This ‘Unique’ Devon Attraction Is One of the UK’s Best Hidden Gems
Devon is renowned as a family friendly destination for holidays and day trips, but when looking for things to do that are off the beaten track, then the Beer Quarry Caves is a ‘hidden gem’ that is the perfect family activity come rain or shine.
One of Devon’s best-kept secrets is Beer Quarry Caves, a vast man-made limestone cavern system just a five-minute drive from the quaint seaside village of Beer.
“People often miss out on the Beer Quarry Caves because they’re overshadowed by larger, more commercial family attractions,” says Alex Gwillim, a local travel expert at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. “But this site offers something genuinely unique…a guided journey through 2,000 years of underground history.”
The guided tours take visitors deep underground to explore the labyrinth of candlelit chambers and towering vaulted roofs, revealing centuries of craftsmanship, smugglers hideouts, and local legends.
As one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, “A fun, friendly and super interesting experience! A real hidden treasure.” Another adds, “A perfect rainy day activity, our guide was so engaging, and the hour and a half flew by.”
Alex says, “It’s brilliant for families. The guides are entertaining and incredibly knowledgeable, they bring the history to life in a way that keeps both kids and adults hooked. You’ll hear about Jack Rattenbury, a notorious local smuggler who once used the caves, and see where hibernating bats shelter during winter.”
Named the #1 Caving Experience in the UK by The Telegraph in 2024, the Beer Quarry Caves are as ideal on a hot summer’s day, thanks to their cool interiors, as they are during a rainy afternoon. As one visitor shared: “Great for a rainy day outing and very cool on a hot day… well worth the trip!”
If you’re staying nearby, Alex recommends exploring the full experience with a stay in the area, “There are lots of lovely options for accommodation in Beer and Branscombe, from cosy cottages to family-friendly stays. Both villages are peaceful, beautifully located on the Jurassic Coast, and just a stone’s throw from this incredible underground attraction.”
Sources:
Telegraph Best Caving Experiences in Devon: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/best-caving-experiences-britain/
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