Southeast England - The Sussex Coastline (Sevensisters and Brighton)

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Photo: Serafina S.

Southeast England is exactly what you would imagine an English countryside is. If I were to choose between London and Southeast England, I would probably go for Southeast England. Having spent some of my high school years in the Southeast England, I had the privilege to visit many beautiful sites in the area. In this blog post, I am going to share with you a one day itinerary which captures the essence of the Sussex Coastline.

Train from London Victoria to Eastbourne
Eastbourne is the gateway to the South Downs and Sevensisters. It can be easily accessed by a direct train from central London (London Victoria Station) taking approximately 1.5 hour. Right across the road from the train station, you can see some bus stands. Look for Bus 12 to Brighton and get off at "the Country Park Exceat".

Photo: Serafina S.

For more information regarding transportation to Sevensisters/ South Downs visit,
http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/page56.html

Sevensisters Coastline

Photo: Serafina S.

Between Seaford and Eastbourne, the coastline rises to the cliffs of Beachy Head, where South Downs meet the sea. These cast cliff are composed of pure white chalk as has a height of about 163 meters. The sea gnawing at the base of the cliffs causes regular landfalls. As a result, cliffs are receding at the rate of 30 cm each year.

Upon arrival, I suggest going into the tourist centre. Get a map or leaflet or simply ask some questions and suggestions on route that suit you the best. We did two routes on the day, one to the pebble beach and one up hill to have a good view of the Sevensisters.

Beach Trail
The Beach Trail is approximately 2 miles and it took us 1 hour to go down the beach and back. The entrance of this track is right outside the tourist centre. The first section of the walk follow flat concrete track then a short stone track. At the end there are some sharp inclines near the beach.

Photo: Serafina S.

Seaford Head Trail
Following the footpath alongside the road in the direction of Seaford after coming out from the tourist centre, you will see a bridge at the river. Cross the bridge and you will see the Golden Galleon public house car park where you will find the footpath that heads to the sea. At the end of the path, you will see the coastguard cottages. Do walk up the hill for the best view of Sevensisters cliff, it's breath-taking!

Photo: Serafina S.

After the first trail to the beach, we stopped by the Gold Galleon public house for some refreshments. It is a lovely tradition English public house. Great for catching up with friends or just a chilled beer after a walk!

Photo: Serafina S.

For more information, visit: http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/page50.html

Brighton
After a the walk, it was around 3:30pm and we decided to catch a bus down to Brighton and have our dinner there. Catch the same bus, Bus 12, to Brighton and get off somewhere at the Brighton Wheel. Although taking a bus down to Brighton will take you around 45 minutes, it is a scenic ride along the coast. You will also be able to see the Marina and Rodean School on your way down.

When you arrive in Brighton, do go around and explore city. For a three-hour stay in the city, I recommend seeing the Pavilion, Brighton Pier and go on the Brighton Wheel for the overview of Brighton and Hove. And if you have a little bit longer, go explore the Lanes for a different shopping experience. Last but not least, do not leave without having a FishnChips!