Real, curated ideas for Beer — the fishing beach, the quarry caves, the white cliffs and where to eat, filtered by who's actually with you.
Beer is a working fishing village with a shingle beach under white chalk cliffs — unusual on this coast, where almost everything else is red sandstone. Boats are still winched up onto the beach and the catch is sold from a stall on it, which gives the place a purpose most Devon villages of this size have lost.
It is small and it is very pretty: a stream runs down beside the main street, there are beach huts at the foot of the cliffs, and picnic tables looking out over the bay. Parking is limited and time-restricted, so arrive early in season.
The thing that makes Beer more than a beach stop is underground. Beer Quarry Caves, a mile inland, are Roman-era stone mines that supplied cathedrals across England — a ninety-minute guided tour at a constant eight degrees. Take a coat even in August, and note it is a long tour for younger children.
Listings last checked: September 2026
A sheltered shingle beach at the foot of white chalk cliffs, with fishing boats winched up on it, colourful beach huts and a stall selling the catch. Picnic tables above and a small museum nearby covering the geology and history. Two-hour parking fills fast in season.
The undercliff between Beer Head and Branscombe — a landslip of dramatic chalk pinnacles with a path running through it and a clifftop route above for the return leg. A genuinely good circular walk with steep drops in places. Sturdy shoes, not trainers.
Roman-era underground stone quarries that supplied cathedrals across the country, on a ninety-minute guided tour. Consistently the best-rated attraction in east Devon thanks to the guides. It is eight degrees down there year-round — take a coat and proper shoes, and phone ahead for tour times.
A small open space on Sea Hill just above the beach, useful as a spot to sit with a takeaway and watch the boats. Not a destination in itself, but a pleasant pause on the walk down to the sand.
The seafood restaurant in the village — mussels, seafood linguine, fish and chips done properly, and a Sunday lunch people go out of their way for. Booking is important. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; lunch service Friday to Sunday only.
Inventive evening cooking on Fore Street — monkfish pasta, venison, very good burgers and staff who will adapt dishes. The mains are the strength; the starters are small for the price. Evenings only, Tuesday to Saturday.
The pub on the cliff above the beach, with a beer garden that has the best view in the village and food served from eight in the morning until late. Busy and it is a chain, but the position is unbeatable and the kitchen keeps up.
Up on the headland at the caravan park, with easy parking and a bay view — good breakfasts, local ingredients and a dog-friendly room. Well set up for wheelchair users. Worth the walk up from the village, or drive if you would rather.
A thatched inn at Branscombe, a short drive or the clifftop walk away, with gardens, a strong wine and beer list and a Sunday lunch that people book weeks out. Not cheap, but the best food within reach of Beer. Open from 7.30am.