What to do in Birling Gap

Activities, attractions and tours

The white cliffs of the Seven Sisters at Birling Gap, Near Beachy Head, Eastbourne, UK on a beautiful bright summers day with nice cloudscape.
Birling Gap
Birling Gap
Birling Gap
Photo by Alexey Komarov (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
Birling Gap
Photo by Mike Hudson (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
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Top places to visit

1. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a popular seaside escape that buzzes with activity during the summer. Go for a stroll along the promenade, ride fairground attractions on a Victorian pier and revel in the lively atmosphere of the beach’s busy cafés, restaurants and clubs.
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2. Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a multipurpose arena that hosts a variety of events such as conferences, music and sports. It has an audience capacity of 4,500 and an exhibition space of 53,820 square feet (5,000 square meters). Set on the seafront, Brighton Centre has been an integral part of the city’s cultural scene since opening in 1977. It has a Brutalist architectural design that was unique in England at the time of its inauguration.
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AY7KWM Brighton seafront - the view of the Brighton Centre and the Grand Hotel, East Sussex, England. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

3. Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina consists of a harbor full of boats and a maze of houses overlooking the English Channel. The 127-acre (51-hectare) labyrinth is charming in its simplicity and is home to gated communities with townhouses and apartments. Spend the afternoon browsing its various leisure centers, shops and restaurants with waterfront views.
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4. Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier is the heart of the town’s seaside entertainment scene. Spend an afternoon eating cotton candy and riding thrilling roller coasters and come back in the evening for a stroll.
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5. Preston Park

The city’s largest green area, Preston Park, has a lake, children’s playground and vast forest. The site consists of 63 acres (26 hectares) of pleasant parkland. Visit for its regular outdoor events, such as music performances, circuses and family activities. Enjoy a picnic on a lovely green patch in the shade of a tree while you watch the kids at play.
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6. University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is an educational institute nestled in the shadow of the beautiful South Downs National Park. Walk alongside students and between an interesting collection of architectural landmarks. Be part of student-organized events and follow a trail around the campus’ surrounding countryside. Established in 1961, the University of Sussex counts Nobel Prize laureates among its staff and notable politicians among its alumni.
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What to do in Birling Gap

Popular places to visit

The Coast Guard Cottages and Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs just outside Eastbourne, Sussex, England, UK.

Seven Sisters

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Seven Sisters during your travels in East Dean and Friston. Wander through the seaside and beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Seven Sisters
Eastbourne Pier

Eastbourne Pier

Extending out from the seafront, this much-loved pier has shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Eastbourne Pier
Eastbourne Beach

Eastbourne Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Eastbourne Beach during your travels in Eastbourne? Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Eastbourne Beach
Beachy Head

Beachy Head

Feel the sea breeze blow and admire the views of this white bluff, the highest chalk sea cliff in the United Kingdom.

Beachy Head
Sovereign Harbour

Sovereign Harbour

Stroll around the harbor-side walkways, admire the gleaming vessels moored at this marina and relax over a meal at a waterfront restaurant.

Sovereign Harbour
Eastbourne Bandstand

Eastbourne Bandstand

One of the focal points of the Eastbourne seafront, this 1930s entertainment venue regularly hosts music concerts.

Eastbourne Bandstand
Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum

Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum

Browse the military-themed exhibits at this fascinating museum, housed in a seemingly impregnable Napoleonic fort.

Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park

Ride miniature trains, bring the kids to the adventure play area and have a picnic near a picturesque lake at this family-friendly country park.

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park

Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club

Catch an event at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club during your trip to Eastbourne Seafront. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club

Day trip destinations from Birling Gap

Eastbourne

Eastbourne

Frequently asked questions

Is Birling Gap worth visiting?
With a mix of coastal beaches and views, there's no shortage of things to do in Birling Gap. When you're here, head to Eastbourne Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Birling Gap?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Eastbourne Beach and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, spend some time exploring Birling Gap's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Birling Gap?
Don't go home without exploring Eastbourne Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Birling Gap.
Is three days enough to stay in Birling Gap?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city highlights, such as Eastbourne Beach, Congress Theatre and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park. The average stay in Birling Gap is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Brighton isn't far away.
Is Birling Gap a walkable city?
With popular attractions like South Downs Way in the area, Birling Gap is very much a place to enjoy on foot. Like to visit some vibrant neighbourhoods a walkable distance from the city centre? Meads is only 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Birling Gap with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Birling Gap with kids.
What to do in Birling Gap for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's lots of things to do in Birling Gap for adults including Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club.
Are there free things to do in Birling Gap?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Birling Gap is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without opening your wallet. Eastbourne Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.