Well this post is out of season (writing in January 2019 about a trip from the Summer of 2018) but if you’re planning Summer adventures in the UK you should put this one on your list!
In short, we left London on a Friday evening on the train to Brighton. We didn’t have much time to explore there - and I’ve been before so it wasn’t really a priority. That said it is one of my favorite places outside London and definitely deserves a weekend of it’s own! Back to the hike itinerary…
We stayed in a beautiful little BnB, Number 34 Brighton. We were able to book through Air BnB but their site offers a lovely overview of each incredibly, individual room they have. Our stay in the Gold Room was exquisite. Hilarious and perfectly executed royal decor and gorgeous antique furniture.
The rest of the house is beautifully done and I’ve never encountered such painstakingly quaint shared bathrooms in my life.
Early Saturday morning we crept out of this darling abode and made our way to the train to Seaford. Once we arrived it was 13 miles to Eastbourne and we were on our way.
We packed a couple wraps and snacks to take with us as a picnic lunch for the days walk/hike. You can stop at The Cuckmere Inn for lunch and a rest, we just felt like taking in the gorgeous cliffs while we ate.
The day we went was rather windy, so make sure to dress in layers! Even in mid-July I was in a sweater, long leggings and under layers.
The route takes you past the glorious Seven Sisters, the cottages filmed in Atonement and many other movies, plus the lighthouse at Beachy Head (with its own grim history). These cliffs are frequent stand-ins for the cliffs of Dover as they are pristine and white, while the real Cliffs of Dover no longer are.
Once you reach Eastbourne you can just hop on a train back to London - piece of cake! Also you will probably be hungry enough for a piece of cake so maybe stop and eat first if you have time. ;) This trip did many things, but most importantly reaffirmed my love for the British coast, chilly and windy as it may be. The walk/hike itself is not very flat and there is a good guide on shorter routes here.
Thanks for reading everyone, I hope this trip is a creative little getaway if you need it! For Londoners and tourists alike! TTFN.