Beachy
Head marks the beginning of the South Downs Way which runs 161 km
along the Sussex Downs to Winchester. The cliff itself rises 162
metres (530 feet) above the sea below and is the highest chalk sea
cliff in Britain. The lighthouse began work in 1904 to replace the
old Belle Tout Lighthouse, which had been the main lighthouse since
1830. See a 360 degree panoramic view
of Beach Head cliff and lighthouse here.
If you look east you see the beaches and town of Eastbourne, the
Pier and the Harbour, and then on to Pevensey Bay and Hastings and,
on an exceptionally clear day, Dungeness in Kent, nearly 40 miles
away
Looking west, you can see even further,
up to 70 miles, past Seaford Head to Newhaven and Brighton and then
on to Selsey Bill near Chichester in West Sussex. On a very clear
day the outline of the Isle of Wight can be seen.
Beachy Head Countryside Centre
- A visit to Beachy Head is not complete without experiencing the
Beachy Head Countryside Centre. Admission is free and there are
interactive displays about the wildlife and history of the area.
The Centre is fully accessible for disabled people.You can listen
to the talking shepherd about farming on the Downland or visit Bronze
Age Man in his hut. The wildlife of the Downs can be seen and heard
as well as interacted with on the touch screen computers.The BHCC
has a resident Education Officer and a range of services are offered
to schools. Teacher's notes are available and organised activities
include nature trail walks, scavenger hunts, art afternoons and
pond study. Packages can be tailor made to suit different group
sizes, ages and abilities. The BHCC Gift Shop stocks a wide range
of gifts and presents to suit all ages.
For more information on what the
BHCC offers please call the Manager or the Education Officer on
01323 737273.
Getting There - Beachy Head
is easily reached by car. From Eastbourne take Duke's Drive from
the seafront, Meads Road from Meads and East Dean Road from Old
Town. From the west follow the signs on the A259. Parking is free
in the lay-bys near Beachy Head and there is a large pay and display
public car park. Please park in the Beachy Head Pub car park only
if you intend to patronise the pub.
Eastbourne Buses run a service along
the seafront from the Sovereign Centre to Beachy Head.
Facilities - There are public
toilets adjoining the car park at Beachy Head, including disabled
toilets (access with radar key). Beachy Head Pub is open all day,
7 days a week and serves good quality food. Children and disabled
welcome, indoor and outdoor play equipment, toilet and baby changing
facilities. Tel: 01323 728060.
Home
