Houghton Green Cliff

Houghton Green Cliff is a protected geological site in East Sussex featuring a steep rock face with exposed sandstone layers. The cliff displays sedimentary formations from the Lower Cretaceous period, offering visitors a window into ancient geological processes preserved in the stone.

This cliff formed during the Lower Cretaceous period, roughly 140 to 100 million years ago, when sediments accumulated in an ancient marine environment. The exposed layers represent a snapshot of Earth's distant geological past.

Natural England manages this protected area as part of a network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, contributing to national geological research and conservation.

The site is accessible via footpaths beside the public road north of Rye, with the cliff visible from nearby vantage points. Wear sturdy footwear since terrain can be uneven and weather can change the conditions quickly.

The Cliff End Sandstone Member exposed here is particularly valuable to scientists studying ancient marine environments and sediment processes. This specific geological layer is rare in England and provides data that cannot easily be found elsewhere.

GPS coordinates: 50.96800,0.75100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02