Approximate Location Map
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Birling Gap is a small bay located east of Beachy Head in East Sussex. The beach is approximately 300 metres wide with a gentle slope, situated right below the backdrop of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. The beach is predominantly shingle, but shallow sandflats and rocks from the chalk cliff become exposed with the receding tide.
The beach at Birling Gap is set at the base of the imposing, sheer chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters. Despite being set between the well-known seaside resorts of Eastbourne and Brighton, this is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on England’s south coast. The beach is a mix of mostly pebbles which give way to the occasional patch of sand. As the tide goes out, rocky platforms are revealed which provide an array of rock pools to explore.
Access to the beach is via a sturdy tower staircase from cliff level. At the top, you will find the pleasant weatherboarded National Trust cafe, along with a car park and row of cottages which is slowly disappearing into the sea as the cliffs erode.
The white chalk cliffs here are white for a reason, and that is the rate at which they are eroding; up to a metre a year in places. The cliffs are also of some geological interest and are a fine example of sedimentary layers. The beach is also a good place for fossil hunting. Certain areas of Birling Gap beach are used by nudists.
Birling Gap is a voluntary marine nature reserve.
Birling Gap Beach is easy to reach from the village of East Dean, Sussex, situated on the Seven Sisters not far from Beachy Head. A popular destination for nature lovers and walkers, it can get busy during the holidays. The beach is dog-friendly all year round and popular with dog walkers.
Birling Gap was home to J Dipperay, a famous smuggler. There is a plaque dedicated to him in East Dean Church.
Birling Gap is on the Sussex Heritage Coast.
Sand Shingle
| Today |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 96% |
| Max temperature | 15°C |
| feels like | 16°C |
| Wind 24mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | % |
| Min temperature | 9°C |
| feels like | 12°C |
| Wind 9mph |  |
The tide at Birling Gap is currently rising. High tide will be at approximately 11:21 AM, and the next low tide will be at approximately 6:02 PM.
Detailed weather and tides »
Food available
Toilets
Birling Gap car park - a charge applies (free for NT members).
No lifeguard cover at this beach
Water quality not measured here
around 2 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 5 miles by road or 2 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 3 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 5 miles by road.
around 4 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 5 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 5 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 7 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 7 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 8 miles northeast as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 10 miles northeast as the seagull flies, around 15 miles by road.
around 11 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 14 miles by road.
around 12 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 17 miles by road.
around 14 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 18 miles by road.
around 14 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 20 miles by road.
around 15 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 19 miles by road.
around 16 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 19 miles by road.
around 16 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 22 miles by road.
around 17 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 28 miles by road or 21 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 17 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 23 miles by road.
around 18 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 28 miles by road or 22 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 19 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 24 miles by road.
Location: Birling Gap
Location type: Town
Nearest village: East Dean
OS Grid: TV553959
Coordinates: 50°44'33"N 0°12'1"E
Mapcode: GBR MVJ.9J7
What 3 Words: polices.pushing.bugs
Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.
County: East Sussex
Country: England
Local Authority: Wealden
Parish: East Dean and Friston
Nearest postcode: BN20 0AB
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
