With a population of about 2,000,[1] the village lies in the Bere peninsula, between the rivers Tamar and Tavy.

Its origins lie in the once thriving local mining industry, including silver and lead, and the market gardening sector.

At one time, the mainline trains to London would stop at the village to pick up locally grown produce destined for the capital.

Once home to numerous pubs, the village now only has one public house, The Edgcumbe Hotel, on Fore Street, which at one time was also a jail and later a schoolhouse.

There is also a modern cafe located next door to Bere Alston United Church.