UNITED KINGDOM
The chalk cliffs of
East Sussex
short trip from Palmers Green brought me to the marvelous Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex. That was in 2024, 10 years after I discovered them online. And just like that, I checked them off from my bucket list.
What I was not expecting was the amount of people visiting. Not only its a nice, secluded beach but it's also a very, very popular tourist attraction
The Seven Sisters are a group of white chalk cliffs located along the coast of Sussex, in southern England. They are part of the South Downs National Park and are a famous natural landmark. The cliffs got their name because there are seven main peaks, which resemble the shape of a group of sisters standing together. The cliffs were formed millions of years ago, during a time when the area was covered by an ancient sea. Over time, the sea and weather slowly eroded the soft chalk rock, creating the steep cliffs we see today.
I discovered these cliffs in 2014 while I was staying in London but, even though it was love at first sight, I never did my research on how to get there. It sat on the back of my mind until, 10 years later, I came to London for a weekend and was looking for nice road trips from Palmers Green.
What I was not expecting was the amount of people visiting. Not only its a nice, secluded beach but it’s also a very, very popular tourist attraction. It has all the amenities you might think; restrooms, a cafe, a shop with great books (I bought one about pebbles) and souvenirs, an ice cream truck, pic nic tables, the only thing still missing its an entrance fee. So, be prepared for possible big crowds.
The white color comes from the chalk, which is made up of tiny remains of sea creatures. The Seven Sisters cliffs have been a popular spot for visitors, especially for hiking and enjoying the beautiful views of the English Channel. The cliffs are part of a larger area called the South Downs, which has many hills, valleys, and other natural sights. The cliffs also have a history. During World War II, the area was used for defense, and there are still some old structures like bunkers and lookout posts in the region. Today, the Seven Sisters are a protected natural site, and people come to admire their beauty and learn about the area’s history.
A fun fact about the Seven Sisters cliffs is that they are constantly changing! Over time, the sea and weather continue to erode the chalk, which means the cliffs are slowly getting smaller. In fact, the cliffs lose a few centimeters of rock every year. So, while the Seven Sisters look the same today, they are always evolving and will look different in the future!
