Holiday rentals in Beer

Beer is a small fishing village on the East Devon coast with stark chalky cliffs, cobblestone streets, and stone cottages painted white to match the surrounding bluffs of Seaton Bay. The famous Jurassic Coast surrounding Beer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its dramatic rock formations, diverse landscapes, and fossil beds, providing a look at organisms from millions of years ago. Hiking trails run up and down the coast, offering commanding views of some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in all of England.

Beer itself is a traditional fishing community with a meandering, walkable town centre and flint-covered homes overlooking the beach below. Beyond taking things slowly at streetside cafes, indulging at seafood restaurants, and browsing boutique art shops, people come here to swim, fish, and paddle from the accessible pebbly beaches just on the edge of town. The larger city of Exeter is just 45 minutes’ drive drive away, home to ancient underground passages to explore, quayside pubs for al fresco lunches, and an imposing Gothic cathedral.

The weather patterns in Beer are characteristic of southwestern England’s temperate coastal climate. Mild summers with long sunny days and pleasantly warm temperatures create excellent conditions for enjoying the local beaches and hiking in the Devonshire countryside. The summer months tend to be the best time to look for a holiday cottage in Beer, as the sea is too cold to swim in for the rest of the year, and some businesses shutter their doors for the off-season.

If visiting in the winter, be sure to bring layers and a waterproof jacket, as these months tend to be chilly and wet, with modest upticks in the rain compared to the rest of the year. Spring and autumn provide a middle ground, with mild temperatures and occasional showers. While the village itself may be small, the surrounding area hosts a wide array of festivals and events throughout the year. The Dartmouth Food Festival in October is a culinary celebration with regional foods on display, in addition to chef demonstrations and workshops.

Beer Quarry Caves

This artificial cavern system of chalky limestone rock formations snakes its way under the cliffs surrounding Beer. The earliest work on the site dates to the Roman period, and operations ran almost continually until the early part of the 20th century. The stone from here was used to make Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and other important English buildings. Today, visitors can explore the cave systems and get an insight into the region’s geological and mining history.

Dartmoor National Park

In the centre of Devon about an hour’s drive from Beer, Dartmoor National Park spans river valley woodland and vast, sprawling moors dotted with wild ponies. It’s also home to rare bat species and otters, among other animals. Archaeological sites and stone circles constructed with granite — some of which date from the Bronze Age — are scattered throughout the moor and along its hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails.

Fine Foundation Heritage Centre

Just steps from the beach, this volunteer-run educational centre highlights the history of the village and its sealife through photographs and other artefacts. In addition to cultural history, the centre details the geological timeline of the surrounding cliffs and pebble beaches that lie along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.