Beachy Head is a chalk cliff headland just west of Eastbourne in East Sussex. It’s also the highest sea cliff in Britain at 162 m (531 ft) above sea level. It’s part of the South Downs National Park and at the start (or finish) of the South Downs Way. And, if you have some spare time, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Unsurprisingly, it’s on Beachy Head Road, which is a fabulous bit of road which you access from the A259 either from East Dean or Eastbourne. There are car parks at Heathy Brow (small area of parking), at Beachy Head at the Cadence Clubhouse and at Beachy Head West car park but parking is paid. There is a bus service to Beachy Head and you can also do an open top bus tour.
Contrary to popular belief, Beachy Head is not named after a beach but was originally called Beuchef (Beautiful Headland) but the name gradually evolved over the centuries until it became Beachy by the 18th century. From the top, there are views to Kent, Brighton and the Isle of Wight, as well as views out across the sea.
Walking at Beachy Head
There is plenty of room to roam up at Beachy Head but you’ll need Ordnance Survey Explorer 25. The South Downs way runs more or less parallel with the road so park up, and walk a section of it, perhaps to the Belle Tout Lighthouse or on to Birling Gap and back.
If you want a circular walk, park at Heathy Brow, follow the South Downs Way west and then take one of the four north bound footpaths or bridlepaths (the first is just past The Beachy Head Story, the second is just before Shooters Bottom at the parking area, and the third and fourth are just before the Belle Tout Lighthouse). All of these allow you to do a circular route that will eventually bring you back to just north of where you parked.
Alternatively, opposite The Beachy Head story, there is a steep path down to the lower tier, where you meet the Wealdway. There are a couple of different loops you can do here which take you past the extraordinary playing fields at Whitebread Hole. You can also walk on to Holywell and Eastbourne or drop down to the beach (at low tide) and Cow Gap. Whichever walk you choose, it will be stunning.
If you are walking at Beachy Head, please keep well away from the edge of the cliffs. Cliff falls (where large chunks of the cliff fall away) are common and dangerous.
The Beachy Head Story
The Beachy Head Story is a free visitor experience. It’s very visible and in a beautiful old barn, and is worth a visit. It’s not huge but there is lots of information about the South Downs as well as information about some of the many people who have lived or worked here. It’s very hands-on for kids and staff will recommend walks and nature trails in the area.
RAF Bomber Command Memorial and trig point
Just across from The Beachy Head Story is a memorial to 55,573 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during WWII and it also commemorates their final mission on April 26, 1945 to destroy Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. It was the vision of 90 year old Joe Williams, an ex-bomber command rear gunner during World War II. He wanted the memorial to be placed at the last part of UK land that would have been seen when flying out to sea during the war and the memorial was finally unveiled in 2013. If you like trig points, there is also a distinctive white one nearby.
Belle Tout Lighthouse
A little further to the west from Beachy Head (but clearly visible) is Belle Tout Lighthouse, built in 1832 but decommissioned in 1902. It’s been a tea shop and featured in various films including Bond film, The Living Daylights. These days, you can stay overnight in one of the themed rooms and enjoy 360 degree views!
Beachy Head Lighthouse
As you walk along the cliffs, or if you walk down to the lower tier, or even to the beach via Cow Gap, you’ll spot the distinctive Beachy Head Lighthouse with its red and white stripes. It is 33 m high and became operational in October 1902 to replace the Belle Tout. It was fully electrified in 1975 and completely automated in 1983. At low tide, you can walk to the base of the lighthouse.
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