Nestled along the beautiful 95-mile long UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast in East Devon, is the picture perfect village of Beer, a small village off the beaten track but easily accessible for holidaymakers.
The village forms part of the England’s first natural World Heritage site and is most notable for its beach, and has won several accolades including being named Countryfile’s Top Picnic Spot in the country. Surrounded by white chalk cliffs, the shingle beach is lined with fishing boats still bringing in their daily catches and is famous for its mackerel.
Beer is ideal for the active and adventurous types what with it being located on the South West Coast Path and has plenty to see and do for both families and older visitors.
Getting to Beer
You can get to Beer by rail, coach, bus, plane or driving.
The nearest train station to Beer is Axminster, and Beer is approximately 20 minutes away by car or by bus from Seaton. Exeter is about 50 mins away from Beer via a bus service or taxi.
Exeter is the best airport to fly into to get to Beer.
Things to do in Beer Devon
It isn’t just the opportunities for coastal walks that makes Beer an ideal destination for a family holiday.
Beer Beach
The shingle beach is great for family days out, gentle strolls and for relaxing in the sunshine. Because it’s a working beach, you’re likely to spot several colourful boats while walking around the beach and can often sit and watch the boats come in with the day’s catch.
Jubilee Gardens
Above the beach, you’ll find the Jubilee Gardens, which were first commissioned to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the views across the bay from here are quite something and it is here that you can nab the very best spots for dining alfresco.
Family Friendly Attractions
There are a number of brilliant family friendly attractions that can be found in and around the village as well as an extensive events calendar including the annual Beer Regatta, which takes place every summer and the Beer Rhythm and Blues festival.
Crealy Great Adventure Park is a great adrenaline-filled day out with the family, ideal for families with older kids and teenagers, while the magnificent grade 1 listed Bicton Gardens provides peace and tranquility. For animal-lovers, you’ll want to visit the local Donkey Sanctuary.
Beer’s Maritime History
Beer has a rich maritime history, which is celebrated through the many attractions found around the village including the Beer Quarry Caves and Pecorama, which features several exhibitions which hark back to days gone by.
Jurassic Coast Cruises
Enjoy a day out on the water from Exmouth with Jurassic Coast Cruises and learn more about the coastline’s rich smuggling and maritime history. A live commentary is given during the two and a half hour cruise covering the changing history and appearance of the area as well as the wildlife and towns.
Tides permitting, the vessel will sail in close to the cliffs for a detailed view and then sail further out to offer a panoramic view.
Exploring Beer’s Smugglers Coves
While it is now a popular tourist site, Beer Village was once known for being a haven for smugglers thanks to the many caves that can be found around the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
To this day, the village remains a hidden gem, in the eighteenth century, smugglers knew they would be well hidden as the beach is only visible from far out at sea, and the cliffs protected boats from stormy weather, so fishermen and smugglers could dock and cast off when others were stuck on shore.
These days, the small coves and caves in the area are perfect for crabbing and rock pooling while the cliff provides a natural suntrap for those who fancy a relaxing day catching the rays.
South West Coast Path
A visit to Beer Village will put you in the middle of some of Devon’s most picturesque areas.
The Jurassic Coast forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the village also sits within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, both of which you can easily explore from the South West Coast Path, which runs through the village.
For those of you who are looking for an active, outdoor holiday, Beer is the ideal location, it is easy to spend your time exploring this stunning section of coast by following the many pathways and walking trails.
In one direction you’ll come to the town of Seaton, while the other will take you to the village of Branscome, whichever way you choose, you’ll be greeted with some incredible views.
Staying in Beer Devon
From campsites and caravans to B&B’s and hotels, Beer has a wide range of facilities to cater for most holiday requirements.
The Bay View Guest House right in the heart of Beer is a comfortable B&B with an excellent reputation in the area. If you’re a luxury lover and you’d like to stay slightly further out from the main village, The Glebe and The Pig Combe are two of the top luxury boutique hotels nearby.
If you’re more the glamping type, consider staying at Escape Pod Devon or the Beer Head Caravan Park. For those on a budget, YHA Beer is a hostel with fantastic reviews.
Restaurants in Beer
You’ll find evidence of Beer’s maritime history at the many restaurants and eateries in the village who pride themselves on using the freshest local produce in their menus.
Make sure to stop to sample some of the famous Beer crab during your visit, or if you want to really immerse yourself in the life of a fisherman, you can even take part in one of the many mackerel fishing boat trips which set off from Beer Beach most days.
Some of the best regarded restaurants in Beer include the Smugglers Kitchen and The Beer Head Bistro. Classic pubs we would recommend include the Barrel of Beer and The Anchor Inn.
For a more casual affair, Bessie Mais, Woozie’s Deli and the Bay View Craft Shop are wonderful eateries in the heart of the village.
Beer is a small village with lots going on
Beer and the surrounding area has a lots to do for all the family all year-round and is one of our favourite parts of Devon. It’s a great base from which to explore East and South Devon and the South West Coast Path, and a must-visit for any maritime history buffs.
