The History of Beer Head Caravan Park: A cliff side legacy in East Devon
Nestled atop the rugged cliffs of Beer Head, overlooking the shimmering expanse of Lyme Bay, Beer Head Caravan Park is more than just a tranquil retreat—it’s a site steeped in history. The cliffs an ideal strategic lookout for Neolithic man, settled by the Romans, a location for a Signal station during the Napoleonic Wars to its evolution into a beloved family-run holiday destination, the park embodies the enduring spirit of East Devon.
Maritime Origins: From Neolithic to modern day
The story of Beer Head Caravan Park begins long before it welcomed its first holidaymakers. Evidence of Neolithic settlement is everywhere to see to the trained eye, knapped flints are commonly found about the area including when caravan sites are prepared for new caravans. In the 18th century, the cliffs were home to a signal station, part of a network established to warn of French naval activity during the Napoleonic Wars. These early warning systems were crucial for coastal communities, enabling them to prepare for potential invasions. As the centuries progressed, the role of the lookout evolved. In the 19th century, it became a station to combat smuggling, a prevalent issue along the Devon coast. By 1910, a 24-hour watch was maintained here, continuing until the mid-1930s. The army set up a radar station on the headland during the WWII. The Ordnance Survey recognized the strategic importance of the site, using the top of the Lookout Tower as a trigonometry station in 1960, a testament to its enduring significance in British coastal defence and navigation.
From Farm to Caravan Park
In 1955, Jack Burrough, a local farmer, transformed the part of the farm into Beer Head Caravan Park. Over the decades, the park has remained a family-run business, with the Dormor family continuing the tradition. Their deep-rooted connection to the land and its history is evident in the park and farm’s operations and ethos. The farm is run with diversity at the forefront, arable farming with cows and sheep, rotational cropping, herbal lays to enrich the soil, strategic farming with local flora and fauna preservation in mind and we now even have bees.
The park's location, adjacent to the Southwest Coast Path also boasts a Site of Specific Scientific Interest within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, offering guests unparalleled views of the coastline. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic vistas have made it a favourite among visitors, many of whom have returned annually for many decades, some bringing their children and grandchildren to share the same serenity.
Photo of Beer Head credit: @darylbakerphotograhy
Beer Head Holiday Park in 2025
The park offers a fleet of letting caravans: 6 berths, deluxe 6 berths, 8 berths and the two lodges at the top of the range. On top of this if you fancy something different there is aforementioned Signal Station that has been refurbished in 2024 or for a really special holiday the Lookout Tower replete with vacuum lift and sauna! With a very popular Bistro on park guests do not need to travel far for a nice meal with much of the beef and lamb supplied from the surrounding farm. Our water is sourced from our very own borehole and we have extensive solar to help supply the park and the seven EV charger points that we offer.