South Downs Walking Break - The Seven Sisters
Join Large Outdoors for a sociable walking break exploring one of England’s most iconic coastlines. Based in a comfortable hotel near Eastbourne, this two-night escape offers guided walks along the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Group Size: Maximum 12
Level: Active
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Public Transport: This trip is accessible by public transport, its a short walk from Eastbourne Train Station.
What to Expect on Your South Downs Walking Break:
Walk the Iconic Seven Sisters – A guided route along this famous stretch of chalk cliffs, part of the South Downs Way.
Explore the South Downs National Park – Discover grassland ridges, peaceful valleys, and wide sea views across this protected landscape.
Relax with a Friendly Group – A welcoming atmosphere perfect for solo walkers and those looking for a sociable weekend away.
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay – Hotel-based accommodation, with cooked breakfasts included and evening meals at local restaurants.
Travel Made Easy – We’re based close to Eastbourne with public transport links, and we’ll use local buses during the weekend’s walks.
Booking Calendar…
Discover the Beauty of the South Coast: A Social Walking Weekend with Large Outdoors!
Spend a weekend exploring the sweeping coastline and rolling green hills of the South Downs National Park with Large Outdoors. This relaxed, sociable walking break is based at a comfortable hotel near Eastbourne and features two guided walks, including a full day along the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
Situated just outside Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters cliffs form one of the most striking stretches of coastline in the UK. These white chalk cliffs rise and fall in a series of dramatic undulations, offering wide views over the English Channel and across the South Downs. Walking here means following cliff-top paths through open grassland, with views that change with every step. The landscape is shaped by wind, sea and time – home to hardy coastal plants and wildlife adapted to its exposed environment.
Over the weekend, you'll enjoy cooked breakfasts, make use of public transport for part of the walking route, and have time to unwind each evening over meals out and good conversation. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, it’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet like-minded walkers, and explore one of the UK’s most iconic coastal areas at a sociable pace.
South Downs Walking Weekend Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You’re welcome to check into the hotel from 15:00. We’ll start gathering from 18:00 in the hotel bar, giving everyone the chance to meet, chat, and get settled in. Once everyone’s arrived, we’ll head out together for a relaxed group meal at a local restaurant (not included).
If you arrive earlier in the day, why not enjoy a stroll along Eastbourne’s seafront? We’re just a short hop from the promenade.
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After helping ourselves to the hotel’s full cooked breakfast buffet, we’ll hop on a local bus along the coast (fare not included) to the start point of today’s walk.
We’ll then walk back along a section of the South Downs Way, taking in the full stretch of the Seven Sisters – a dramatic series of undulating chalk cliffs that drop into the sea between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap. Expect expansive sea views, rolling green tops, and classic coastal scenery throughout.
We may pass Beachy Head and stop at the National Trust café at Birling Gap for a break. The route is ideal for photography and soaking up fresh sea air.
We’ll return to the hotel mid/late afternoon with time to freshen up before heading out for a sociable evening meal at another local eatery (again, this isn’t included, giving you flexibility).
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After another hearty breakfast, we’ll check out of our rooms and head off for a shorter guided walk to explore more of the Seven Sisters Country Park or nearby sections of the South Downs National Park.
We’ll wrap up by early afternoon, giving you time for a relaxed lunch with your fellow walkers before making your journey home.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: Check-in from 15:00.
The Large Outdoors host will meet you in the bar from 18:00.
Meeting Location:
Premier Inn, Eastbourne Town Centre.
Terminus Road,
Eastbourne,
BN21 3DFPPlease note there are a number of Premier Inn’s in Eastbourne.
Parking:
There is no on-site parking available at this hotel. Chargeable off-site parking is available at Trinity Place NCP (BN21 3BZ) and is charged at £7.95 per 24 hours. Car park is open 24 hours. Height restriction 1.9m.Finish Time:
We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility. -
Accommodation Address:
Premier Inn, Eastbourne Town Centre.
Terminus Road,
Eastbourne,
BN21 3DFPPlease note there are a number of Premier Inn’s in Eastbourne.
Room Types:
Single Rooms (en-suite bathroom) are for one participant.
Double Rooms (en-suite bathroom) sleep up to two participants booking together, in a Double bed.
Twin Rooms (en-suite bathroom) for for two people sharing and will have two single beds.
Shared Male / Female Rooms (en-suite bathroom) ideal for those happy to share with another participant. -
Included:
2 nights’ accommodation at Premier Inn Eastbourne Town Centre.
2 days of guided walking in the South Downs area.
Cooked Buffet breakfasts each morning.
Teas (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option).
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the venue.
Evening meals and packed lunches. We will pop to a local bakery or supermarket for packed lunches.
Bus travel
Any extra excursions or activities that incur a cost.
Alcoholic drinks.
Any food or drinks purchased at any pubs or cafés visited.
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Please see our Multi-Day Experience Kit List.
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What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated Active.
Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely! In fact, the majority of our attendees are solo travellers.
When should I arrive?
You are welcome to arrive from 5pm onwards on Friday evening. Your host will be at the venue ready to greet you, and dinner will be served at 8pm. If you intend to arrive after 10pm, please let us know.
I’d prefer vegetarian or vegan meals - can this be arranged?
Yes, absolutely! We will always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, but please note this must be requested well ahead of the trip - the remote location of our accommodation means we can’t pop out to buy additional ingredients. Complete the dietary section during the booking process and if your dietary needs change ahead of the trip please email the office and we’ll update your booking.
I’d prefer gluten-free meals - can this be arranged?
We will provide meals using gluten-free ingredients, but due to the shared nature of the kitchen we cannot provide strictly gluten-free meals. Please let us know you’d like gluten-free ingredients ahead of time by completing the dietary section during the booking process.
I am allergic to a specific ingredient - can you provide meals for me?
Due to the shared nature of the kitchen we are unable to provide meals suitable for those suffering from many allergies. Please contact the office before booking to discuss your requirements.
What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide transportation during this trip.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for registered assistance dogs.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.