Beer Quarry Caves

Beer Quarry Caves is a series of underground galleries cut into the hillside by quarrymen working Beer Stone from Roman times onwards. Visits are by guided tour only, lasting roughly an hour, and take in sections quarried in different eras, from Roman and Saxon workings to Norman and later cutting. Along the way there are tools, photographs and documents that explain how the stone was won by candlelight and carried away by barge. The caves are home to bat colonies, so guides can talk about wildlife as well as history. The caves stay cool even on warm days, so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are advised. The site has a car park, a small café and bar, and an outdoor area, which suit a longer family outing. Tours are often busy at weekends, so calling ahead to book is sensible.