Renovations at iconic coastal site in South Downs National Park are unveiled
June 10, 2024
The latest phase in the £2m refurbishment of Seven Sisters Country Park is complete with the unveiling of brand-new visitor accommodation.
People will now be able to enjoy a holiday just a stone’s throw from the legendary white cliffs that have been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.
The historic Foxhole Cottages, nestled in a stunning chalk grassland valley, have been sensitively restored into three charming holiday lets.
The new accommodation will help to fund the ongoing conservation and nature recovery work at the sprawling country park.
It comes after a fully refurbished visitor centre, shop, new food outlet and new toilets were unveiled in 2022.
The National Park Authority took ownership of the site in 2021 from East Sussex County Council and now has a dedicated ranger and visitor experience team that is helping to manage the landscape. Alongside the cottages, the National Park Authority has invested in a new camping barn and camping field for organised groups to immerse themselves in the South Downs landscape.
Claire Onslow, Commercial Manager of Seven Sisters Country Park, said: “We average almost a million day trippers every year to Seven Sisters who come to enjoy the breathtaking views, and now they can enjoy a break at the heart of this iconic location.
“These renovated holiday cottages and camping barn are very much part of the chalk landscape, surrounded by flower-rich downland and Sussex Breed cattle. The famous coastal views and the South Downs Way National Trail are just a short stroll away, so there’s plenty for people to do and nearby places to explore.
“This is a chance for people to really get away from it all, go car-free and immerse themselves in nature – and if you get a clear night, the immense star-studded skies need to be seen to be believed!
“Income from the accommodation will be ploughed back into the landscape to make it better for wildlife, so this is a win-win for both people and nature.”
The green shoots of nature recovery are being seen at the country park, thanks to more investment and careful landscape management, including the introduction of Sussex Breed cattle and Shetland ponies. The recovery has seen the return of species such as the short-eared owl, starlings and large flocks of dunlin, as well as swathes of colourful wildflower meadows. Two dew ponds have also been restored and are attracting a range of invertebrates and birds.
Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland – often called “Europe’s rainforest in miniature” as a single square metre can include 40 wildflower species and over 20 different butterflies. The famous white cliffs have been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, including Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and most recently, Summerland.
Located in the heart of the one of only 21 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, the site offers wonderful opportunities for stargazing. Cycle hire, canoeing, and guided nature walks are also on offer at the country park.
The cottages are each named after a threatened or endangered bird that can be found at Seven Sisters – the redshank, kestrel and skylark.
Emma Neill, proprietor of Cuckmere Cottages and Camping , will be managing the accommodation for the National Park.
She said: “We are delighted to be supporting the National Park in the management of the beautiful Foxhole Farm accommodation. Growing up locally, this area is truly special to me and our team so we are very privileged to be able to share this with others. It’s wonderful to see guests experiencing a deeper connection to the environment through a longer stay. There is so much to explore, enjoy and do in the area.”
To find out more and to book accommodation visit www.cuckmerecottagesandcamping.co.uk