Tiny UK seaside village named among best in Britain after 5-star rating

This charming seaside village along the Jurassic Coast has garnered an impressive reputation for its tranquil shingle beach, fishing heritage and coastal walking paths

A new survey has ranked one secluded location in Devon as one of the best seaside villages in all of Britain.

Situated along the famous Jurassic Coast, this village is home to a shingle beach with an impeccable view of the sea. The UK’s consumer champion, Which?, has revealed the results of its annual seaside survey which highlights the best coastal destinations in the country.

The survey ranks seaside destinations based on a few factors, including the quality of beaches, scenery, food and drink offerings, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money.

While the first-place spot was secured by Bamburgh in Northumberland – for the fifth year in a row – the picturesque village of Beer came in at a close second. Beer received a destination score of 84 percent with five-star ratings for scenery.

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Beer experienced a remarkable jump in popularity over the last year, according to Which’s results. The village ranked in 18th place last year, but has come to be widely lauded for its quiet charm and budget-friendliness. One surveyed Which customer said: “Beer is charming, with beautiful coastal scenery and is full of history.”

Beer is a fishing village with a history that can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon era, when the settlement was still known as Bearu (translated, “The Groves”). Today, the village’s fishing heritage is made clear by the boats resting along the beach and the offering of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.

Located along the edge of the South West Coast Path, it promises avid hikers a wealth of paths to explore. The South West Coast Path National Trail itself stretches for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Millions descend on the path each year to venture through the dramatic headlands and sweeping valleys and take a much-needed rest by a river estuary.

One of the most popular paths is the coastal walk from Seaton to Beer for its expansive views of the Jurassic coastline. Another popular path is the 4.5-mile trek from Beer to Branscombe. Keep in mind the path is considered moderately difficult, but weary hikers can always opt to hop on the local bus back to Beer.

Backed by white limestone cliffs, Beer beach is known for its relative seclusion and coastal views. The shingle and stone beach may not be ideal for sunbathers but it is beloved by paddleboarders and canoers.

The beach huts and cafes rent out deckchairs for those interested in lazing around or watching fishermen at work. The Beer Fisheries Shop and Heritage Centre near the beach is worth a visit.

Despite being a predominantly pebbled beach, linked rubber pathways overlain on the stones make the area more accessible and easier to traverse. Keep in mind that while you are permitted to swim in the water, the beach is known to descend quite steeply into the water and is best-suited for confident swimmers.

There are a few other local festivals and events that travellers may want to consider planning their visit around. One of the most famous annual festivals in the village is the Beer Regatta, which is over 100 years old.

The week-long event will feature rowing, sailing and motorboat tournaments as well as an itinerary of family-friendly and fundraising activities. The 2025 Beer Regatta will take place from Saturday, August 9 to Friday, August 15, with the main Regatta Day scheduled for Thursday, August 14.

The Beer Blues Festival is another event to add to your calendar. For a full weekend in October, the village will be celebrating the best of blues with live performances accompanied by delicious local food. The 2025 Blues festival will take place from October 10 to October 12 with full weekend tickets available for £40.

While you’re in the area, you can also check out another Devon destination highly rated by Which. Less than 10 miles along the Jurassic Coast from Beer is Sidmouth, best-known for its Jacob’s Ladder beach.

Visitors rated Sidmouth five stars for food and drink, scenery and accommodation. The average stay for one night in Sidmouth was £160. One respondent called Sidmouth “a thoroughly charming, thriving English seaside town”.