A cold pint on a summer day is one of life’s greatest pleasures — and apparently so is a trip to its namesake.
In a recent survey of 4,000 Which? members, the consumer champion crowned Beer, Devon, as one of the UK’s top seaside towns, only beaten to the top spot by popular Northumbrian resort, Bamburgh.
This lesser-known spot, just west of Seaton on the Jurassic Coast, was given an 80% destination score by voters, landing it second place on the list ahead of Portmeirion, St David’s and Sidmouth.
Visitors gave Beer five stars for scenery, along with four stars for both value for money and peace and quiet. Its beach and seafront were less highly-rated with three stars each, but 42 of the 52 who’d been there said they were satisfied with the location and would recommend it.
It seems Tripadvisor reviewers agree too: David D called beer a ‘delightful quaint village’, while Keith J urged people to ‘raise a glass to Beer,’ adding: ‘Charming village, great local food, lovely people. It’s a great place to stay for a relaxing holiday. Highly recommended.’
Fancy trying Beer for your next UK seaside trip? Here’s a taste of what to expect.
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Things to do in Beer
The main draw of this picturesque village – mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 – is its beach, which is a pebbled bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and dotted with old-school deckchairs.
Although it doesn’t boast the golden sands of nearby Seaton, Beer Beach comes with its own unique set of attractions.
Get a feel for its history as a smuggler’s haven with a tour of Beer Quarry Caves or head out on a boat trip with a local fisherman — or, if you’d rather stay on land, sample their wares at one of the stalls selling fresh seafood and various other refreshments.
For those that prefer a more chilled out break, you can hire a beach hut and before taking a picnic up to Jubilee Gardens for incredible views along the coast. Alternatively, more adventurous types can see the sights via the South West Coast Path (on foot or by bicycle).
There are a number of independent shops, restaurants and pubs to enjoy too, with visitors pinpointing Gina’s, Smuggler’s Kitchen, Barrel of Beer and The Anchor as particular highlights.
Don’t forget to check out Pecorama, a popular tourist attraction featuring model railways and award-winning gardens located on the hillside just above Beer.
And if you don’t mind venturing a few miles outside the village, the likes of Crealy Theme Park & Resort and the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary are sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Where to stay in Beer
Accommodation in Beer is mainly made up of guest houses and holiday rentals, with the likes of Bay View and The Dolphin Hotel coming in at just over £100 per night.
Beer Head Holiday Park is a great alternative option though, with a six-berth caravan available from £425 a week and camping for as little as £30 per tent per night.
How to get to Beer
By car, it takes about four hours to drive from London to Beer.
The nearest railway station to the village is Axminster, around 9 miles (14 km) away on the Exeter to Waterloo line. One-way tickets from London are priced from £15.30 according to Trainline, with the journey taking around three hours.
There’s then a bus link from the train station to Beer – which also provides easy access to nearby towns and villages like Seaton and Branscombe – but if you’d prefer to take a taxi, it’ll cost roughly £20.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
