Charming UK seaside often overlooked by tourists with secret caves | UK | Travel

Sitting along the stunning Jurassic Coast, Beer is just one of the many gems to be found in South Devon and a peaceful alternative to some of its neighbours.

While this seaside village sees plenty of tourists, it manages to retain its quaint charm and is much less packed than nearby Seaton with its long shingle beach and family-friendly caravan parks. Beer offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe, with a historic look and feel. 

The village is made up of narrow, steep roads, which slope down towards the sea. There are stone-clad cottages, cosy pubs, and little independent shops along the way, adding to the old-fashioned charm. 

The beach itself is shingle and surrounded by limestone cliffs, which create a cove sheltered from the winds. Beer is still a fishing village, so even if you’re relaxing on the beach, you’ll see lots of people hard at work keeping this traditional industry alive. You can hire a deckchair, or join the little fishing boats in the water by hiring a paddleboard or canoe. 

It’s possible to swim at Beer beach, but caution is advised as the sea has a steep shelf, meaning it gets deep quickly. The area is also popular for snorkelling thanks to its clear waters that allow you to spot an abundance of sea life.

Along the seafront, you’ll find a fishmonger who opens in the morning, allowing you to buy the freshest fish caught that day. There’s even a small heritage centre right on the beach where you can learn more about the village’s interesting history, from its fossils to the days of smugglers. 

Take a tour through Beer Quarry Caves, a network of underground tunnels and caverns, the oldest of which date back to Roman times. Over the years, these manmade caves were quarried deeper and became more complex, and after the Reformation period they were used to host a secret Catholic church. In the 19th century, smugglers used the caves to hide their contraband from prying eyes.

Back on dry land, enjoy a coffee at the beach cafe, or head to the Barrel of Beer just a couple of minutes’ away for a pint. Sadly, the name of the village has nothing to do with the beverage; it was named after an Old English word for grove, but the pub does have a good selection of Devon ales and ciders to try, as well as a menu that features local seafood. 

If you’re visiting the area, nearby Seaton is worth a day trip as it has all the elements of a traditional seaside holiday. Beach huts line the promenade, and you’ll find cosy hotels and cafes as you stroll along the seafront. Seaton Tramway is popular with visitors, and you can ride beautiful narrow-gauge heritage trams along a three-mile route through the beautiful Devon countryside. 

You can walk between Beer and Seaton on the well-signposted South West Coastal Path. It’s about two miles each way and mostly along coastal paths, although it can get quite hilly when you approach Beer. Stop at The Hideaway along the way for a traditional cream tea while you enjoy views across Lyme Bay. 

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