Birling Gap on the map
Location in East SussexBirling Gap sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Birling Gap
Birling Gap is a coastal location in East Sussex, England, situated within the South Downs National Park. It lies just east of the town of Eastbourne and is known for its dramatic chalk cliffs and access to the South Downs Way. The area offers scenic views across the English Channel and is a popular spot for walkers and beachgoers. The beach is composed of shingle and sand, and the cliffs provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The nearby Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are a prominent feature of the landscape. Birling Gap is easily reached by road and is served by local bus routes. The postcode area is BN20, and the site is managed by the National Trust, which maintains footpaths and offers information on the natural environment.
School Ratings in Birling Gap
There are 33 schools in and around Birling Gap. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Birling Gap
The average property price is £413K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £267K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birling Gap
Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Birling Gap, with 160 recorded incidents in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Birling Gap
Birling Gap sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.
Healthcare in Birling Gap
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Birling Gap, the nearest being Stop Smoking (2.8 miles away).
Local Data for Birling Gap
Dig deeper into the area around Birling Gap with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 3,295 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the BN20 postcode area.
Household Income in Birling Gap ONS 2023
The average total household income in Birling Gap is approximately £54,436 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,822. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £42,822.
Businesses in Birling Gap ONS 2025
There are approximately 682 active businesses based in Birling Gap, around 34 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Birling Gap IMD 2025
Birling Gap sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.
Crime in Birling Gap 585 crimes · April 2026
Birling Gap sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Anti-social behaviour represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Birling Gap
Of the 9,159 households in and around Birling Gap, 77% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Birling Gap.