To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for the UK-especially London-even right up until the moment I arrived. That’s why I was considering where else to visit besides London, which led me to Brighton and the Seven Sisters. Let me tell you, missing out on these spots would have been a huge regret-they were truly spectacular. They’re both close to London and relatively easy to reach, making them top choices for day trips. Here’s everything I learned that will help you plan your own visit.
Table of Contents
Brighton: A Vibrant Seaside City
Brighton is a city of about 300,000 residents located roughly 80 km (50 miles) south of London. Most travelers heading to the famous Seven Sisters coastal cliffs pass through Brighton first.
You could reach the Seven Sisters via Eastbourne, but Brighton is the larger city and offers more to see, such as Banksy’s graffiti art. That’s why it’s a popular route for many.
Most visitors take the train from London to Brighton. The Thameslink and Gatwick Express lines offer direct, one-hour rides with no transfers required. After arriving at London via the Eurostar early in the morning, I took my suitcase straight to Brighton, where I was relieved to find a luggage storage service near the Brighton train station.
While storing luggage for the whole day costs £7 (over $9), it’s still much cheaper than luggage storage at London Victoria Station. When I looked it up, I discovered that there are several partner luggage storage spots throughout London as well-handy if you need to store your bags while sightseeing.
Brighton Travel Essentials
- Banksy ‘Kissing Coppers’: 28 Frederick Pl, Brighton BN1 4ED
- CitySpareSpace Luggage Storage: 41 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4ED
The Seven Sisters: England’s Dramatic Coastal Cliffs
The Seven Sisters are a series of majestic chalk cliffs along the southern coast of Great Britain. Their striking white faces meet the sea in a jaw-dropping display that draws countless visitors.
These cliffs are composed of chalk (a type of limestone) and named for their seven distinct peaks of varying heights. Over thousands of years, ocean waves and weathering have carved these steep, dramatic cliffs-which are still eroding today, making the terrain quite unstable.
🔗The Official Seven Sisters Website
There have been tragic accidents where tourists fell while taking photos, and what stood out to me most during my visit was the intense sea wind. I’m not exaggerating-the wind was so strong I could barely stand upright, let alone walk forward! I highly recommend staying away from the cliff edge for safety.
But the Seven Sisters are more than just cliffs. There are also meadows, streams with swans, and plenty of other scenic spots to explore in the area. It’s absolutely worth a visit.
- Location: Seven Sisters, Eastbourne, BN20 0AB, United Kingdom
How to Get to the Seven Sisters
The easiest way to reach the Seven Sisters is by taking bus 12, 12A, 12X, or 13X (Coaster buses) from right outside Brighton Station. The 12X and 13X are express routes, saving about 30 minutes of travel time. Just tap your contactless card upon boarding-no need to buy tickets in advance. The fare is £2 one-way (about $2.50).
Note that only bus 13X stops at Birling Gap, but it only runs during peak season (June to August), Sundays, and public holidays. While Birling Gap offers the most famous views of the cliffs, you can also enjoy sweeping fields and landscapes if you prefer to start exploring from one of the other stops-it’s up to your personal preference.
Fun fact: The area is so picturesque that people say it looks like a Windows XP wallpaper! However, the original Windows XP photo was actually taken near Napa Valley, California.
- Viewpoint: National Trust – Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne BN20 0AB
Seven Sisters Tours: The Easy Option
While it’s not difficult to get to the Seven Sisters on your own, if you’re on a tight schedule or want a more comfortable experience, consider joining a guided Seven Sisters tour. During peak season, bus lines can be extremely long-sometimes taking up half a day just to get there-so a tour can be a stress-free alternative.
If there’s one downside to joining a tour, it’s definitely the cost. However, considering how expensive round-trip train tickets from London can be, a tour that includes transportation, a guide, a packed lunch, and even souvenir photos might actually be the more cost-effective option.
To find the tour options, visit GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor. If you book a tour through this link, you’ll be supporting my blog at no extra cost to you.
Where to Eat in Brighton: Local Favorites
Before heading back to London after exploring the Seven Sisters, I stopped by ‘The Eagle,’ a popular Brighton eatery. Located close to the train station and oozing with local atmosphere, it was a fantastic choice.
The Eagle is both a Thai restaurant and a pub, so naturally, I ordered a Guinness and an IPA as soon as I sat down. After all that wind at the cliffs, a cold beer was just what I needed to unwind.
The Thai food I ordered exceeded my expectations-if I hadn’t been pressed for time before my train, I would’ve stayed to eat more. If you’re searching for great food in Brighton, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Opening Hours
- Sunday–Thursday: 12:00–24:00
- Friday: 12:00–01:00
- Saturday: 11:00–01:00
Address
- The Eagle: 125 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AF, United Kingdom
Final Thoughts
This wraps up my first adventure in the UK: exploring Brighton and the Seven Sisters. From getting to Brighton and using luggage storage, to navigating the Seven Sisters by bus or tour, and finally grabbing a great meal in Brighton-I hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable trip just outside London!
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