Gorgeous Devon village is like a 'time warp' with locals saying it's 'never changed'
The spotlight has finally been shone on one of England's most overlooked coastal destinations - a spot where visitors and residents are constantly amazed.
The village of Beer in Devon is sat among a charming stretch of coastline that has maintained its splendour and traditional English seaside character. And it's recently been recognised as one of the finest UK coastal towns.
This beautiful spot on Devon's Jurassic Coast - has secured second place in Which's ranking of Britain's top seaside destinations, pipped only by Bamburgh in Northumberland. It comes as ' UK's weirdest arcade with a robot that massages your feet is named the perfect day out'.
One visitor on Tripadvisor commented: "This is a lovely place, as if time has passed it by. The overall setting is spectacular. It's a steep approach to a pebble beach with fisherman's boats and gear making a picturesque setting against the high white cliffs that surround the cove of Beer."
When you reach the hamlet of Beer via the South West Coast Path, it feels as though you've discovered something completely hidden. It's a location that appears stuck in time - and residents say that's precisely how they prefer it to remain.
Devon Live has previously described the village as a "time warp" and says the area remains very peaceful throughout most of the year. Residents say the hamlet "hasn't changed" over the years. The hidden gem surpassed many of its more celebrated competitors on the Which? list.
Nestled between white chalk cliffs, Beer is a functioning fishing community with extensive heritage and lots of appeal, reports the Express
If you're keen on exploring the great outdoors, the village is situated on the South West Coast Path, which offers a chance to stroll along this iconic route and soak in its breathtaking coastal views.
One visitor who has been to Beer wrote on Tripadvisor: "Wow what a fabulous little town. Beautiful beach, pubs, town and countryside. Also really easy to get to. Will definitely be going back soon."
For those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat, Beer is the perfect destination for a relaxing summer getaway.
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Known as the birthplace of the Eisteddfod, Wales's leading cultural festival, the town has always been a hub for storytelling, music, and art. Wandering through its streets, you'll find charming cafes, pubs, and a thriving selection of independent shops and businesses. The beautifully restored Cardigan Castle, the first stone castle built by a Welshman and the site of the inaugural Eisteddfod in 1176, sits at the heart of the town. This ancient Norman fortress, originally rebuilt in 1244, underwent a £12 million refurbishment in 2015, restoring its status as the town's crowning glory. With a history that spans over 900 years, the Castle has weathered numerous fierce power struggles between Wales and England. Today, it stands as a vibrant heritage site featuring a museum, restaurant, open-air concert venue, and Grade II-listed pleasure gardens. According to Discover Ceredigion, the Castle also holds cultural significance. 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In addition to Mwldan, St Mary's, a Grade II-listed church dating back to the 12th century, serves as the main venue for the November Other Voices festival concerts, featuring contemporary Welsh musicians of international acclaim. A medley of smaller venues, from cellar bars to art galleries and bakeries, contribute to the vibrant atmosphere along the festival's music trail around town. Nearby, Small World is an eco-conscious theatre company that creates giant puppets, public events, and art commissions. This wildly inventive, near-zero-carbon space hosts family-friendly events such as children's theatre shows featuring live music and puppetry. For a truly unforgettable experience, Cardigan Castle hosts a variety of performances. The Castle's breathtaking surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for choirs, bands, opera performances, and concerts. 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As you leave the town, the route takes you along the north bank of the River Teifi, past farmland and the likely location of the original wooden Cardigan Castle, hastily built to control river and sea access. The journey carries on past the Cardigan Golf Club and the Victorian-era Cliff Hotel, once part of a grand scheme to turn this coastline into a rival for Brighton. From there, it's a picturesque clifftop stroll towards Aberporth, offering expansive sea views and a coastline dotted with caves, sea stacks, and rock formations bearing intriguing local names like Hatling Bigni, Pen Peles, and Pencestyll. These rocky landmarks were once vital reference points for sailors navigating this wild stretch of coast. Planning a weekend stay? The town and surrounding area offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and campsites. You can compare prices and book on Airbnb and Portia's top hotel choice is conveniently situated right in the town centre. Tucked away on the riverside in Cardigan, The Albion Aberteifi blends nautical charm with maritime design. Just four months after its grand opening, The Times and The Sunday Times named it the Best Place to Stay in Wales 2023. This stylish spot is the latest venture from the team behind Forest. Each en-suite room is reminiscent of a captain's cabin, featuring reclaimed wood-panelled walls, 150 year old oak floors, Welsh wool blankets, bespoke furniture, and river views from every window. Breakfast is served in the relaxed resident lounge, where you can also enjoy evening cocktails and daytime coffee and cake. Yr Odyn restaurant, famed for its weekend dining in the guest lounge, is soon moving to a stunning new riverside location nearby. Just across the river, a short walk will lead you to fforest's Pizzatipi and the cosy Smwglin pub.
