A beach in Sussex has been ranked as one of the best in the country.

Birling Gap was named by The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches Guide as one of the top 50 beaches in the UK and one of the seven best beaches in the south of the country.

The beach was visited by Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, who judged it, along with other beaches across the country, based on multiple factors.

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This included water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. 

The beaches were also only included on the list if they had an excellent water quality rating from The Environment Agency.

Chris  said: "My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches.

"The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there."

He also said the beaches were among some of "the most magnificent on earth."

The best beach in the south listed by The Sunday Times and The Times was Southbourne Beach in Dorset.

No other Sussex beaches apart from Birling Gap were ranked on the list.

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On Tripadvisor, Birling Gap beach has an average rating of five out of five stars.

One visitor to the beach said: "When the tide is in, Birling Gap beach is only a narrow shingle beach.

"However, when the tide is out, rock pools abound; a delight for crab-hunting children."

Another reviewer wrote: "Nestled under the Birling Gap cottages and the white cliffs of Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters is Birling Gap Beach.

"Birling Gap Beach is a pebble beach which is only really accessible when the tide is out. At those times, it is a lovely beach for having a short walk or just sitting and watching the sea."

A review from 2021 read: "It can be a narrow beach when the tide is in and it is mostly pebbles, but it is still a good beach for a bracing walk.

"When the wind is blowing, it is also an impressive sight when the waves surge up the beach; and all along the back of the beach are the towering heights of the Seven Sisters."