible to listen to live music every weekend. I found it a bit surreal to be sitting in a pub so far away from the shoreline.
It was nice to spend some time in Eastbourne itself and enjoy its charm, but the second part of my weekend plans involved visiting the Seven Sisters cliffs and Birling Gap.
I decided to take a bus from Eastbourne to Birling Gap, a very convenient service, and walk back after the visit along the South Downs Way to Eastbourne.
The Seven Sisters cliffs look spectacular; I was almost speechless when I saw them. The white cliffs, blue water, and greyish sky create a magical combination of colours. It was nice just to be by the sea and to enjoy the views.
When visiting the area, it is essential to stay safe and not to get close to the cliffs’ edges. As the cliffs are very fragile, there is a constant process of erosion, and taking extra care is essential. There are many additional information boards about the cliffs, nature, and local history, which are worth reading.
At Birling Gap, there is a café and a shop.
After visiting Seven Sisters, it was time to walk back to Eastbourne. The route along the coast is very picturesque. It was very enjoyable to see a couple of white horses, whose enclosure was located directly on the trail.
Other spectacular landmarks are the local lighthouses: Belle Tout Lighthouse and Beachy Head Lighthouse.
After a couple of hours of walking, it was possible to see Eastbourne in the distance, and the jewel in its crown: the pier. Just before arriving in Eastbourne, you can either follow the South Downs Way or take one of the numerous other footpaths, giving you several options to consider.
Visiting Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters was an amazing experience, and I cannot wait to return! There is a certain magic in the air and Vitamin Sea is still my favourite vitamin!
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Organises database team work. Google Maps and research enthusiast. After work you can find her learning salsa and bachata on the dance floor, enjoying nature and architecture on a walk, or watching a movie at a small cinema with big vision.
