Beachy Head Cape

Address: Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, England

Beachy Head is a prominent chalk headland on the south coast of England near Eastbourne, noted for its high white cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. It is one of the best-known cliff viewpoints on the English Channel and forms part of the wider South Downs coastal landscape.

The headland offers sweeping coastal views and access to cliff-top walking paths on the South Downs Way; viewing points and car parks atop the cliff are commonly used by visitors. At the base of the headland stands a conventional lighthouse marking shipping lanes. Safety signage and railings are in place at public viewpoints because of the steep cliffs and unstable chalk edges.

The cliffs are composed of chalk formed in the Late Cretaceous and have been shaped by marine erosion, producing sheer faces that drop to the shoreline below. A lighthouse was constructed at the foot of the headland in the early 20th century to assist navigation along the English Channel.

Beachy Head lies east of the town of Eastbourne on the Sussex coast and forms the seaward edge of the South Downs escarpment, accessible by local roads and coastal paths.

• Cliff height and visibility: The white chalk cliffs reach approximately 162 metres at their highest point and are a prominent landmark on the Sussex coast, visible from the South Downs and the coastal path.
• Lighthouse and access: A lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs marks the headland; coastal paths and designated viewpoints along the cliff top provide the main visitor access and scenic overview points.

Beachy Head is a short drive or bus ride from Eastbourne (about 5-10 minutes). Trains to Eastbourne run from London; from the station take a local bus (The 12/12A services) or taxi to the headland.

• Walk the cliff path beyond the main viewpoint for quieter perspectives and fewer selfie-stations.
• Avoid cliff edges in strong winds; the down-drafts at the headland are strong and unpredictable.
• If interested in birds, bring binoculars - spring and autumn migrations can be spectacular along the headland.