Beer:Beer:Just West of Lyme Regis lies the delightful "picture postcard" village of Beer. Beer is a popular spot for sightseers and has an interesting assortment of galleries, cafes, antique shops and so on to browse around. A stream runs along the main street and the sea views from the cliff tops is both picturesque and dramatic.Until the early twentieth century Beer offered just five forms of employment for its community - fishing, farming, quarrying and carving Beer stone and making lace. Times were hard and the temptation to become involved in less scrupulous activities was irresistible for many - Beer was home to some of the most accomplished smugglers in the region!
Nowadays Beer has its own tourist attraction in the form of the Beer Quarry Caves. These caves have been worked by hand since Roman times to produce the much sought after Beer stone which has been used in a number of notable buildings including St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London as well as countless others. Work stopped in the caves some 90 years ago leaving great caverns which are today presented as a tourist attraction. A visit to the caves will illustrate the hardship that prevailed in the area, the feats of engineering that were accomplished in the quarry with the most basic of tools and all sorts of different aspects of life in Beer through the ages. It is a fascinating experience for all ages but be warned, the caves can be quite chilly even in summer so you may need more than shorts and a T-shirt for your trip. The Quarry Caves are not open all year, we recommend that you telephone to check opening times with them - (01297) 680 282
In Fore Street (the main street) you will find the Marine House. Packed with arts and crafts it is well worth a look. Beer pottery is made on site and you can watch the potter working before being offered the chance to buy the inevitable "Beer Mug". There are regular exhibitions and demonstrations at Marine House, call them for details of current events: 01297 625493.
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