A Photo Guide to Cuckmere Haven and Hope Gap, East Sussex by Zoë Power

Seven Sisters cliffs and coastguard cottages at Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, UK

Cuckmere Haven was one of the main reasons my husband and I decided to move to Seaford 6 years ago. This super special place is peaceful and wild with 360 degree views of nature (the sea, cliffs, beach, river and rolling South Downs countryside) and never fails to lift my spirits. I love to photograph it’s many different faces through the seasons and wanted to put together a photo guide to share with those who are unable to visit in person and for those who are thinking about visiting. This post is jam-packed with photos, so I hope you will forgive me if it takes a little longer than usual to load. Enjoy!

If you’d like to take home a photographic reminder of this beautiful place, then you will find information about how to buy my photographs at the end of this post.

What is Cuckmere Haven?

Cuckmere Haven is a shingle beach on the outskirts of Seaford, East Sussex, with amazing views of the Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs. Famous for the iconic coastguard cottages that perch on the clifftops, it has featured in many films and TV productions, and is popular with tourists and walkers who come to hike the Seven Sisters cliffs. The beach is split in two where the river Cuckmere meets the sea, and can be accessed from either side. Note that you can’t usually cross from one side of the beach to the other, however, as the tide is too high and the current too strong most of the time (you need to follow the river inland to cross at the Exceat bridge instead).

There are four distinct areas to Cuckmere Haven, and I will describe these in detail below, with lots of photographs to illustrate each area:

1. The cliffs at Cuckmere Haven, where the coastguard cottages are located, with great views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs

2. The beach at Cuckmere Haven on the west side (access via South Hill Barn)

3. The beach at Cuckmere Haven on the east side (access via Seven Sisters Country Park)

4. The riverside walks that follow the river Cuckmere and the meanders to the sea

Just around the corner from Cuckmere Haven, you will find Hope Gap, a small beach with more fantastic views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. When the tide is very low, you can walk all the way round from Cuckmere Haven to Hope Gap.

Hope Gap beach with great views of the Seven Sisters cliffs

Keep on reading for lots more information and photographs….

Where is Cuckmere Haven?

Cuckmere Haven sits within the Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs National Park, on the outskirts of Seaford, East Sussex, on the South East coast of England. The famous Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs start from the east side of Cuckmere Haven beach and end at the Birling Gap. Many people come to walk the stretch of coast and chalk cliffs that runs between Seaford and Eastbourne.

View on Google Maps.

Coastal erosion and the Cuckmere Haven SOS campaign

Coastal erosion is a big problem for Cuckmere Haven, and the beach and cliffs near the coastguard cottages have seen significant damage in recent years. The main path down to the beach from South Hill Barn is currently inaccessible, as it has literally been washed into the sea (there is a diversion in place, so you can still access the beach) and urgent work is required to help protect this area.

The access path to Cuckmere Haven west beach has been completely washed away in recent storms

A campaign called Cuckmere Haven SOS has been set-up to raise crucial funds to build and enhance the sea defences to safeguard the iconic coastguard cottages and West beach. Their planning application for this work has recently been approved and they now need YOUR help to raise funds so this important work can begin. If you are able to donate via the Cuckmere Haven SOS website, your support would be greatly appreciated and will help to protect this beautiful view for generations to come.

Cuckmere Haven SOS

Cuckmere Haven cliffs, coastguard cottages and the best views of the Seven Sisters cliffs

Seven Sisters cliffs and coastguard cottages at Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

SAFETY NOTICE - please, please, please stay away from the edge of the cliffs. The cliffs are very soft and crumbly and cliff falls are common. It can be hard to see how sheer they are when you are up on the grass-covered clifftops. It is best to stay several metres away from the edge at all times.

Seven Sisters cliffs and coastguard cottages from the clifftops near Cuckmere Haven

To access the cliffs at Cuckmere Haven where the coastguard cottages are located, you can park at South Hill Barn (free parking - nearest postcode is BN25 4JQ) or walk from Seaford beach up on the clifftops.

Footpath from South Hill Barn to Cuckmere Haven and the coastguard cottages

It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from South Hill Barn car park to the cottages and beach. You pass some beautiful views on the way, with the rolling South Downs and the Cuckmere Meanders on your left, and the cliffs in front of you and on your right. As the view opens up, I can always feel myself letting out an audible sigh and my shoulders drop as a big grin forms on my face. It really is tonic for the soul.

View of the rolling South Downs in the summer from the footpath from South Hill Barn to Cuckmere Haven and the coastguard cottages

As well as the classic view of the coastguard cottages in front of the Seven Sisters cliffs, you also have some wonderful views from the clifftops. It’s a view that changes so much depending on the weather and the tide. I’ve been on so many occasions when it’s been too murky and misty to see much at all - or too bright and hazy. Generally speaking, it is best to visit after lunchtime for photography, otherwise you will be shooting directly into the sun.

The Seven Sisters cliffs viewed from the clifftops at Cuckmere Haven, looking down on the beach

The Seven Sisters cliffs framed by summer wildflowers from the clifftops at Cuckmere Haven

Close-up of the Seven Sisters cliffs from the clifftops at Cuckmere Haven

Cuckmere Haven beach - West side - access from South Hill Barn

Cuckmere Haven beach with crashing waves

The west side of the beach is also accessed from South Hill Barn (free parking - nearest postcode is BN25 4JQ) and is just a short stroll from the coastguard cottages. It is much smaller than the other side, and often quieter. It is popular with dog walkers and locals. Please note that there are no facilities/toilets on this side of the beach.

There are wooden groynes on this side of the beach, often with old pieces of rope caught on them. They can make some interesting focal points for photographs with the cliffs in the background.

Weathered wooden groynes on the beach at Cuckmere Haven

Note that to access the other side of the beach, you will need to walk inland alongside the river until you reach the Exceat bridge. You can than cross over and walk back along the other side of the river. The estuary that splits the beach in two is tidal and most of the time the tide is too high and the current is too strong to cross over. You can see a map with routes marked on the Seven Sisters Country Park leaflet (PDF).

The estuary at Cuckmere Haven beach at high tide - definitely not safe to cross

The estuary at Cuckmere Haven beach at low tide - you could probably wade through this

The shingle beach on both sides is also a rare habitat for specially adapted plants, including Sea Kale and the Yellow Horned Poppy. It always amazes me how anything can grow in these harsh conditions!

Yellow Horned Poppy on the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven

Cuckmere Haven beach - East side - access from Seven Sisters Country Park

The east side of the beach is accessed from the Seven Sisters Country Park and there are two car parks you can use, both paid - one in Friston Forest and one by the riverside (postcode is BN25 4AD). Regular bus services from Eastbourne and Brighton also stop at the park entrance. There is a visitor’s centre with toilets (although this is closed at the time of writing due to Covid restrictions) and a cafe.

This side of the beach is much larger than the west side. There is an easy flat path that follows the river down to the beach and it takes about half an hour to walk there from the car parks. It is very popular with tourists and you can often see coachloads of tourists setting off at a time. The Seven Sisters Country Park website has a map that shows the various walking routes you can take (screenshot below from an old leaflet).

Path to Cuckmere Haven beach from the Seven Sisters Country Park

Seven Sisters chalk cliffs viewed from Cuckmere Haven beach - east side

You can walk along the beach to where the Seven Sisters cliffs start, and if the tide is out far enough, you can walk at the base of the cliffs for a little way (but please don’t walk directly underneath the cliffs as cliff falls are very common and dangerous). There are great views of the cliffs from the beach, from lots of different perspectives.

Walking down from the Seven Sisters cliffs onto Cuckmere Haven beach

You can also climb up onto the cliffs from the end of the beach and continue walking up on the cliffs all the way to Eastbourne (or vice versa). See the walking section below for more information on walking routes.

Cuckmere Haven Riverside

Riverside walks at Cuckmere Haven in the Seven Sisters Country Park

You can walk alongside the river from both sides of the beach - each side has a different feel. The Seven Sisters Country Park website has a map that shows the various walking routes you can take.

Footpath and signpost to Cuckmere Haven beach from the Seven Sisters Country Park

The path leading to/from the east beach is well paved for the most part and much wider, with some secondary paths closer to the river. Near the beach you will find some saline lagoons - these were created in 1975 to provide a habitat for wading birds. You will often see Egrets here, as well as a host of other wildlife.

Egret viewed from the footpath to Cuckmere Haven beach

This east side path follows the snaking Cuckmere Meanders and is very picturesque. There are lots of other paths leading off, with options at several points to climb up onto the hillside to join the South Downs Way and head inland or towards the cliffs.

The path to/from the west side of the beach is much smaller and narrower and follows the straight section of the Cuckmere river. Over the summer months you will see lots of beautiful wildflowers and butterflies here and it is very peaceful. The path comes out near the Cuckmere Inn and Exceat bridge.

Hope Gap

Hope Gap is a small beach just around the corner from Cuckmere Haven with amazing views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. It is only accessible at low tide, via some stone steps. At high tide, the entire beach is covered.

Hope Gap beach looking towards the Seven Sisters cliffs

I think Hope Gap is my favourite place to come for the best views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. I love the views from the top of the steps, as well as from down on the beach. With a bit of luck, you will see a patch of sand to sit on (this is another shingle beach and very rocky). I love to come here for a paddle and a sit in the sunshine. It is usually a bit quieter than Cuckmere Haven beach, although it is the first beach you reach when hiking from Seaford, so is popular with walkers.

The Seven Sisters cliffs viewed from Hope Gap beach

Cuckmere Haven Walking Routes

There are many different walking routes around Cuckmere Haven, some of which I’ve mentioned above, but I will summarise my favourites here.

Seaford to Eastbourne Seven Sisters walk 22KM

The walk from Seaford to Eastbourne along the clifftops, taking in Hope Gap, the coastguard cottages and Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and Beachy Head is absolutely spectacular. It is also long and strenuous (about 22km). However, you could choose to just do one section at a time - this is the approach I have taken. The Saturday Walker's Club has an excellent guide to this walk.

Walkers up on the cliffs at Seaford Head, near the start of the walk

Seaford beach to Hope Gap and Cuckmere Haven walk

The walk from Seaford beach to Hope Gap and Cuckmere Haven up on the clifftops (a sub-section of the major route above) is probably my favourite section. It’s about 7km to walk to Cuckmere Haven and back from Seaford beach (you can park for free at Seaford beach). I have walked this route SO many times during the last year of lockdowns and have been so super grateful to have it nearby. It has been a joy to see it change through the seasons.

View of the Seven Sisters cliffs from the walk from Seaford to Cuckmere Haven, as you make the descent into Hope Gap

Circular walk to Cuckmere Haven & Hope Gap (6.4km)

A 6.4km circular walk by the National Trust from South Hill Barn to Hope Gap, Cuckmere Haven, along by the river and across the countryside is another firm favourite. I often do a little detour via Chyngton Farm which is also lovely, especially when the lambs are out in the fields.

Circular walk to Cuckmere Haven & Hope Gap (Shorter)

A short circular walk from South Hill Barn to the coastguard cottages, Cuckmere Haven and Hope Gap and back to South Hill Barn is another lovely variant of the walk above if you don’t have much time or energy.

Seven Sisters Country Park to Cuckmere Haven Beach walk

The walk from the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor’s centre to the east side of Cuckmere Haven beach and back alongside the river is lovely and very accessible with its wide paths. The round trip takes about an hour, although you are likely to want to spend some time strolling along the beach and taking photos. The Seven Sisters Country Park website has a map that shows the various walking routes you can take.

Cuckmere Haven Beach and River Walk

There is a circular walk you can do, which is a variant of the walk above. Instead of returning back on the same path, you walk back on the other side of the river (but staying on the east side), following the straight section of the river, instead of the snaking meanders. The path comes out by the Exceat bridge, which is just a short walk from the visitor’s centre. This path is narrower than the main path and allows you to see lots of beautiful wildflowers and butterflies in the summer months.

Buy Cuckmere Haven & Hope Gap Prints & Cards

Many of my photographs of Cuckmere Haven, Hope Gap and the Seven Sisters featured in this post are available to buy as a print (in a range of formats and sizes), greeting card, postcard and lots more from my Redbubble Shop.

If the image you would like to buy is not in my shop, please email me and I will be happy to add it for you.

Cuckmere Haven and coastguard cottages print by Zoe Power

Crashing waves on Cuckmere Haven print by Zoe Power

Buy Cuckmere Haven Prints & Cards

License my photos of Cuckmere Haven, Hope Gap and the Seven Sisters cliffs

Interested in using any of these images on your website? I have a wide range of photos of Cuckmere Haven, Hope Gap and the Seven Sisters cliffs (as well as other East Sussex images) at competitive prices, that are perfect for small businesses to use on their websites, blog posts, newsletters, social media, adverts, branding, marketing materials and lots more. Find out more about licensing my images.