Visit England’s White Cliffs Before It’s Too Late

If you travel often you might’ve been to a beach with white sand, but have you ever tried climbing chalk white cliffs to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea? There aren’t many places in the world that have achieved this wondrous geologic formula, and the southern part of England is among these special areas.

The town of Seaford in East Sussex forms a part of a long coastline wherein the English Channel meets England. The village is where many adventurers begin their journey along what’s considered by many as the best walk in southeast England.

---

England’s white cliffs

South England’s white cliffs are famous not only for their color, but for the unique experience they provide to travelers. Take a hike near the cliff edges, as you savor the wind blowing from the Channel for a coastal vacation unlike any other. Just remember not to look down, especially if you’re afraid of heights.

The iconic cliffs, the most famous of which are The Seven Sisters, give incomparable views of the English Channel. Add to that the scenery around you complimented by the sound of the waves and the many birds that live nearby and you have yourself an image that can rival any natural landscape in the world.

Next to The Seven Sisters is Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in all of Britain at over 530 feet above sea level. From the top you can see the Belle Tout lighthouse, which has probably saved countless ships from crashing into the intimidating cliff edges over the years.

In case you’re getting exhausted, you can head down to the beach at Cuckmere Haven to relax by the sea. The floodplains here are also the perfect setting for families as the kids can play along the Cuckmere River’s several oxbow lakes.

The whole trail, which Thrillist feel is one of UK’s greatest hikes, runs from Seaford to Eastbourne and covers a total distance of 13.8 miles. The trek may take up to seven hours to complete, though there are shorter options if you feel you cannot endure a full day of walking.

---

Visit before it’s too late

The white cliffs are rapidly eroding. The Telegraph published a report by the University of Glasgow which estimated that the chalk cliffs are disappearing at a rate of 22 to 32cm each year. That’s ten times the rate 150 years ago, and the worst thing is that it’s still accelerating which means that this natural wonder may fade even faster in the coming years.

Furthermore, the BBC highlighted that chalk on the beach like those found along the white cliffs is ‘very rare’. That’s another reason to visit the site while it still holds its current beauty.

---

Getting there

For foreign nationals entering the UK through London, you can catch a train from Victoria station to Seaford though the trip will take around one and a half to two hours. Heathrow Airport is the usual entry point for overseas travelers, where you will be able to board the Heathrow Express, which will take you to an Underground station of your choice. You can then take the Tube to Victoria station. From there you can catch an overground train directly to Seaford.

Alternatively, you may take a rental car for a more flexible trip wherein you can plot your own route to experience other amazing destinations along the way. And considering that Heathrow Airport has lots of convenient parking facilities, according to Parking4Less, you won’t have any difficulty in procuring your vehicle because the airport also has a slew of onsite hire companies operating 24/7. All you need to is pre-book a hire car, and then you’ll be able to pick it up at one of the valet car parking areas that are conveniently situated near the arrival terminals.