Seven Sisters Country Park is a special place for nature, popular with visitors exploring the wildlife of Cuckmere Haven and hiking the famous chalk cliffs, part of the Sussex Heritage Coast between Seaford and Eastbourne.
Like other chalk cliffs around Britain, it is slowly being nibbled away by the elements. It’s estimated that between 30-40cm of the coastal edge crumbles away each year.
Cuckmere Haven is a special place for nature, wildlife and plants, especially migratory birds who enjoy the temperate British summers.
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Opening times
Seven Sisters Country Park is open all year round, with car parks open from dawn until dusk. Please note, car parks are closed overnight and it won’t be possible to access the car park once barriers are locked.
Our seasonal opening hours are:
- Grab and Go (takeaway refreshments): 10:00- 17:00 (27 October – March 10:00 – 16:00)
- Visitor Centre: 10:00 – 17:00 (27 October – March 10:00 – 16:00)
- Car Parks: 7:00 – 21:00 (27 October – March 07:00 – 18:00)
- Toilets: 7:00 – 21:00 (27 October – March 07:00 – 18:00)
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Car and Coach Parking
There are two pay and display car parks on site, which accept coins and cards or you can use the RinGo app – location 40750
Open: 7am until 9pm between March and 26 October. (October until March, 7am – 6pm).
Our car parks are locked overnight and a release fee is payable. Overnight parking is prohibited.To find us, type our postcode in to your satnav – BN25 4AD or use these what3words locations:
North car park – ///stiletto.endings.crew South car park – ///acoustics.affords.followersFour, up to 7kw electric vehicle charging points are located in the north car park provided by podPoint.
At peak times, our car parks can be very busy and fill quickly, be prepared before your visit to have alternative options in mind. Please consider using public transport to visit Seven Sisters Country Park. When car parks are full, please do not park irresponsibly on neighbouring roads, grass verges or farm gates blocking access for emergency vehicles, bus services, farmers and the local community.
Cars
- Up to 2 hrs £3.50
- Up to 4 Hrs £5.00
- Over 4 hours £7.00
No concessions for Blue Badges.
Coaches, Minibuses and Motorhomes
Please plan ahead if bringing a coach to Seven Sisters Country Park as there is no formal coach parking or pick up / drop off points.
The nearest coach parking for visits to the Seven Sisters cliffs can be located at Beachy Head, where there are 6 spaces and the Stagecoach depot in Eastbourne. During off peak season weekdays up to 2 pre booked coaches may be accommodated at our discretion in south car park only. During weekends, bank holiday and summer months a 3m height barrier is in operation.
Please plan your visit accordingly and let us know if you are planning to visit.- Up to 3 hours – £10.00
- Full day £20.00
Please note there is a 7.5t weight limit on Litlington Road, so there is no coach access to north car partk.
Motorbikes
Motorbike parking is free.
Fees from our pay and display car parks are reinvested into the care and protection of our special landscape and visitor facilities.
Forestry England Annual Parking Permit
For regular visitors, Forestry England offers a yearly Membership to a cluster of sites in and around Seven Sisters Country Park. The annual membership allows free parking at the following car parks:
- Abbots Wood
- Butchershole, Friston Forest
- Litlington Road, Friston Forest
- Seven Sisters Country Park South (Riverside)
- Seven Sisters Country Park North (Forest)
Forestry England passes must be displayed in windscreens when using the Seven Sisters car parks. For enquiries relating to the annual Membership go to Forestry England’s website or call 0300 068 0400.
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Facilities
Toilets
Free public toilets can be found next to the Visitor Centre, including an accessible Changing Places toilet.
Toilets are open between 26 October and March 7am – 6pm every day.
April to October, toilets are open daily between 7am – 9pm.There are no toilet facilities at the beach or along the cliffs.
Visitor centre and shop
Whether visiting for the day, walking a longer route or just passing by, a visit to the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre at Exceat, is where our team will help you plan your visit into the Country Park and surrounding areas.
We also offer a wide range of gifts, maps, books, local crafts and local produce to take home as souvenirs of your visit. Where possible, we strive to support local business and suppliers.
Free, visitor wi-fi is available at the Visitor Centre as mobile signal can be weak in the area.
Our Visitor Centre is also where you can hire one of two all-terrain mobility scooters to explore our park for those with limited mobility. Advance Booking is advised.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am – 5pm (4pm from 27 October to March) except for 25 December.
Places to Stay
At the heart of Seven Sisters Country Park, you’ll find Cuckmere Cottages and Camping providing a unique, car free opportunity to step away from modern life and immerse yourself in the iconic landscape of the South Downs National Park; with the South Downs Way, Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters Cliffs on your doorstep.
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Accessibility
Free Mobility Scooters for Hire
We have a choice of two mobility scooters available to hire for visitors with reduced mobility. The scooters can be used to explore the accessible path from the Visitor Centre towards the beach but can’t be taken into Friston Forest. You do not need to be a blue badge holder but must be aged 14 or over.
Pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment and they are free to use but a suggested £5 donation is appreciated for maintenance and further accessibility projects on the park.
Find out more, including how to hire.
Facilities
A Changing Places toilet can be found near the Visitor Centre and North Car Park. The toilets are open every day from 7am – 9pm (October to March 7am – 6pm), including Christmas Day.
Easy Access Trail
The Easy Access Trail at Seven Sisters Country Park is suitable for people with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and push chairs and it’s great for walking or cycling.
The trail follows the valley floor down to the shingle beach and the mouth of the River Cuckmere which is approximately 2km (4km return). It takes in spectacular views of the valley and Seaford Head.
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Food and Drink
Whether you’re looking for something to grab and go or a sit-down meal, visitors to Seven Sisters Country Park are well catered for.
Grab & Go
Our Grab and Go offers a selection of takeaway snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and tubs of ice cream. It is open every day from 10am except Christmas Day with seasonal opening hours.We focus on sourcing high quality, sustainable and local produce whenever possible. We’re proud to work with such local suppliers as Liquid Spirit Coffee, Holy Cow! Ice Cream and many more.
Ice Cream
A seasonal ice cream van is located in our south car park, serving cold drinks and a variety of ice creams.Picnic Areas
Designated picnic areas can be found in the north and south car parks. No barbeques or open flames are permitted in any area of the protected landscape of Seven Sisters Country Park due to the risk of fire.Saltmarsh Cafe
The independently-run Saltmarsh Café is next to the Visitor Centre and offers a seaonal menu with sit-down dining. Open every day from 9am except Christmas Day with seaonsal opening hours.Nearby
The Cuckmere Inn, located just over the other side of Exceat bridge, overlooks the river and valley, offering traditional pub food in a tranquil setting. Nearby Litlington has several options, including the Plough and Harrow pub, the Long Man Brewery tasting room and Cadence hub and café. -
Visiting with dogs
Seven Sisters Country Park is managed for wildlife and nature. Responsible dog walkers are very welcome.
Please keep dogs under close control, and if you see signs asking you to keep your dog on the lead, please do so.
Cuckmere Haven and surrounding landscape is a special place and home to birds, wildlife and grazing animals throughout the year. Any disturbance can have an impact on wildlife but particularly during ground nesting season and when pregnant and young livestock are on the park.
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Cliff and river safety
Chalk Cliffs
The Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are picture perfect but they are also extremely dangerous, and due to coastal erosion chalk falls are unpredictable and can happen at any time.Just follow these simple things to stay safe:
- Stick to the path;
- Stay at least 5 meters away from the cliff edge and base;
- Admire from a safe distance;
- Always check the weather forecast and tide times.
Cuckmere River mouth
The Cuckmere River joins the sea at Cuckmere Haven. At high tide the river can be between 6 – 7 m high with a strong current. Crossing the river can be very risky as the strong currents could sweep you out to sea.Always check tide times to avoid getting into difficulties and follow the English Coastal path around the river for a safe walking route.
However important you think a photo or a shortcut might be, it’s not worth tempting fate by putting yourself in danger.
If you do run into trouble call 999 for emergency assistance or 112 and ask for the coastguard.