Discover the beautiful village of Beer in East Devon

A place to unwind

If your idea of an idyllic holiday destination is one with clear sparkling sea, a beach of silky-smooth white pebbles backed by stunning cliffs, and pretty flower-adorned thatched cottages lining its streets; then this lovely little village in east Devon is your perfect match.

Set along the Jurassic Coast, Beer is steeped in history. Its stunning shingle beach and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive option for all in search of wholesome seaside getaways in the picturesque southwest of England.

Find places to stay in Beer Devon

The Stunning Beer Beach

Beer’s beach is simply stunning and somewhere you’ll spend most of your time when the weather is good. Rather unique in how sheltered its crescent of pebbles is thanks to the sheer limestone cliffs that tower over it, it’s a dreamy place to sit and watch the sea and the brightly painted fishing boats bring home their fresh catches. You can also hire a quintessentially stripey deckchair while you’re there and relax to the sound of gentle waves rolling over smooth stones as you sunbathe, read or nap – bliss!

What’s in a name?

Beer’s history is as intriguing as its name. This quaint village has roots dating back to Saxon times, with its name deriving from the Old English word ‘bearu’, meaning grove, referring to the forested landscape that once surrounded the area.
Throughout its history, Beer has been closely tied to the sea. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a hub for fishing and smuggling, with pirates like the infamous Jack Rattenbury hiding their contraband in the secluded coves and cliffs surrounding the village. (If you’re holidaying with children, they’ll love the pirate-themed play park that overlooks the beach.)

Spending the day in Beer

A day in this charming village can be as laid-back as you like. Start your morning with a stroll along the cliffs above the beach, following the Southwest Coast Path. You’ll be treated to fantastic sea views as it sparkles below. Or wander into the village to browse its shops for unique souvenirs, hand-crafted art and pottery. For lunch, try freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant like the Anchor Inn, or tuck into a hearty crab sandwich from the beachfront café.

Worth discovering

Beer seems to have stood the test of time, remaining quaint and relatively unscathed by modern development. So, whether you’re fascinated by history and local legend, a nature lover, or simply in search of a stunningly beautiful place to relax, friendly locals, and picturesque surroundings, this fabulous slice of the Devonshire coastline is worth discovering for yourself.

Places to stay in Beer Devon

Starre Barn Cottage in Beer is part of the historic Starre House, a Grade II listed building with roots dating back to the 16th century. Originally built by Elizabethan textile merchant William Starre, it is one of the oldest properties in this picturesque fishing village. The cottage is a 10-minute walk from the beach via Fore Street so if you’d like to enjoy a car-free stay you can.

The property itself is the beautifully contemporary refurbished annex of Starre House and has been designed for couples. It has its own sun-drenched patio and a wonderful contemporary design though still retains many original features like exposed stone walls and oak beams.

Book Starre Barn Cottage