Beer Quarry Caves, Beer, Devon
Beer Quarry Caves in East Devon is a 2,000 year old man-made underground limestone cave complex, created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer stone that was used in the building of St Paul’s, Winchester and Exeter cathedrals, Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with guided tours run every day, lasting around an hour.
The caves are incredibly atmospheric and are likened to a vast subterranean cathedral; they are well lit, so you can marvel at the enormous vaulted roofs and pillars, and see displays showing what the working conditions were like here, the dangers involved, and how they used to quarry the huge blocks of stone. Essential are sensible footwear and a jumper – even on the hottest days it’s very cool in the caves.
Beer Quarry Caves are also important because in the winter, several species of bat hibernate here, including Greater and Lesser Horseshoe, Daubenton's, Natterer’s, and the rare Bechstein’s bats.
Group bookings are welcome, dogs are allowed on leads and light refreshments and souvenirs are available.
Open: 10:00am-3:30pm everyday from late March to late October
T: 01297 680282
All information correct at the time of writing