Seven Sisters & South Downs Walking Weekend

Meeting Locations & Times

Our meeting point is:

Premier Inn Eastbourne Town Centre
Terminus Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3DF

You can check into your room from 15:00 on Friday.

Your Large Outdoors guide will meet everyone in the hotel bar from 18:00, giving us a chance to get to know each other before heading out for an evening meal together.

Please note that there are several Premier Inn hotels in Eastbourne, so make sure you head to the Town Centre hotel.

Travelling by Train

Eastbourne railway station is conveniently located close to our hotel, making it straightforward to join the weekend by public transport.

Station Pickups

There are no organised station pickups for this weekend, as our hotel is within easy walking distance of Eastbourne railway station.

Travelling by Car & Parking

You're welcome to drive to Eastbourne, although you won't need your car for the organised walks.

There is no on-site parking at the hotel.

Chargeable parking is available at Trinity Place NCP, BN21 3BZ, a short distance away. Please check current parking charges and arrangements directly with the car park before travelling.

Transport During the Trip

We'll use local public buses to reach our walking routes. Bus fares are not included in the trip price.

Both Saturday's and Sunday's walks begin at Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, which is served by regular buses from Eastbourne.

On Saturday, we'll walk approximately 10 miles back to Eastbourne, so no return bus journey is planned.

On Sunday, we'll complete our approximately 8-mile circular walk from Seven Sisters Country Park, returning there before catching the bus back to Eastbourne.

There is no Large Outdoors vehicle or private minibus transport provided on this weekend.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

There are no ferry journeys or boat transfers involved in this trip.

Departure & Return Travel

Our weekend finishes on Sunday after our guided walk and return journey to Eastbourne.

We expect to finish between 16:00 and 17:00, although the exact time will depend on the walking pace, weather, bus services and our refreshment stop in Litlington.

If you're travelling home by train, we recommend allowing some flexibility with your return journey.

Important Travel Information

You can enjoy the entire weekend without bringing a car, but please remember that local bus fares are an additional cost.

Public transport services and walking arrangements may change, so your guide will confirm the plans with the group during the weekend.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for two nights at:

Premier Inn Eastbourne Town Centre
Terminus Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3DF

The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Eastbourne, close to the railway station, seafront, shops and restaurants.

Accommodation Type

Our accommodation is a comfortable Premier Inn hotel, providing a convenient base for our weekend of walking.

We'll stay at the same hotel for both nights, so there's no need to pack up and move between walks.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

All guests stay in hotel bedrooms, with a choice of room arrangements depending on availability.

If you're joining on your own, you can choose a shared room or book a room for sole occupancy.

Guests booking shared rooms will be paired with another guest of the same sex.

Room Options

Shared Female Room – Share a room with another female guest, with separate beds.

Shared Male Room – Share a room with another male guest, with separate beds.

Twin Room – A private room with two separate beds for two guests booking together.

Double Room – A private room with a double bed for two guests booking together.

Sole Occupancy Double Room – A private double room for one guest, ideal if you'd prefer your own space.

All room options are subject to availability when booking.

Bathrooms

All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

Guests booking shared rooms will share the en-suite bathroom with their roommate.

Bedding & Towels

All bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.

You'll just need to bring your own toiletries and personal items.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on both mornings.

We'll enjoy the hotel's breakfast buffet before heading out for our guided walks.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches aren't included.

You'll need to bring or purchase lunch for Saturday's walk, along with any snacks you'd like during the day.

For Sunday's walk, we'll plan a refreshment stop in Litlington, although we recommend carrying some food and water with you.

Evening Meals

Evening meals aren't included in the trip price.

On Friday, we'll meet at the hotel before heading out together for a relaxed group meal at a local restaurant.

We'll also arrange an opportunity to eat together on Saturday evening after our coastal walk.

Meals and drinks are paid for individually, giving everyone the freedom to choose what they'd like.

Accommodation & Meals

Included

• Two nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Eastbourne Town Centre.

• Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

• Bedding and towels.

• Tea and coffee-making facilities in your bedroom.

Not Included

• Packed lunches and walking snacks.

• Evening meals on Friday and Saturday.

• Drinks and additional refreshments.

Guiding & Support

Included

• Two days of guided walking with an experienced Large Outdoors guide.

• Approximately 10 miles of guided coastal walking over the Seven Sisters on Saturday.

• Approximately 8 miles of guided walking through the Cuckmere Valley, Alfriston and Litlington on Sunday.

• A friendly, sociable group of no more than 12 guests.

• Pre-trip information and support from the Large Outdoors team.

Not Included

• Personal walking clothing and equipment.

Transport & Transfers

Included

• Guidance on using local public transport to reach our walking routes.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Eastbourne.

• Local bus fares between Eastbourne and Seven Sisters Country Park.

• Car parking charges.

Please note: We use public buses for this weekend. No Large Outdoors vehicle or private transfers are provided.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance.

• Purchases from cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops.

• Admission to any attractions or museums you choose to visit independently.

• Optional activities and other personal expenses not specifically listed as included.

Walking Grade

Active

Our Seven Sisters & South Downs Walking Weekend is graded Active, with two rewarding days of walking through some of Sussex's finest coastal and countryside scenery.

Saturday is our longest day, with approximately 10 miles of coastal walking, including the famous Seven Sisters and the route back to Eastbourne.

Sunday is a little shorter at approximately 8 miles, exploring the Cuckmere Valley, Alfriston and Litlington.

The Seven Sisters are particularly hilly, with repeated climbs and descents. Although we'll walk at a sociable pace and stop to enjoy the views, you should be prepared for a good amount of uphill walking.

Terrain & Conditions

Most of our walking follows established footpaths, grassy trails and sections of the South Downs Way.

The coastal route includes steep chalk and grassy slopes, uneven ground and exposed sections along the clifftops. Some descents can be particularly demanding, especially when the ground is wet.

Sunday's walk takes us through rolling countryside, with a mixture of chalk downland, field paths and village trails.

Good walking footwear with reliable grip is essential, particularly on the hills and descents.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an expert walker, but a reasonable level of fitness and some experience of longer, hilly walks is important.

You should feel comfortable walking up to 10 miles in a day, including repeated climbs and descents, and spending several hours on your feet.

We'll maintain a friendly group pace, with breaks for photographs, refreshments and enjoying the scenery. However, the hills are a significant part of this weekend, so it's important to be comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill walking.

If you regularly enjoy longer countryside walks with hills, this should be a good fit for you.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

Our Seven Sisters & South Downs Walking Weekend involves some substantial hills, exposed coastal paths and uneven terrain, so it's important to come prepared.

• Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes with good grip.

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers and breathable walking tops.

• Warm layers, including a fleece or insulated jacket.

• Walking socks.

• Hat, gloves or sun protection, depending on the season.

Good footwear is particularly important, as the chalk and grassy slopes of the Seven Sisters can become slippery when wet.

What to Carry on Walks

You'll need a comfortable day rucksack with enough space for:

• Packed lunch and walking snacks.

• Plenty of drinking water.

• Waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.

• Any personal medication you may need.

• Mobile phone.

• Payment card or some cash for bus fares and refreshments.

• Sun cream and sunglasses when appropriate.

Saturday's walk is approximately 10 miles, so make sure you have enough food and water for a full day outdoors.

Clothing for Accommodation

Bring comfortable casual clothing and footwear for relaxing at the hotel and heading out for evening meals with the group.

Bedding and towels are provided, so there's no need to bring these.

Trip-Specific Extras

Walking Poles – Optional, but particularly useful if you appreciate extra support on steep hills and descents.

Camera or Phone – The Seven Sisters coastline offers plenty of opportunities for photographs, with sweeping views across the chalk cliffs and English Channel.

Bus Fare – We'll use local public buses to reach Seven Sisters Country Park on both walking days. Fares aren't included, so bring a payment card or another suitable way to pay.

Weather Protection – The coastal paths are exposed, and conditions can change quickly at any time of year. Bring suitable layers and waterproofs, even if the forecast looks promising.

Full Kit List

We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.

View our full walking kit list here →

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Can I join this walking weekend on my own?

Absolutely! Most people who join Large Outdoors come on their own, so you'll be in good company.

It's a friendly, sociable weekend, with plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow walkers both on the trails and over evening meals.

Is this weekend suitable for someone new to guided walking?

Yes, provided you're already comfortable with longer, hilly walks.

You don't need previous experience of guided walking holidays, but the Seven Sisters is an Active-grade route with repeated climbs and descents. It's best suited to people who regularly enjoy walking and have a reasonable level of fitness.

How difficult is walking the Seven Sisters?

The Seven Sisters is a rewarding but physically demanding coastal walk. The route involves several steep climbs and descents as we cross the famous chalk hills.

We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and maintain a sociable group pace, but you should be comfortable walking approximately 10 miles over hilly terrain.

Do we walk the whole Seven Sisters coastline?

Our Saturday walk begins at Seven Sisters Country Park and follows the famous chalk coastline towards Eastbourne.

We'll cross the Seven Sisters, pass Birling Gap and continue towards Beachy Head before making our way back into Eastbourne.

Do I need to bring a car?

No. You can travel to Eastbourne by train and join the weekend without a car.

We'll use local public buses to reach Seven Sisters Country Park for both walks. Bus fares are payable separately, and no Large Outdoors vehicle is provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We'll still aim to enjoy our walking weekend, but safety always comes first.

The Seven Sisters coastline is exposed, particularly in strong winds and poor weather. Your guide may adjust the routes or choose alternative walks if conditions make the planned coastal paths unsuitable.

Can I skip a walk if I want a rest?

Of course. You're welcome to take a day out if you'd prefer to relax or explore Eastbourne independently.

Just let your guide know beforehand so they're aware of your plans.

Can I book with a friend or partner?

Definitely! You're welcome to join with a friend or partner, and twin and double rooms are available for guests booking together, subject to availability.

You'll still be part of the wider group for our guided walks and sociable evenings.