Beachy Head
England’s most southerly coastline has always been synonymous with imposing chalk cliffs as Dover’s famous banks continue to welcome thousands of visitors to the island’s shores each year.
Arguably the country’s most recognisable natural wonder, the White Cliffs of Dover, are commonly associated with battle as the 350 ft high area of outstanding natural beauty are seen as a symbolic guard forming the first or last sight of England for travellers.
Stretching along the Kent coastline the cliffs continue to hold a symbolic value in England today. Slightly further west the chalk headland of Beachy Head is earning significant recognition as a perfect location to experience a bracing but enjoyable walk.
Believed to have been formed at the end of the last Ice Age, Beachy Head's cliffs are somewhere between 60 and 100 million years old, and were refined when the area was under the sea. In modern times the area is much more ideally positioned for a visit boasting the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain which rises to 531 ft above sea level.
Thousands of tourists descend on the area each year for its spectacular views, which present a perfect opportunity to stare out over the south-east coast of England.
Beachy Head frequently featured in wars past, including acting as an important radar station in the Cold War, and was also discovered to be the perfect place relay station during World War II to provide radio communications with aircraft.
Today the area is a picturesque walking spot due to its chalk white cliffs and superb viewing opportunities. In the early 1800s the headland became a notoriously dangerous spot for shipping and in 1831 construction began on the Belle Tout Lighthouse which has now been decommissioned, but stands at the top of the headland west of Beachy Head. The area also incorporates another lighthouse – the Beachy Head Lighthouse – which was built on the sea below Beachy Head in case of mist or low clouds above the imposing cliffside.
Both are standing tall today and make perfect landmarks for any visitor.
Due to the height and dramatic differences in certain areas of the Cliffside the terrain can be tough going but in October each year runners from across the world descend on South Downs to take part in the Beachy Head marathon - believed to be one of the most gruelling marathon courses in Britain.
Several car parks are located nearby the area with a friendly pub offering some of the best food in Eastbourne, perfect after a walk on a bracing spring day along the cliff edge.
Walking and cycling paths are present for visitors, and although Beachy Head can often get very busy during the summer months the vastness of the area provides tranquillity from the hustle-and-bustle of the busy south eastern towns far below.
Whether visiting for a weekend or just a day, the area has plenty to offer due to its close proximity to the Seven Sisters Country Park and the town of Eastbourne. It is a great place for bird watching, kite flying or mountain biking but also caters for those looking for a relaxing walk or sunbathing at Birling Gap Beach.
Arguably the country’s most recognisable natural wonder, the White Cliffs of Dover, are commonly associated with battle as the 350 ft high area of outstanding natural beauty are seen as a symbolic guard forming the first or last sight of England for travellers.
Stretching along the Kent coastline the cliffs continue to hold a symbolic value in England today. Slightly further west the chalk headland of Beachy Head is earning significant recognition as a perfect location to experience a bracing but enjoyable walk.
Believed to have been formed at the end of the last Ice Age, Beachy Head's cliffs are somewhere between 60 and 100 million years old, and were refined when the area was under the sea. In modern times the area is much more ideally positioned for a visit boasting the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain which rises to 531 ft above sea level.
Thousands of tourists descend on the area each year for its spectacular views, which present a perfect opportunity to stare out over the south-east coast of England.
Beachy Head frequently featured in wars past, including acting as an important radar station in the Cold War, and was also discovered to be the perfect place relay station during World War II to provide radio communications with aircraft.
Today the area is a picturesque walking spot due to its chalk white cliffs and superb viewing opportunities. In the early 1800s the headland became a notoriously dangerous spot for shipping and in 1831 construction began on the Belle Tout Lighthouse which has now been decommissioned, but stands at the top of the headland west of Beachy Head. The area also incorporates another lighthouse – the Beachy Head Lighthouse – which was built on the sea below Beachy Head in case of mist or low clouds above the imposing cliffside.
Both are standing tall today and make perfect landmarks for any visitor.
Due to the height and dramatic differences in certain areas of the Cliffside the terrain can be tough going but in October each year runners from across the world descend on South Downs to take part in the Beachy Head marathon - believed to be one of the most gruelling marathon courses in Britain.
Several car parks are located nearby the area with a friendly pub offering some of the best food in Eastbourne, perfect after a walk on a bracing spring day along the cliff edge.
Walking and cycling paths are present for visitors, and although Beachy Head can often get very busy during the summer months the vastness of the area provides tranquillity from the hustle-and-bustle of the busy south eastern towns far below.
Whether visiting for a weekend or just a day, the area has plenty to offer due to its close proximity to the Seven Sisters Country Park and the town of Eastbourne. It is a great place for bird watching, kite flying or mountain biking but also caters for those looking for a relaxing walk or sunbathing at Birling Gap Beach.