Explore 2,000-year-old Roman quarry caves on guided tours through vast underground caverns that supplied stone for famous cathedrals and historic landmarks.

Beer Quarry Caves offers guided tours through a remarkable man-made complex of underground caverns that have been quarried for over 2,000 years. Visitors journey through vast halls with vaulted roofs and towering pillars of Beer Stone, experiencing firsthand the historical methods and working conditions of quarrymen from Roman times through the centuries. The stone extracted from these caves supplied materials for 24 cathedrals including Exeter Cathedral and St. Paul's, as well as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court, and Windsor Castle. Each tour lasts approximately one to one-and-a-half hours and provides educational insights into the techniques, hardships, and dangers faced by workers who quarried these blocks using only candlelight. The caves maintain a cool temperature year-round, making warm clothing essential. Tours run regularly throughout the day, with booking strongly recommended to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. The venue welcomes families of all ages, with special pricing for children aged 5-16 and free admission for under-5s. Family packages are available at discounted rates. During summer months, a Bar-B-Que operates on-site offering hot food including burgers, sausages, and jacket potatoes. The site is suitable for all ages and provides a unique combination of geological wonder, industrial heritage, and historical significance that brings ancient craftsmanship to life.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Amanda Stewart-Gray

4 weeks ago

A fascinating and informative tour of these stone mines dating back to the Roman times. Our tour guide Steve was friendly, informative and hugely passionate about this amazing mine and we loved hearing about the ancient history and its more recent role as a film set! The caves are cold- a chilly 8 degrees so be sure to wear a coat and sensible shoes even on a hot day like today (25degrees outside!) It is a long tour of 90minutes and although fascinating for adults, younger children may struggle to maintain interest.

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Josie Kelsall

a month ago

Excellent tour by an experienced guide. We were told a lot of the history of the caves from Roman times forward to modern times. Would recommend. Take a jacket. Its pretty chilly down there.

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Sean Tilbury

a month ago

Visited on the hottest day of the year and our time in the caves at 8'c was amazing! The guide was knowledgeable and funny and willing to answer questions we have a lovely time and didn't want to come back out into the heat 30+'c heat!!!, highly recommend

T

Tracey Savory

2 months ago

Absolutely amazing place. well worth the trip to see it. Mike the tour guide was extremely informative. For caves of 2000 years old it is stunning.

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Jo Singh

3 months ago

Very informative tour, really interesting place. The staff is super friendly and the little cafe well stocked with snacks and drinks. The caves are really cold and wet so bundle up! Better to call in advance to make sure what time are the tours as you need to go with the guide.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026