Birling Gap Dark Sky Discovery Site
Address: Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 0AB
Parking: Parking charges apply. National Trust members can park for free. All day parking £5.00. Pay by using the Pay & display machine or by using the PayByPhone system. Visit the National Trust website for more information; https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters
Location: Birling Gap, near Eastbourne in East Sussex, is part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. One minute you can be walking on ancient downland, the next you could be rockpooling below towering cliffs of chalk. With over 500 acres of open chalk grassland the area is rich with butterflies and downland flowers.
Spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea can be seen from all angles. Coastal erosion has already removed some of the row of coastguard cottages built in 1878, but those that remain are still inhabited. There is a cafe, shop and visitor centre run by National Trust, and a metal staircase leading down to the enclosed pebble beach and the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. If walkers are cut off at high tide, they can climb the ladder, which is replaced often, to Birling Gap.
For detailed astronomy information visit the GoStargazing website; https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/locations/birling-gap/