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South Down Common

Downs, Moorland in Devon East Devon

England

South Down Common

Causeway in Beer
Causeway in Beer Credit: Steve Daniels

South Down Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Devon, England. It is situated within the stunning landscape of the Downs and Moorland. Covering an expansive area, South Down Common is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The common is characterized by rolling hills, with lush green grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. It is home to a wide range of plant species including heathers, gorse, and bracken, which carpet the landscape in vibrant colors throughout the year. These plants provide a rich habitat for numerous animal species, including rabbits, foxes, and various bird species.

The common also boasts a network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for hikers and walkers alike. Additionally, the area is equipped with picnic areas, making it an ideal location for families to enjoy a day out in nature.

South Down Common is not only a haven for wildlife but also holds historical significance. It is home to several ancient archaeological sites, including burial mounds and stone circles, which offer a glimpse into the area's past.

With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, South Down Common in Devon is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to connect with nature and explore the beauty of the English countryside.

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South Down Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.689326/-3.108439 or Grid Reference SY2188. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Causeway in Beer
Causeway in Beer
Fore Street in Beer
Fore Street in Beer
Fore Street in Beer
Fore Street in Beer
The Dolphin Hotel and Restaurant, Fore Street, Beer Grade II Listed mid 19th century hotel with 17th century northern wing remodelled early 19th century. The oldest directory I have is 1850 and Lucy Holmes is listed at the Dolphin. Interestingly, John Holmes is at the Anchor. Other directory entries include, 1878 Mrs Charlotte Good (also farmer) joined by Sarah Clarke in 1889, 1893 Sarah Clarke and 1902-1914 Herbert Northcott. In 1990 planning approved 'Change Of Use Of Public Bar To Antique Shop' (in the 17th century wing) and in 2005 and 2013 planning approved converting it back.
The Dolphin Hotel and Restaurant, Fore Street, Beer
Grade II Listed mid 19th century hotel with 17th century northern wing remodelled early 19th century. The oldest directory I have is 1850 and Lucy Holmes is listed at the Dolphin. Interestingly, John Holmes is at the Anchor. Other directory entries include, 1878 Mrs Charlotte Good (also farmer) joined by Sarah Clarke in 1889, 1893 Sarah Clarke and 1902-1914 Herbert Northcott. In 1990 planning approved 'Change Of Use Of Public Bar To Antique Shop' (in the 17th century wing) and in 2005 and 2013 planning approved converting it back.
Pegasus Cottage, Fore Street, Beer Pegasus House Gills corner was demolished 1950-55. This building presumably followed soon after.
Pegasus Cottage, Fore Street, Beer
Pegasus House Gills corner was demolished 1950-55. This building presumably followed soon after.
Woozie's Deli, Diamond House, Fore Street, Beer Grade II Listed early 19th century house with shop. 1999, East Devon Conservation Area Appraisals states that 'Diamond House is 17th century in origin...' Beer Village Design Statement Team, August 2006 repeat the same date. Pevsner tells us 'C17, with an especially effective mixture of flint and Beer stone'.
Woozie's Deli, Diamond House, Fore Street, Beer
Grade II Listed early 19th century house with shop. 1999, East Devon Conservation Area Appraisals states that 'Diamond House is 17th century in origin...' Beer Village Design Statement Team, August 2006 repeat the same date. Pevsner tells us 'C17, with an especially effective mixture of flint and Beer stone'.
Barrel of Beer, Fore Street, Beer Previously named the Barrel O’ Beer it was a public house until August 2012 when it changed into a licensed restaurant called the Seafood Platter. It presumably changed back to the Barrel of Beer after being sold in June 2017. I can't find it in any directories I have that go up to 1914.
Barrel of Beer, Fore Street, Beer
Previously named the Barrel O’ Beer it was a public house until August 2012 when it changed into a licensed restaurant called the Seafood Platter. It presumably changed back to the Barrel of Beer after being sold in June 2017. I can't find it in any directories I have that go up to 1914.
The Captains Cottage, Fore Street, Beer Grade II Listed early 18th century cottage. Sold in September 2018 as 4 bedroom cottage it was listed in 1984 as The Cottage Restaurant. More recently (as photo in 2009) it has been Captains Cottage Tea Rooms.
The Captains Cottage, Fore Street, Beer
Grade II Listed early 18th century cottage. Sold in September 2018 as 4 bedroom cottage it was listed in 1984 as The Cottage Restaurant. More recently (as photo in 2009) it has been Captains Cottage Tea Rooms.
1, 2 and 3 Sunny Nook, Fore Street, Beer Grade II Listed range of 1894 cottages.
1, 2 and 3 Sunny Nook, Fore Street, Beer
Grade II Listed range of 1894 cottages.
Beach Court, Fore Street, Beer Originally 1903 built private house. Sold, probably in the 1920s, it became a hotel. It was converted from a hotel in the 1990s and is now flats.
Beach Court, Fore Street, Beer
Originally 1903 built private house. Sold, probably in the 1920s, it became a hotel. It was converted from a hotel in the 1990s and is now flats.
Congregational Church, Fore Street, Beer The church was opened in 1856 and was extended in 1880 and 1920. Originally installed in the Picture House in Walsall, the church's Wurlitzer pipe organ (Opus 956) is the oldest surviving Wurlitzer theatre organ in the UK that first played at the cinema in February 1925. In 1955 it was transplanted from the cinema into Dormston House in Sedgley but in 1958, the organ was removed and re-installed in the church by the Sweetland Organ Company of Bath. The organ was in a state of disrepair in 1987 and in 1988 some refurbishment was carried out and wiring faults corrected. Then in 2008, ‘Friends of Beer Wurly’, started to raise the funds to restore it. The restoration was eventually completed in late 2009.
Congregational Church, Fore Street, Beer
The church was opened in 1856 and was extended in 1880 and 1920. Originally installed in the Picture House in Walsall, the church's Wurlitzer pipe organ (Opus 956) is the oldest surviving Wurlitzer theatre organ in the UK that first played at the cinema in February 1925. In 1955 it was transplanted from the cinema into Dormston House in Sedgley but in 1958, the organ was removed and re-installed in the church by the Sweetland Organ Company of Bath. The organ was in a state of disrepair in 1987 and in 1988 some refurbishment was carried out and wiring faults corrected. Then in 2008, ‘Friends of Beer Wurly’, started to raise the funds to restore it. The restoration was eventually completed in late 2009.
St Michaels' Church, Fore Street, Beer Grade II Listed parish church, 1877 by Hayward of Exeter. Originally the church had a large stone spire with lucarnes (Pevsner: a small gabled opening in a roof or a spire). Consecrated in 1878, it was constructed on the site of a pre-1146 chapel. The spire was removed in 1964 for safety reasons. Kelly's 1889 edition tells us it had 'a tower with short spire, containing a clock and one bell' but a photo in 1922 shows the clock in its current position and the spire increasing the tower height by about 70%, that could not be described as short. This leads me to suspect the spire was replaced early in the 20th century as the same text is repeated up to at least the 1902 edition. Kelly's 1889-1902 also tells us the church 'was erected in 1877-8 by the Hon. Mark Rolle D.L., J.P. at a cost of about £8,000, to serve as a chapel of ease to the mother church at Seaton'. The church has six bells, a disused 16th century Exeter foundry bell and five Mears & Stainbank bells, four dated 1871 and one 1866.
St Michaels' Church, Fore Street, Beer
Grade II Listed parish church, 1877 by Hayward of Exeter. Originally the church had a large stone spire with lucarnes (Pevsner: a small gabled opening in a roof or a spire). Consecrated in 1878, it was constructed on the site of a pre-1146 chapel. The spire was removed in 1964 for safety reasons. Kelly's 1889 edition tells us it had 'a tower with short spire, containing a clock and one bell' but a photo in 1922 shows the clock in its current position and the spire increasing the tower height by about 70%, that could not be described as short. This leads me to suspect the spire was replaced early in the 20th century as the same text is repeated up to at least the 1902 edition. Kelly's 1889-1902 also tells us the church 'was erected in 1877-8 by the Hon. Mark Rolle D.L., J.P. at a cost of about £8,000, to serve as a chapel of ease to the mother church at Seaton'. The church has six bells, a disused 16th century Exeter foundry bell and five Mears & Stainbank bells, four dated 1871 and one 1866.
Allotments by Common Lane, Beer The purple-flowered plants may be cardoons, cousins of artichokes. The white cliffs around Beer are of chalk.
Allotments by Common Lane, Beer
The purple-flowered plants may be cardoons, cousins of artichokes. The white cliffs around Beer are of chalk.
Rocks off Branscombe Beach This photo was taken at the lowest point of the tide at 1.20 pm on 7th October 2021. It was a slippery clamber across rocks and rock pools to get to this point from the beach. All the rocks in the right hand two thirds of the image are in SY2087, the ones on the left hand side are in SY2088. In the distance is Beer Head
Rocks off Branscombe Beach
This photo was taken at the lowest point of the tide at 1.20 pm on 7th October 2021. It was a slippery clamber across rocks and rock pools to get to this point from the beach. All the rocks in the right hand two thirds of the image are in SY2087, the ones on the left hand side are in SY2088. In the distance is Beer Head
Hooken Beach This photo looking towards Beer Head was taken about half an hour after a very low tide
Hooken Beach
This photo looking towards Beer Head was taken about half an hour after a very low tide
Rocks off Branscombe Beach This is the view south at the lowest state of the tide from just inside the northern edge of the grid square.
Rocks off Branscombe Beach
This is the view south at the lowest state of the tide from just inside the northern edge of the grid square.
Branscombe Beach and Cliffs This is the view towards the beach and cliffs from close to Half Tide Rock with Branscombe Mouth on the right of the image. The tide is at it lowest state
Branscombe Beach and Cliffs
This is the view towards the beach and cliffs from close to Half Tide Rock with Branscombe Mouth on the right of the image. The tide is at it lowest state
Common Hill clifftop parking, Beer In the small shoppers' car park tucked away in the village signs direct visitors up here.
Common Hill clifftop parking, Beer
In the small shoppers' car park tucked away in the village signs direct visitors up here.
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South Down Common is located at Grid Ref: SY2188 (Lat: 50.689326, Lng: -3.108439)

Administrative County: Devon

District: East Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///ballparks.parting.lift. Near Colyton, Devon

Nearby Locations

Branscombe East Cliff The Tombstone South Down Common Stockham's Hill Hooken Cliffs Mitchell's Stile Rock

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.689326,-3.108439
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6859137/-3.1110793
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6858172/-3.1092717
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6857712/-3.1088157
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6856263/-3.1077079
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.685423/-3.1066956
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6854315/-3.1065131
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6854235/-3.1064141
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.6853435/-3.1057957
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 50.6874447/-3.1031804
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Access: yes
Barrier: cattle_grid
Bicycle: yes
Foot: yes
Horse: yes
Lat/Long: 50.6885821/-3.1028017
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Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 50.687097/-3.1062611
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Hooken Beach
Natural: beach
Lat/Long: 50.6862399/-3.1102181
OpenStreetMap
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South Down Common
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.6879593/-3.1041917
OpenStreetMap
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The Tombstone
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.6871105/-3.1085836
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Bad na h-Earba Caithness
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