Beer & Branscombe, Devon Travel Guide | Top Things to Do

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If you’re looking for the best things to do in Beer, East Devon, this guide highlights the village’s beach, heritage attractions and walking routes. Visiting Beer Devon is a highlight for anyone exploring the Jurassic Coast.

Heading west from Seaton along the South West Coast Path, the character of the coastline shifts quickly. The flat pebble beach of Seaton gives way to steep chalk cliffs, tucked-away coves, and two villages that together capture the spirit of East Devon’s coast. Beer and Branscombe, only a couple of miles apart, are among the prettiest places on the Jurassic Coast.

They have some things in common: both still have links to fishing, both have a past that includes smuggling, stone and lace making, and both are interesting bases for walkers. Yet they feel very different. Beer is compact and lively, a sizeable fishing village built around a single cove, where fishing boats are still hauled up onto pebbles and quarry caves lie hidden above.

Branscombe is stretched, sleepy, relaxed and truly timeless, a Devon valley tumbling down to the sea, its thatched cottages sitting along lanes that have barely changed in centuries. Together, they form a natural pair: Beer for a bit more bustle (and here all things are relative), Branscombe for quiet lanes, historic buildings and local pubs. Both, of course, have popular pebble beaches.

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Map of Beer

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Beer: A Village of Stone, Sea, and Smugglers

Origins and Early Days

Sorry to say, but the name “Beer” has nothing to do with the drink, though the coincidence is not always lost on thirsty visitors. It originates from the Old English word “bearu,” meaning “grove” or “wooded place.” This is fitting because before the land was cleared for farming, the sheltered valley behind the beach was thick with trees. Archaeological finds suggest activity in the area from prehistoric times, but it was during the Anglo-Saxon period that a small settlement began to take shape.

By the time of the Domesday Book (1086), Beer was already established as a village. Its location on the south-facing coast provided fertile soil inland and access to rich fishing grounds offshore, a dual economy that would sustain the community for centuries.

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The Gift of Beer Stone

Beer’s most famous export, next perhaps to lace, was not fish but stone. The chalk cliffs flanking the beach conceal layers of a fine-grained limestone that became known as “Beer stone.” Easily worked when freshly quarried, it hardened with age into a durable building material. By the 12th century, masons recognised its value, and Beer stone began to travel far beyond Devon and can be seen today in Exeter Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and even the Tower of London.

Today, Beer Quarry Caves make an interesting place to visit. You can still sense the scale of this industry: vast vaulted chambers carved by hand, that flickering lanterns would have lighted, echo with centuries of labour. For generations, quarrying provided steady employment for men from Beer and Branscombe, who often split their time between the stone trade, farming, and the sea.

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Fishing and Village Life

Fishing was never just an occupation in Beer (or indeed anywhere else in the South West of England); it was the lifeblood of the community. The sheltered cove and pebble beach made an ideal landing place, and because there is no harbour, boats were hauled up onto the pebbles by hand or by winch, a practice that continues to this day.

Through the medieval and early modern periods, Beer fishermen landed mackerel, cod, pollack, and conger eels, supplying both local markets and those further inland. Families passed down boats and gear from father to son, and entire households were tied to sea and tide: men went to sea, women mended nets, and children helped sell the catch.

Fishing encouraged a strong sense of cooperation and community. Winching boats up the beach required many hands, and when storms threatened, everybody would rally to rescue vessels from the waves. Although there is far less fishing today, you do still feel the real sense of community in Beer.

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Smuggling in Beer

In the Westcountry, wherever there is a rugged coastline, there was smuggling, and Beer was no exception. The village’s isolated coves, caves, and cliff paths made it a natural base for contraband in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Kegs of brandy, bales of tobacco, and bolts of silk were landed under cover of darkness, often with the tacit approval of the locals, who saw smuggling as a way to supplement the hard life of fishing and quarrying.

Government customs men, known as “Preventive Officers,” kept a watchful eye, but they were often outnumbered or outwitted. Tales abound of villagers in Beer (and other coastal communities in the South West) hiding brandy beneath church pews or distracting officers while cargo was spirited away inland.

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The Delicate Craft of Lace

While men hauled stone and nets, in their small cottages, the women of Beer gained renown for a very different skill: lace-making. Introduced to Devon in the 16th century, bobbin lace became a vital cottage industry in the region. Beer lace, made with painstaking precision, was especially admired for its delicacy.

By the 19th century, Beer lace had achieved international fame. Queen Victoria herself chose Beer lace for her wedding dress in 1840, a decision that sparked a craze and secured the village’s place in the history of fashion. Lace-making brought in much-needed income to households and gave Beer’s women an economic role as vital as the men’s. Today, demonstrations at local heritage centres keep this tradition alive for curious visitors. For those interested in lace making, Honiton Museum, holding one of the largest regional collections, is well worth a visit.

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The Victorian Seaside

As Britain industrialised and railways extended into nearby Seaton, Beer entered a new chapter. While fishing and quarrying continued, the village also began to attract holidaymakers. The Victorians, with their passion for seaside air and picturesque scenery, found Beer irresistible.

Guidebooks of the time praised its dramatic cliffs and sheltered beach, noting that it offered “a more rustic and authentic experience” compared to nearby resorts like Sidmouth or Lyme Regis. Boarding houses and small hotels sprang up, while villagers supplemented their income by taking in visitors or running tearooms.

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Wars and the 20th Century

Both World Wars left a lasting mark on Beer. In the First World War, many local men joined both the Royal Navy and the army, and the community grieved the loss of 28 men. A further 12 were lost during WWII, and a memorial cross for both wars can be found in St Michael’s Churchyard. During the Second World War, the south coast braced for invasion: Beer’s cliffs were fortified, the beach was closed to civilians, and the village caves, once quarried for stone and used by smugglers, were repurposed as air-raid shelters and storage depots.

To honour all those who served in WWI, the community later created Beer Village Remembers and established the Beer Memorial Avenue at Beer Head (EX12 3AH). Thirty lime trees now line the clifftop, each marked with plaques for the fallen or for those who returned, with benches, wildflowers, and information boards providing a peaceful setting for reflection. Together, the history and the memorial ensure that Beer’s contribution and sacrifice in both wars will never be forgotten.

Post-war, fishing declined as larger ports and modern fleets took over the trade, but Beer clung to its traditions. The village reinvented itself as something of a heritage destination, celebrating its past industries rather than abandoning them. By the late 20th century, Beer had become a favourite stop for travellers exploring the newly designated Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

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Beer Today

Modern Beer balances tourism with tradition. Beer beach remains home to a small but active fleet of fishing boats, brightly painted and winched onto the pebbles each day. Visitors can still buy freshly caught crab, scallops, and mackerel straight from Beer Fisheries right down on the beach.

In summer, deckchair hire makes it easy to spend the day by the water, while the cliffs above offer some of the best viewpoints of the beach. The gardens are also the starting point for the South West Coast Path Beer to Seaton walk.

Some of the best things to do in Beer, East Devon, include the Beer Quarry Caves, where you can take guided tours into the labyrinth of stone chambers, revealing 2,000 years of history in quarrying.

Above the village sits Pecorama model railway Beer, one of Devon’s most charming family attractions. Children can ride a miniature steam train, explore gardens and enjoy play areas, making it a favourite stop for families.

The Beer Village Heritage Centre tells the story of lace-making, smuggling, and village life. Festivals, from the Beer Regatta to the Beer Rhythm and Blues Festival, draw crowds while celebrating the village’s unique character.

There are also plenty of places to visit near Beer, including Seaton Tramway, Branscombe village, and the Seaton Wetlands.

Perhaps most remarkable is that Beer has retained its identity. While tourism is vital, and yes, there are holiday homes aplenty, it does not entirely feel like it has completely overwhelmed the community. Walk through its narrow streets, lined with flint cottages and flower-filled gardens, and you can still sense a village shaped by the sea and stone.

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Branscombe: A Valley Spilling to the Sea

Branscombe is often described as one of the longest villages in England, its scattered hamlets threading down a wooded valley towards the Channel. That shape reflects its history. Unlike the tight, sea-facing settlement at Beer, Branscombe developed as a farming community, straggling along narrow lanes that lead to the church at its centre.

Early Settlement and the Church

Like Beer, the valley was occupied long before written records. Archaeological finds suggest both prehistoric and Roman presence, and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Branscombe was firmly established as an agricultural manor. Its parish church, St Winifred’s, dates mainly from the 12th century, though Saxon stonework hints at an even earlier site of worship.

Farming and Village Life

Branscombe’s history is mainly rural. For centuries, its economy was centred on mixed farming, with grain for bread, orchards for cider, and sheep and cattle grazing the hillsides. The village’s dispersed layout reflects a dependence more on the land than the sea. Blacksmiths kept tools sharp and horses shod, while millers ground local grain into flour.

The National Trust’s preservation of the Old Bakery, Beer Forge, and Manor Mill gives a sense of this self-sufficiency. These working buildings capture a time long before mass transport and supermarkets, when most of life’s necessities could be produced within the valley itself.

The Sea at Branscombe Mouth

Though farming dominated, the sea always played a role. At Branscombe Mouth, small fishing boats would have worked the inshore waters, supplying the villagers and local markets with crab, mackerel, and lobster. Unlike the busier and more commercial pebble beach at Beer, Branscombe’s fishing remained modest, focusing more on supplementing farm incomes and food supplies than playing a significant role in the village economy. Branscombe beach also served as the natural outlet for trade: lime, timber, and agricultural produce could be shipped out, while coal and salt were imported.

Shipwrecks and the Coastline

Branscombe’s shoreline, like much of Devon’s, saw its share of wrecks. Tales linger of “wreckers”, villagers lured by fortune to scavenge cargo from ships driven onto the rocks. Whether or not such stories are exaggerated, the sea could be both a provider and a threat. The most dramatic modern reminder came in 2007, when the container ship MSC Napoli was deliberately beached off the coast. Debris washed up along Branscombe Mouth, everything from motorbikes to wine barrels, and scavengers descended in scenes that echoed older legends of wrecking.

Branscombe, Devon Today

Today, Branscombe is a peaceful place where time genuinely seems to stand still. The church and village hall are still at the centre of community life. Colourful thatched cottages line narrow, winding lanes, and the working forge and Branscombe mill are preserved for visitors. Farming has, of course, modernised, while fishing has declined, and tourism has become an increasingly important source of income. Still, the village’s character remains deeply rural.

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The South West Coast Path Between Beer & Branscombe

The best way to experience Beer and Branscombe together is on foot. Beer is located between Seaton, approximately two miles to the East, and Branscombe, two miles to the West. The South West Coast Path joins all three, giving some tremendous walking opportunities and some of the best views in East Devon.

Heading east from Beer, you walk through the delightful Jubilee Memorial Gardens, complete with benches and sea view, soon getting one of the best views of Seaton. Heading west, the path climbs out towards Beer Head, then onwards to Branscombe and the open cliff tops, with huge views across Lyme Bay. On a clear day, you can see almost the entire Jurassic Coast.

Neither is a particularly difficult walk; however, it can be wet and muddy during winter or wet periods, so sensible trainers or walking boots are certainly required. There are steep climbs and descents, as well as steps, particularly in Branscombe, but it is hugely rewarding. In one direction, the view takes in Branscombe’s long bay, with red Triassic cliffs beyond. In the other, you see Beer’s compact cove and the sweep of Lyme Bay all the way to Portland on a clear day.

Many walkers make a day of it: start in Beer, explore the caves, take coffee on the beach, then walk to Branscombe for lunch at the Masons Arms. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, the blacksmiths, the mill or sitting on the Branscombe beach, then return by the same path or perhaps the narrow lane that links the villages.

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What to See in Beer & Branscombe

Beer

Beer is one of those rare places where history and everyday life are inextricably intertwined. The heart of it lies on the pebble beach, still lined with fishing boats that are hauled up daily by tractor or winch. Watching the boats return in the early morning, perhaps laden with crab, lobster, and mackerel, is an activity that hasn’t changed in centuries. Visitors can buy seafood straight from the huts on the beach or settle into one of the cafés where crab sandwiches taste best with salt spray in the air.

For another leisurely experience, walk up to the Anchor Inn, perched directly above the beach. Its cliff-top terrace faces east across Lyme Bay, making it perfect for both sunrise breakfasts and long summer evenings when the cliffs turn golden in the light. For something more inventive, the Smuggler’s Kitchen serves modern, locally inspired menus, while both the Dolphin and Barrel Of Beer keep to a more traditional feel with open fires, pub food and local beers. When it comes to it, you are spoilt for choice of where to eat in Beer.

Families will find Beer surprisingly rich in attractions. Pecorama, set high above the village, is a whimsical counterpoint to the rugged cliffs below. Part model railway museum, part landscaped garden, and part adventure playground, it has been delighting generations of visitors since the 1970s. Children ride miniature trains through flower beds and tunnels, while adults stroll terraces with wide views over Lyme Bay. It’s the perfect balance to a morning in the caves or a cliff walk: gentler, greener, and more playful.

Beer Quarry Caves remain one of the village’s signature sights. Though technically underground, they are an essential part of Beer’s story, as this is where the famous Beer stone was quarried and exported to build cathedrals and castles across England. Guided tours reveal vast vaulted chambers carved by hand, telling tales of masons, smugglers, and even bats. The cool, echoing spaces contrast vividly with the brightness of the beach outside.

Beer is also a village of traditions. Each August, Beer Regatta Week brings rowing races, raft-building, tug-of-war contests, beach sports, music, and fireworks. It’s a lively reminder of how coastal communities have celebrated summer for centuries. The rest of the year is slower-paced: fishermen repairing their nets, church bells ringing from St Michael’s, and walkers pausing on the South West Coast Path, which rises steeply east towards Branscombe and west towards Seaton.

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Branscombe, Devon

If Beer is compact and bustling, Branscombe is stretched and scattered, often described as one of the longest villages in England. It straggles for nearly two miles along a wooded valley, with cottages appearing at intervals between orchards, hedgerows, and meadows. The result is a place that feels less like a single settlement and more like a series of hamlets linked by narrow lanes. For visitors, that means Branscombe rewards exploration on foot: each turn reveals a new thatched roof, a garden bursting with flowers, or an orchard heavy with apples in autumn.

At the heart of the village, dating back to Norman times, is St. Winifred’s Church. It is open to visitors during daytime hours. The National Trust (who also own much of the land in the village) preserves three key working buildings in Branscombe, each offering a glimpse into a past rural life.

Branscombe Bakery, dating back to the 18th century, is now a picture-perfect tearoom housing a collection of baking equipment. The still-working Branscombe Forge recalls centuries when blacksmiths served the valley, hammering on an anvil, shoeing horses, and repairing tools. The Manor Mill (one of four that would have been in the village), powered by a leat that diverts water from the stream, shows how grain was once ground into flour, completing the cycle of local food production. Together, these sites remind travellers that Branscombe was for centuries a community able to provide almost everything it needed without looking far beyond the valley.

Down at Branscombe Mouth, the valley widens into a spacious pebble beach. Fishing boats once worked the inshore waters here. Still, today the mood is calmer: children skim stones, walkers rest with tea and cake at the Sea Shanty Beach Café, and the cliffs rise steeply on either side, carrying the South West Coast Path towards Beer in one direction and Sidmouth in the other. The climb eastwards to Beer on the South West Coast Path is one of the most rewarding sections, with views back over chalk cliffs and the broad sweep of Lyme Bay. Inland paths also wind through orchards, bluebell woods, and meadows, linking the scattered hamlets that make up the village.

Branscombe has its share of drama as well. In January 2007, the container ship MSC Napoli was deliberately beached just offshore after being damaged in a Channel storm. Nearly 2,400 containers were on board, carrying goods from motorbikes to wine barrels, and when several broke loose, the beach was briefly transformed into a free-for-all scavenging ground. The sight of people hauling away cargo echoed older tales of wreckers and shipwrecks along the Devon coast. Today, the beach is tranquil again, but the Napoli incident remains part of Branscombe’s modern history, and you can see the ship’s anchor just outside the café.

Getting There and Practicalities

Beer is reached either from the A3052 or by a short drive west from Seaton along the coast road. Branscombe is trickier: even by Devon standards, the lanes are narrow and wind steeply into the valley. Owners of larger cars, motorhomes and caravans need to exercise a little caution here. We would suggest using only the signposted routes from the A3052. Caravaners may wish to obtain prior advice from their campsite regarding the best route to take.

There are public car parks in Beer, but these fill quickly during the peak season. Car parking in Branscombe is limited. The National Trust have some parking next to Branscombe Forge. Next door is Branscombe village hall, which has parking (and public conveniences) to the rear. Charges are by donation (a wishing well by the entrance). From here, it is a lovely walk of less than a mile to Branscombe Beach along a pushchair-friendly path. Car parking (pay and display) is also available at Branscombe Beach – expect to pay about £1 per hour.

Public transport is sparse but workable. A local bus connects Seaton, Beer, Branscombe, and Sidmouth, though timetables thin in the winter and during the evenings. Many visitors walk one way and take the bus back. For drivers, combining Beer and Branscombe in a single day is easy, provided you don’t mind Devon’s narrow lanes.

Where to Eat & Drink in Beer & Branscombe

Beer

If you’re wondering where to eat in Beer, Devon, the village has a good mix of traditional pubs, cafés and restaurants. From bakeries to beachside cafés, pubs to proper restaurants, Beer has something for everybody.

The first stop for many visitors is the Anchor Inn, perched directly above the beach. Its terrace is one of the best on the Jurassic Coast: an east-facing sweep across Lyme Bay where breakfasts come with sunrise, and long summer evenings stretch into glowing sunsets on the cliffs. The Anchor offers classic pub meals, fish and chips, pies, and burgers, but the real treat is the location.

In the heart of the village, the Smuggler’s Kitchen takes a more adventurous approach, serving modern European dishes with a local focus. Expect seasonal specials, fresh fish from Beer’s own boats, and imaginative vegetarian options. The atmosphere blends rustic charm with contemporary style, making it a favourite for couples and foodies who want something beyond standard pub fare.

Beer’s pubs are its social hubs. A little further up the main street, the Dolphin Hotel keeps the traditional spirit alive, with low beams, open fires in winter, and pints poured for both locals and visitors alike. The Barrel of Beer often has live music or events, and prides itself on a rotating selection of craft beers alongside local favourites.

Down on Beer beach, cafés keep things perfect and straightforward. Ducky’s and its neighbours serve English breakfasts, crab sandwiches, fish baps, and cream teas that taste best when eaten with feet in the pebbles. On warm days, you’ll see families picnicking on the beach with takeaway boxes of chips, or walkers cooling off with ice cream before tackling the cliffs again. The beachside huts are also the best place to buy freshly landed crab, lobster, and scallops to cook at home if you’re self-catering.

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Where to Eat in Branscombe

Branscombe’s food and drink scene reflects the village’s slower, more rural atmosphere. The Masons Arms, a 14th-century inn that looks almost too perfect to be real: thatched roof, climbing roses in summer, a crackling fire in winter. Inside, the low ceilings and flagstone floors create a warm and friendly atmosphere, while the menu focuses on West Country classics with a modern twist. Local beef and lamb, freshly caught fish, and homemade puddings are highlights, all washed down with well-kept ales and a strong wine list. For many visitors, dining at the Masons Arms, Branscombe, is as much a part of the Branscombe experience as walking its lanes.

The Fountain Head, further up the village, is another historic pub dating back centuries. Smaller and more rustic than the Masons, it is beloved for its unpretentious charm, local ciders, and simple but satisfying food. Local gatherings keep it lively, and in summer, the garden is a great place to linger over a pint of scrumpy.

For lighter fare, The Old Bakery offers lunches and teas with a side order of history. You can sit in the old thatched rooms or in the garden while enjoying homemade cakes, sandwiches, and Devon cream teas. At Branscombe Mouth, the Sea Shanty Beach Café provides another option, serving substantial breakfasts, lunches, snacks and sandwiches, and ice creams with the pebbles underfoot and cliffs rising around you. It’s informal, cheerful, and perfectly suited to walkers who have just tackled the coast path.

Where to Stay

Where to stay in Beer, Devon

Beer is compact, and whilst its accommodation reflects the scale: small, personal, and often tucked into converted fishermen’s cottages or flint-walled houses that line the narrow lanes, it is surprisingly plentiful. Don’t expect grand hotels or big chains, but do expect quality. The village’s charm lies in the fact that you wake up within sight or sound of the sea.

Both the Anchor Inn and Dolphin Hotel offer traditional pub accommodation.

Bed & Breakfasts are the backbone here. Many family-run guesthouses offer rooms with sea views, Devon breakfasts, and personal touches that larger hotels can’t match. Expect whitewashed cottages with flower-filled gardens, creaky staircases, and the kind of hospitality where the owner not only serves you breakfast but also recommends a favourite cliff walk. Some B&Bs are directly above the beach, while others sit back from the shore in quieter lanes.

For those who prefer independence, Beer holiday cottages abound. Former fishermen’s houses have been converted into holiday lets, complete with slate floors, wood-burning stoves, and patios overlooking Lyme Bay. These are ideal for families or walkers who want space to cook with local seafood bought straight from the beach huts. Booking ahead in summer is essential — Beer is popular, and the best cottages vanish quickly.

On the edge of the village, campsites and caravan parks offer more budget-friendly options, catering to families who prefer a mix of seaside freedom and basic facilities. They’re also well placed for walkers looking for places to stay on the South West Coast Path.

If you prefer more choice in hotels or guesthouses, the neighbouring town of Seaton (just over a mile away) offers a broader selection, but many visitors find Beer’s intimacy worth the trade-off. Accommodation in Beer blends into the village rather than dominating it.

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Where to Stay in Branscombe, Devon

Branscombe’s accommodation mirrors its long, stretched-out character. Rather than a dense cluster, options are scattered along the valley, each with its own setting among orchards, meadows, or thatched hamlets. Staying here feels less like booking into a resort and more like being folded into the rhythm of the countryside.

For accommodation with more than a touch of style, the Masons Arms, a 14th-century inn at the heart of the village. Its rooms, set in thatched cottages around a central courtyard, combine rustic charm with modern comfort: low beams, stone fireplaces, thick duvets, and views of gardens or rolling hills. Staying here is atmospheric, especially in winter when the fires are lit and the pub downstairs hums with life. For many visitors, a night at the Masons is the essence of Branscombe.

Beyond the inns, Branscombe holiday cottages and farm stays are good options. Thatched cottages along the lanes offer self-catering holidays with postcard-perfect charm, often with private gardens and log fires. Farmhouses further up the valley offer B&B rooms where you wake to the sounds of birdsong. Branscombe is an ideal place with things to do for families or couples seeking quiet seclusion.

At Branscombe Mouth, there are a few simple guesthouses and chalets close to the beach. For something a little different, and beachside chalets, take a look at Sea Shanty Holiday Park, Branscombe Beach.

There are also campsites in and around the village. Branscombe Campsite adjoins a small but active airfield, home to light and vintage aircraft.

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Practicalities & other helpful links

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best things to do in Beer, East Devon?

Explore Beer Quarry Caves on a guided tour, walk the South West Coast Path to Seaton or Branscombe, enjoy fresh seafood and spend time on Beer Beach.

What are the best things to do in Branscombe, Devon?

Discover the thatched village, visit the church and forge, walk the coast path, relax on the beach and eat at traditional pubs and the beach café.

How do I walk from Beer to Seaton or Branscombe?

Follow the South West Coast Path east to Seaton or west to Branscombe. For one-way trips, use a Beer to Seaton coastal walk bus return when services run.

Can I walk from Beer to Lyme Regis?

Yes. Experienced walkers continue the Jurassic Coast route via Branscombe and Sidmouth towards Lyme Regis. Check weather and tide times before setting out.

Is there guided access to Beer Quarry Caves?

Yes. Seasonal guided tours explore the vaulted chambers and explain Beer Stone, quarrying history and local stories. Check current opening times.

Where to stay in Beer Devon?

Choose from B&Bs, guesthouses, small hotels and self catering. Options include Beer holiday cottages and beach huts close to the shore.

Where to stay in Branscombe Devon?

Branscombe offers traditional inns, farm stays, holiday cottages and a campsite near the village with easy access to the beach and coast path.

Where to eat in Beer Devon?

Head for beachside cafés and Fore Street pubs and restaurants. Fresh crab, scallops and mackerel are regular highlights on local menus.

Where to eat in Branscombe Devon?

Try the village pubs, countryside inns and the beach café for local ales and seasonal dishes in historic settings.

Can you hire deckchairs on Beer Beach?

Yes. In summer, Beer Beach deckchair hire is available so you can settle in for a relaxed day by the water.

Are dogs allowed on Beer Beach?

Dogs are usually allowed on the eastern half year round. Restrictions apply on the western half between 1 May and 30 September.

Is it safe to swim at Beer Beach?

Yes, but the beach shelves steeply and there are no lifeguards. Keep a close watch on children and weaker swimmers.

How do I get to Beer and Branscombe by public transport?

Axminster is the nearest mainline station. Buses link Beer with Seaton and Exeter. Branscombe has limited services, so check timetables in advance.

Is there parking in Beer and Branscombe?

Beer has several car parks including cliff top and Fore Street options. Branscombe has a main beach car park and limited village spaces. Arrive early in peak season.

Does Beer Beach have good viewpoints?

Yes. The cliffs above provide some of the best viewpoints of Beer Beach, especially around sunrise and sunset.

Does Branscombe have coastal viewpoints?

Yes. The path west towards Sidmouth and east towards Beer gives sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast and photogenic cliff lines.

Are there holiday cottages or beach huts in Beer?

Yes. Alongside B&Bs there are Beer holiday cottages and some beach huts for day use near the shoreline.

Are there holiday cottages or farm stays in Branscombe?

Yes. Expect characterful holiday cottages, farm stays and self catering options in and around the village.

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Why we love Beer

Beer and Branscombe are different faces of the same coast. Beer a fishing village with chalk cliffs and a quarrying past that supplied stone to cathedrals. Branscombe a quiet village, in a valley where time slows among thatched cottages and pubs older than many nations. Walk between them and you feel the whole character of East Devon’s coast compressed into a few miles: chalk and red sandstone, smugglers’ coves and church towers, fishing boats and cliff-top meadows.

Together, they complement Seaton and Colyford & Colyton, creating a triangle of experiences: seaside town, inland market village, cliff-top path, and valley hamlet. To visit one without the others is to miss the fuller story. Take the time, walk the paths, linger in the pubs, and you’ll understand why Beer and Branscombe remain among the most loved places on the Jurassic Coast.

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