Birling Gap

Settlement in Sussex Wealdon

England

Birling Gap

Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023.
<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616">Link</a>
Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex Credit: Andrew Diack

Birling Gap is a picturesque coastal village located in the county of Sussex, England. Situated on the South Downs National Park, this stunning destination is known for its breathtaking scenery and rugged cliffs that overlook the English Channel.

Nestled between the towns of Eastbourne and Seaford, Birling Gap is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The area is renowned for its dramatic chalk cliffs, which have been eroded over centuries by the relentless power of the sea. These cliffs provide visitors with awe-inspiring views and are particularly striking at sunset, casting a warm glow over the surrounding landscape.

One of the main attractions at Birling Gap is its beautiful pebble beach, which stretches for miles along the coast. This beach is a haven for fossil hunters, as it is rich in ancient artifacts and prehistoric remains. Visitors can spend hours exploring the shoreline, combing through the stones in search of hidden treasures.

The village itself is small but charming, with a handful of cottages and a quaint café that offers refreshments and homemade treats. There is also a National Trust visitor center, where visitors can learn about the local wildlife and the history of the area.

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, Birling Gap offers a variety of walking trails that wind through the surrounding countryside. These trails provide an opportunity to spot rare wildlife, such as peregrine falcons and fulmars, as well as a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

Overall, Birling Gap is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty with a rich history, making it a must-visit place for anyone seeking a peaceful and enriching experience in Sussex.

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Birling Gap Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.74382/0.20097874 or Grid Reference TV5596. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023.
<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616">Link</a>
Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex
The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023. Link
Belle Tout Lighthouse This is the lighthouse that was moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago. It was moved so as to avoid it disappearing over the edge!!
Belle Tout Lighthouse
This is the lighthouse that was moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago. It was moved so as to avoid it disappearing over the edge!!
Birling Gap Cliffs looking SE from Birling Gap (right at the top of the square).
Birling Gap
Cliffs looking SE from Birling Gap (right at the top of the square).
Birling Gap The doomed village of Birling Gap. A tourist honeypot.
Birling Gap
The doomed village of Birling Gap. A tourist honeypot.
Heading east off the Seven Sisters into Birling Gap
Heading east off the Seven Sisters into Birling Gap
Michel Dean monument In the last dip on the Seven Sisters before Birling Gap. The monument is mark the gift of the land to the National Trust.
Michel Dean monument
In the last dip on the Seven Sisters before Birling Gap. The monument is mark the gift of the land to the National Trust.
On the Seven Sisters looking east The old lighthouse of Belle Tout can be seen right on the distant cliff. This was moved some 16 metres or so back from the cliff edge in 1999 and may have to be moved again within the next 50 years.
On the Seven Sisters looking east
The old lighthouse of Belle Tout can be seen right on the distant cliff. This was moved some 16 metres or so back from the cliff edge in 1999 and may have to be moved again within the next 50 years.
Looking along the cliffs towards Beachy Head Taken from the left-hand edge of the square looking east; in the distance is Beachy Head lighthouse. The downland rises to an abrupt end along this stretch of coastline.
Looking along the cliffs towards Beachy Head
Taken from the left-hand edge of the square looking east; in the distance is Beachy Head lighthouse. The downland rises to an abrupt end along this stretch of coastline.
East Dean village green An impromptu game of cricket being played outside the Tiger Inn
East Dean village green
An impromptu game of cricket being played outside the Tiger Inn
Track near Birling Farm Belle Tout lighthouse is in the distance (in its new position, after having been moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago). Judging by the shape of the trees it must get quite windy here.
Track near Birling Farm
Belle Tout lighthouse is in the distance (in its new position, after having been moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago). Judging by the shape of the trees it must get quite windy here.
Birling Gap This image taken in 2001 shows how precarious the houses are.  I wonder whether they are still there? Some of them are still there, up to the one painted cream but the other two have gone. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4128405">TV5595 : Former Coastguard  Cottages, Birling Gap, Sussex</a> for how it looks now.
Birling Gap
This image taken in 2001 shows how precarious the houses are. I wonder whether they are still there? Some of them are still there, up to the one painted cream but the other two have gone. TV5595 : Former Coastguard Cottages, Birling Gap, Sussex for how it looks now.
Belle Tout Lighthouse A few years ago the Belle Tout Lighthouse, which is now used as a private house, was moved 200 yards from the cliff edge to its present position.  In the 1970s it was used in the TV drama "The Life and Loves of a She Devil" starring Patricia Hodge.  At that time it was in its former position.
Belle Tout Lighthouse
A few years ago the Belle Tout Lighthouse, which is now used as a private house, was moved 200 yards from the cliff edge to its present position. In the 1970s it was used in the TV drama "The Life and Loves of a She Devil" starring Patricia Hodge. At that time it was in its former position.
Birling Gap Birling Gap hotel, beach and lifeboat, facing to the west.
Birling Gap
Birling Gap hotel, beach and lifeboat, facing to the west.
Eroding Chalk cliffs at Birling Gap One of the most unusual accesses to a beach you'll find!
Eroding Chalk cliffs at Birling Gap
One of the most unusual accesses to a beach you'll find!
The Seven Sisters - Foreshore at Low Tide Below towering chalk-white cliffs is an eroded chalk foreshore pavement at low tide. The trapped seawater is milky white too. In the distance, the dip in the cliffline is Birling Gap.
The Seven Sisters - Foreshore at Low Tide
Below towering chalk-white cliffs is an eroded chalk foreshore pavement at low tide. The trapped seawater is milky white too. In the distance, the dip in the cliffline is Birling Gap.
Nearly High Tide at Crowlink, Seven Sisters. Chalk cliffs undergoing steady erosion.
Nearly High Tide at Crowlink, Seven Sisters.
Chalk cliffs undergoing steady erosion.
Monument at Crowlink, Seven Sisters. William Charles Campbell Monument on the South Downs Way, overlooking chalk cliffs.
Monument at Crowlink, Seven Sisters.
William Charles Campbell Monument on the South Downs Way, overlooking chalk cliffs.
Seven Sisters and Foreshore. Taken from near Crowlink, looking towards Birling Gap.
Seven Sisters and Foreshore.
Taken from near Crowlink, looking towards Birling Gap.
Show me another place!

Birling Gap is located at Grid Ref: TV5596 (Lat: 50.74382, Lng: 0.20097874)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Wealdon

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///gave.spots.releasing. Near Friston, East Sussex

Nearby Locations

Crowlink Birling Gap

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.74382,0.20097874
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7443285/0.197242
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7437745/0.1982892
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7431933/0.1995595
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7420039/0.2015336
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.7467371/0.1966467
Birling Gap
Is In: East Sussex
Place: village
Lat/Long: 50.7432938/0.2028669
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 17:00; Sa 08:45
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Mounting: brick_pillar
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: BN20 705
Royal Cypher: GR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102273
Lat/Long: 50.7427691/0.2019038
Bench
Backrest: yes
Colour: gray
Material: wood
Seats: 4
Lat/Long: 50.743372/0.2010823
Telephone
Booth: K6
Covered: booth
Operator: BT
Payment Coins: yes
Lat/Long: 50.742774/0.2019613
Malcolm's Gate
Barrier: kissing_gate
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7454451/0.1975133
Seven Sisters
Direction: 300
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.740865/0.203521
Vending Machine
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7428018/0.2020911
Vending Machine
Check Date: 2023-10-14
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.743237/0.2016374
Drinking Water
Man Made: water_tap
Lat/Long: 50.7433131/0.2015323
Direction: 300
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.7426631/0.2009055
Bus Stop
Birling Gap
Bench: no
Naptan AtcoCode: 1400WE0328
Naptan NaptanCode: esuawpta
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Lat/Long: 50.7434999/0.2027267
Bus Stop
Birling Gap
Bench: no
Bin: no
Lit: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 50.7430069/0.2037927
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 50.7429439/0.2011456
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 50.7430767/0.2011152
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 50.7431215/0.2011766
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 8
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 50.7432198/0.2019198
Went Hill
Natural: cliff
Lat/Long: 50.7456146/0.1956585
Birling Gap
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.7427386/0.2008227
Drinking Water
Drinking Water
Name De: Trinkwasser
Lat/Long: 50.7430129/0.2011355
Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7431609/0.2012299
Boot Scraper
Boot Scraper: yes
Boot Scraper Type: brush
Lat/Long: 50.7433093/0.2016291
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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