Just west of Eastbourne, where the Cuckmere River winds its way to the sea, lies one of the most photographed landscapes in Britain. Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven pair sweeping river meanders with the famous chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters — and there’s a walk here for everyone, from a flat riverside stroll to the sea to the exhilarating clifftop ridge. Here’s how to make the most of a visit.
About the park
Seven Sisters Country Park sits at Exceat, near Seaford, in a rural valley within the South Downs National Park, right where the downs meet the sea. Its centrepiece is the Cuckmere Valley, where the river loops in wide, curving meanders across the floodplain before reaching the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven. It’s the classic view you’ll have seen on countless postcards: the serpentine river with the chalk sisters rising beyond. The park is the western end of the celebrated Seven Sisters clifftop walk and a gateway to Friston Forest, Seaford Head and the wider downland.
Did you know? Those famous meanders are partly man-made history: a canal was cut alongside the old river in the 1840s to reduce flooding upstream at Alfriston, so the looping bends are now a beautiful, largely static feature of the landscape. Nearby Exceat itself is a “lost” medieval village, decimated centuries ago and marked today only by a memorial stone.
The best walks
The park suits every level of walker. The easy valley-to-beach walk is the most popular: a flat, roughly 2.5-mile round trip from the visitor centre down the valley path, following the meanders to the shingle beach and river mouth, with wonderful views the whole way. On dry, firm days it’s manageable with buggies and, for much of its length, wheelchairs.
For the classic Seven Sisters ridge walk, head from Cuckmere Haven up Haven Brow — the first and westernmost sister — and continue east over the switchback of chalk brows towards Birling Gap and, ultimately, Beachy Head and Eastbourne. It’s undulating and genuinely strenuous in places, with repeated climbs, but the ever-changing coastal views are breathtaking. There’s no fixed path along the cliffs, so keep well back from the edge. Our guide to Seven Sisters and Birling Gap covers the full ridge route in detail.
For the picture-postcard shot of the coastguard cottages framed by the Seven Sisters, walk west and climb Seaford Head, which offers arguably the best view back over the whole scene and is usually far quieter than the ridge. There’s also an easy-access trail at Seaford Head suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Inland, Friston Forest adds gentle, sheltered woodland loops — handy on a windy day.
Getting there and parking
The park is easy to reach without a car, which is just as well given how busy parking gets. The Coaster 12, 12A and 12X buses run along the coast between Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne and stop right at the park entrance, and seasonal services connect Alfriston, Berwick and Lewes at weekends. The nearest railway stations are Eastbourne, Seaford and Berwick. If you do drive, there are two pay-and-display car parks at Exceat (roughly £7 for the day, with spaces filling quickly on fine days); note that the car parks are locked overnight, with seasonal closing times. For more on local transport, see our guide to getting around Eastbourne.
Facilities, food and wildlife
The visitor centre, housed in an 18th-century barn, has displays on the park along with a shop selling maps, leaflets and souvenirs, plus refreshments and accessible toilets. The independent Saltmarsh Café offers sit-down dining, and just across Exceat Bridge the Cuckmere Inn serves traditional pub food overlooking the river and valley. The valley is a haven for wildlife too: chalk downland wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies and bees in the warmer months, grazing sheep and cattle on the water meadows, and rich birdlife around the estuary — with canoeing on the river another popular way to explore. Whatever the weather, it makes a memorable day out.
Staying safe
A few important cautions. Do not attempt to cross the river at the beach — it’s tidal, the current is unpredictable and it’s deeper than it looks, with slippery stones; to reach the far side, walk inland and cross at Exceat Bridge on the A259. On the clifftops, keep well back from the unfenced edges, as the chalk erodes and can crumble without warning, especially after rain. In warmer months, blue-green algae can appear in the meanders, so stay out of the water and keep dogs on leads. And always check tide times before heading down to the beach.
Good to know: unlike Birling Gap, there are no shops or facilities down at Cuckmere Haven itself — it’s just you and the landscape. Stock up at the visitor centre before you set off, and take your litter home.
Cuckmere Haven & Seven Sisters Country Park: FAQs
How long is the walk to Cuckmere Haven beach?
The easy valley-floor walk from the visitor centre at Exceat down to the beach and back is around 2.5 miles (about 4km) return. It’s mostly flat and follows the river meanders, making it suitable for families and, on dry days, buggies.
How do I get to Seven Sisters Country Park from Eastbourne?
The Coaster 12, 12A and 12X buses run from Eastbourne along the coast and stop at the park entrance at Exceat, on the A259. You can also drive (pay-and-display parking, which fills fast) or combine bus and train via Seaford or Berwick.
Where is the best view of the Seven Sisters?
For the iconic view of the cliffs and the coastguard cottages, climb Seaford Head to the west of Cuckmere Haven. It offers the classic panorama and is usually much quieter than the main ridge walk.
Can you swim at Cuckmere Haven?
It’s a shingle beach and the sea is cold, with no lifeguards. More importantly, never try to cross the river at the beach — it’s tidal and dangerous. Take care, check tides, and be aware there are no facilities down at the Haven itself.
Love a coastal walk? Explore Seven Sisters and Birling Gap, the Beachy Head guide, and the best walks in Eastbourne.