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The Good Beach Guide is compiled by the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity that cares for our seas, shores and wildlife.

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Birling Gap

Photograph: Alan Rolfe

© Copyright Alan Rolfe and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

East Dean, East Sussex

Lat/Long

50.7N 0.2E
 

Water grade 2011

MCS Recommended — Highest UK standard for bathing water quality. Only sites with properly treated
continuous sewage discharge (if any) considered. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Guideline - European standard for good water quality. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Basic pass - European minimum standard for water quality. Waterborne pathogens present in quantities
known to cause illness. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Fail – Failed the European minimum standard. Waterborne pathogens present in high levels.
MCS advises against swimming. All available data from Summer 2010 used.

Stay out of the sea for at least 48 hours after a storm to avoid exposure to storm pollution.

See our "Clean seas matter" page to find out more about water quality standards.

MCS Recommended
2011: MCS Recommended
2010: MCS Recommended
2009: MCS Recommended
2008: MCS Recommended

European designated bathing water

European Designated beaches are officially recognised bathing
waters which have to meet European water quality standards.
yes

Lifeguarded

no No lifeguard service
This beach is situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. The substrate is shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools and chalk from the cliffs. It is a voluntary marine nature reserve.

Beach type

Sand, shingle

Local facilities

Food, toilets
FoodToiletsParking

Litter

No current information

Parking

yes Free car parking is available.

Things to do

Windsurfing, surfing and canoeing. Zoning details unknown.

Wildlife & walks

Birling Gap has many rock pools and is a marine nature reserve. The beach forms an important part of the Seaford to Beachy Head Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Animal restrictions

No current information
This beach is not yet classified, please see our safety page or contact the local beach operator for further information.
Sandcastles — play beach football/volleyball/frisbee and build a traditional sandcastle hereBoard sports — surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing , kitesurfing — get active hereSwimming — you can swim here