UK’s Magnificent Coastal Paradise at Risk as Uncontrolled Tourism Puts Iconic Landmarks and Fragile Ecosystem in Peril

Published on April 7, 2025

UK’s stunning coastal paradise faces grave threat as unchecked tourism endangers iconic landmarks and delicate marine ecosystems.

Birling Gap, a picturesque spot in East Sussex, has become a hotspot for tourists, particularly after being featured in a reality show and music video, attracting visitors from across Asia. This once peaceful area, known for its charming cottages and beautiful beaches, is now under severe threat due to increasing foot traffic and coastal erosion.

The surge in tourism, fueled by viral social media videos, has placed immense pressure on the landscape. Many locals and environmentalists argue that the influx of visitors is damaging the delicate plants and wildlife that call this area home.

Birling Gap is among the UK’s most vulnerable locations when it comes to coastal erosion. Sections of the cliffside are crumbling, prompting figures like Dame Judi Dench to advocate for stronger sea defences to protect the site.

In 2023, the local café had to be closed and partially demolished, as it was dangerously close to the eroding cliff edge.

Just a short distance away lies Cuckmere Haven, known for its iconic coastguard cottages, which have become a popular draw for tourists, especially from Japan. Travel magazines in Japan often feature these picturesque buildings as must-visit spots in Britain.

However, the increased number of visitors is taking a toll on the area. One nearby resident remarked that while the cottages are beloved landmarks, the sheer volume of tourists is exacerbating the deterioration of the sea defences that protect the area.