About

The original Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge was organised in 2013 by the Rotary Club of Eastbourne AM in conjunction with the "Save the Stripes" campaign and supported by the Eastbourne Herald, in order to raise money to repaint the Beachy Head lighthouse at a cost of some £30,000. Had this not been undertaken the iconic red and white stripes would have been allowed to fade and eventually disappear. Due to the popularity of the event, Eastbourne AM Rotary Club has continued to organise the Challenge every year since, with the help of volunteers. Part of the funds raised are set aside towards the next re-paint of the lighthouse with the rest donated to local charities including the RNLI (Eastbourne).

There are in fact very few days when it is possible to walk around the lighthouse as it has to take place during spring tides, when it is light enough and on a weekend – this year it is planned to take place on Sunday 25th May 2025.

The arrival point will be at the kiosk at the foot of the Downs by St. Bede's school in Eastbourne. On arrival, participants proceed up the lane for approximately half a mile to Whitbread Hollow where you will find the check-in desks.

Once checked-in we set off across the Downs to Cow Gap (approx. 15 minutes), down the steps to the beach and over the rocks, boulders, sand and slippery seaweed to the lighthouse (average 60 minutes).

On return, all participants will receive a certificate to authenticate that they are one of the few people who have undertaken the "Lighthouse Challenge".