Beer certainly punches above its weight in terms of attracting tourists, despite being just a village. This is perhaps due to its blend of a beautiful location and strong sense of maritime heritage. Beer remains a working fishing village to this day and the techniques used, even today, by the Beer fishermen have been handed down through generations.
The coastline of beer also paid host to smuggling, which stole more than its fair share of Beer's past. At the helm of this particular part of Beer's heritage was the infamous Jack Rattenbury, now a local 'hero', who's memoirs form the base of many a story told in public houses within Beer and it's surrounding villages.
Beer village is idyllically located. Almost a picture postcard image; with it's small brook which runs the entire length of the village, before reaching the sea. The same steep cliffs that hid the smugglers so well in the past, still serve the bay wonderfully today, sheltering sun basking tourist from the wind and protecting the beautiful fishing boats on their moorings.
Beer has another attraction up its sleeve! Lying beneath the chalk cliffs are the Beer Quarry Caves. These vast man-made caverns were carved out by hand long before the times of modern machinery. An inspiring thought while marvelling at the height of the roofs! It is known that stone from the Beer Quarry Caves has been used in many historic structures throughout England, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Somewhat less grand but no less enjoyable is the nearby Pecorama, with its miniature steam railway and stations. Opened by Reverend Wilbert Awdry of Thomas the Tank Engine fame, it is a delight of authentic fixtures, hoardings and railway signs taken from many local stations before they were closed down. There is an Exhibition of Scenic Railway Modelling, a model railway factory, and of course the mile long steam railway ride. This takes you through some beautiful grounds, making it a popular attraction to the young and the 'not so young' alike.
Another local attraction, also of the railed variety, is Seaton Tramway, where all manner of interests are catered for, from Halloween and Santa specials, to Children's parties and bird watching trips along the Exe estuary.
As well as these and other tourist attractions, Beer has all you would expect from a popular tourist destination, whilst still retaining its historic charm. You'll find all the normal amenities and several good restaurants, all with excellent cuisine - many with spectacular coastal views - open all year round.
In addition to the normal bustling summer season, August is of particular interest, as far as Beer is concerned. This is when the annual Regatta takes place and the spirit of the town comes to life, attracting visitors from far and wide. Just some of the entertaining days highlights, from all sorts of water based activities are - raft racing, sailing and swimming events.
| Missed something? |
