Exceat, near Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD
Seven Sisters Country Park
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
9.0
Wildland
1–2 hours to a full day, depending on route
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
9.0At Exceat, the Cuckmere River winds through open chalk grassland towards the sea, framed by the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
This is more than a famous cliff view: chalk downland, a changing river valley and the coast meet in one substantial landscape. Walk inland-to-coast for the way the Cuckmere opens towards the cliffs, or follow the South Downs Way for a longer, hillier encounter.
Dramatic · Big-sky · Wild
Find your way
Open mapExceat, near Seaford, East Sussex BN25 4AD
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a short walk on the easy-access trail towards the beach, or give the landscape longer and follow a waymarked or mapped route across the downs. The Cuckmere Audio Trail adds five audio stories along the easy-access trail.
Things to do
Walk the easy-access trail towards the beach
Follow the route from the Visitor Centre area towards the coast beside the Cuckmere River. Check current trail information before setting out.
Listen to the Cuckmere Audio Trail
Find the five audio stories located on benches along the easy-access trail to the beach.
Follow a section of the South Downs Way
The National Trail passes through the Country Park and over the Seven Sisters cliffs; choose a section suited to your time and ability.
Watch for migrating birds
The park’s river valley and coast form a corridor for migrating birds. Bring binoculars and observe wildlife without disturbing it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; check the route and current conditions before setting out.
Quick Escape: follow the Cuckmere towards the coast
- 01
Start at the Visitor Centre area and check the trail information or map.
- 02
Follow the easy-access trail towards the beach beside the Cuckmere.
- 03
Pause at the trail’s audio-story benches and take in the river valley and coast.
- 04
Return by the same route.
Half day · Half day; route length and conditions depend on the walk chosen.
Make a Half Day of It: Cuckmere valley and downland
- 01
Check current trail maps and conditions near the Visitor Centre.
- 02
Walk towards the coast on the Cuckmere Audio Trail or another park footpath.
- 03
Continue onto a suitable section of the South Downs Way for broader views, then return using a mapped route.
- 04
Allow time to notice the change from river valley to open chalk grassland and cliffs.
Verified history
The park description identifies the Seven Sisters as the famous chalk cliffs that form part of the Sussex Heritage Coast. The supplied sources do not provide a fuller dated history of the Country Park.
Hidden details
Five stories along the trail — The Cuckmere Audio Trail has five audio stories located on benches along the easy-access route to the beach.
When to go
· Check conditions and choose a time that suits your route; no specific time-of-day recommendation is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season or reliable seasonal peak.
Check the forecast and current route conditions before visiting. The exposed coast and downland may be affected by changing weather.
Worth pairing with
Alfriston and Cuckmere Circular
A 6–7-mile moderate walk listed by the Country Park, with quiet roads, forest tracks and uneven footpaths, stiles and several short steep climbs. Allow 4–5 hours.
Alfriston
The Country Park’s walking page describes Alfriston as a historic village in the Cuckmere Valley and a point of interest on the Alfriston and Cuckmere Circular.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the contrast between the meandering Cuckmere valley, open chalk grassland and the white cliff line. Look and listen for migrating birds
- 02
the park is described as a corridor for them.
Best time to go
Check local conditions and seasonal information before visiting.
Check local conditions before setting out; the exposed coastal paths and downland can feel very different in changing weather.
How long to spend
1–2 hours to a full day, depending on route
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visitors are welcome to explore the Country Park on foot. Check current access information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the park’s footpaths; keep them under close control.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating. The park also describes an easy-access trail to the beach; check current route conditions and facilities before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River, estuary, sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Seven Sisters Country Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
