Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beer Quarry Caves
( 01297-680282;
www.beerquarrycaves.co.uk
; Quarry Lane, Beer; adult/child/family £7/5/22; 10am-4.30pm
Easter-Sep, to 2.30pm Oct)
The geological pressure that ensured Beer's chalky cliffs stand out
from the surrounding red, also created an accessible seam of high-quality masonry materi-
al called Beer Stone. It's been used in countless famous buildings, including 24 cathed-
rals, the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. The Romans began the network, which
was then developed continually from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
Before setting off on the evocative underground tour of this maze of quarry tunnels you
don a hard hat. Look out for 2000-year-old tool marks on the walls and tales of smug-
gling, including 18th-century excise-dodger Jack Rattenbury, who snuck barrels of French
brandy ashore and secreted them in the caves. Beer's caves also evoke harsh working con-
ditions: the incessant ringing of hammer and chisel gave rise to the phrase 'stone deaf'.
CAVES, TOUR
Fishing Trips
For the ultimate find-your-own-food experience, sign up for a mackerel fishing trip (per
hour adult/child £8/5) from Beer beach. A wheeled jetty is rolled partway into the sea, al-
lowing you to hop aboard. Your fisherman-cum-guide then putters about hunting out the
best spots, perhaps just around the chalky-white cliffs at Branscombe. If the fish bite, ask
the skipper to gut your catch, then settle down for a barbecue on the beach. Fishermen
who'll take you out include
Paul
(
FISHING
07779 040491)
,
Cyril
(
07815 669796)
and
Kim
(
07989
631321)
.
Festivals & Events
full of lugger races, fishing competitions, sea shanties, scavenger hunts, raft building con-
tests, fancy dress, and lots and lots of beach barbecues.
Sleeping
Durham House
( 01297-20449;
www.durhamhouse.org
;
Fore St; s/d £45/80; )
The rooms in laid-back, airy
Durham House are a chilled combo of cream, light beams, wicker chairs and reclaimed
pine. It's all topped off with dashes of period charm: an arched doorway, bright tiles and
B&B
£
