A scenic day trip to Seven Sisters with our baby — from London to Brighton, then Birling Gap. Travel tips for families with little ones.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Events
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey
We kicked off our London day trip bright and early, setting our sights on the southern coastline — the stunning Seven Sisters. It’s one of those iconic day trips people recommend if you’ve got a few extra days in London. And we were ready, baby and all.
Our destination? The chalk-white cliffs of the Seven Sisters, via Brighton. It’s a 6-hour round trip from central London, so we made sure to fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before heading out. Sweetie was still half-asleep when we left, reaching up with her sleepy arms and asking to be carried. She’s been eating so well lately, and we’ve definitely been feeling the extra weight. Julie and I took turns carrying her, our arms aching but our hearts full.
Despite the early start, there was a calm confidence in us — like we were already blending in with local Londoners, strolling toward a seaside escape.
Events
The journey to the Seven Sisters involves two key steps:
- Train from London to Brighton
- Bus from Brighton to the cliffs
We headed for London Bridge Station — often the cheapest departure point for Brighton trains. A one-way ticket usually costs around £20 per person, but if you buy as a group of four or more, it drops to £11.60 round trip. We’d seen posts in Korean travel forums about travelers meeting here around 9:30 AM to group up for this discount, so even though we didn’t have travel buddies, we showed up anyway.
As expected, we found a few other Korean travelers also headed to the cliffs. Nervously, I asked if we could join them to buy tickets together — and they kindly agreed. That moment of connection was such a gift. We got the discounted price, and Sweetie even managed a shy wave.
The train ride took just about an hour, and soon we arrived at Brighton Station — right by the southern coast of England. From here, the scenery started shifting: seaside vibes, cooler winds, and colorful shops along the road.
Before hopping on the bus to the cliffs, we grabbed a simple lunch from a shop near the station. Food options are limited once you reach the cliffs, so it’s better to prepare ahead.
We made our way through central Brighton on foot toward the bus stop. Once we passed the clock tower and turned right, the bus terminal appeared.
We caught bus number 12A, which winds its way along the coast. For buses in Brighton, you can grab a day pass (around £5 per person) or, better yet, a Family Network Saver ticket — just £10 for two adults and unlimited rides. You can buy this ticket directly from the driver, which is what we did.
As the bus rolled along the coastline, we couldn’t stop staring out the window. The ocean shimmered in a blue so deep and clear it felt like we’d been transported far from the bustle of London. Quaint seaside homes, fishing boats, and endless green fields followed us along the route. Then, in the distance — we saw it. The Seven Sisters.
We decided to get off two stops past the main Seven Sisters drop-off, at a village called East Dean. From there, we walked to Birling Gap, one of the best viewing points to see the cliffs from the eastern side.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Start early and bring food
The Seven Sisters area has almost no food options near the cliffs. Pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water for both you and your baby. - Baby carriers over strollers
The walk from East Dean to Birling Gap includes rough terrain — definitely not stroller-friendly. A good carrier is essential. - Expect baby fatigue
Sweetie was unusually sleepy that morning and wanted to be carried a lot. With all the transfers and walking, be ready to trade off and take breaks. - Discounts help a lot
Group train tickets and family bus passes can cut costs dramatically. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow travelers to team up. - Stay flexible with plans
We made our final route decision inside the bus. Baby moods, weather, and energy levels can change — don’t over-plan.
Local Travel Tips
- Train from London Bridge to Brighton
Cheapest direct route. Aim to arrive by 9:30 AM for group ticket deals with other travelers. - Buy tickets in groups if possible
Discounts apply for train (4+ people) and bus (2+ people). Grouping up makes a big difference. - Get the Family Network Saver bus pass
Only £10 for two adults, unlimited rides in the Brighton area — and super easy to buy on the bus. - East Dean to Birling Gap walk
A bit rugged but scenic. Offers one of the best views of the cliffs stretching westward. - Don’t miss the 13X bus if heading straight to Birling Gap
It goes directly to the cliffs. If you plan your stop in advance, it’s the easiest route.
Travel Reflections
This trip to the Seven Sisters reminded us why we started world travel with Sweetie in the first place. It wasn’t just to see famous places — it was to step into unfamiliar spaces together. Walking along that rugged cliff path, with Sweetie nestled against me and the sea wind rushing past, I felt so deeply grounded.
Even though we missed the more direct bus and had to hike a bit, it was completely worth it. The cliffs shimmered in the sunlight — a pure white against the crashing waves. Sweetie kept pointing and shouting “mountains!” and we just laughed. Not quite mountains, but in her eyes, everything big and beautiful becomes one.
Tomorrow we’ll head back out to explore more. But for today, we stood at the edge of England and looked out — the three of us, side by side.
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