England’s top breweries: where to visit and stay
Date published: 22 Jan 2026
England’s beer scene is booming, and there’s never been a better time to explore it first-hand. From historic tower breweries to modern craft powerhouses, the best breweries in England offer far more than a good pint – they open their doors, share their stories, and pour generously at the end.
Brewery tours are the perfect excuse to slow down and dig a little deeper into what’s in your glass. You’ll see how traditional techniques sit alongside modern innovation, meet the people behind the process, and discover why certain beers taste the way they do – straight from the source.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated beer pilgrimage or just want to add something different to your itinerary, these brewery visits turn a simple tasting into a proper experience. All that’s left is deciding which part of England to explore first – and how many tours you can reasonably fit into one trip.
Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, Chiswick (London)
If you like your beer with a side of London history, Fuller’s is the real deal. The Griffin Brewery has been turning out classics for generations, and the tour leans into that heritage – shiny copper, old kit, and plenty of stories along the way. Expect a proper look at how the brewery works today, plus a tasting at the end that makes the “research” feel very worthwhile.
Where to stay: Peaky Pod
Launched in 2022, these modern pods sleep up to four and keep things simple but smart, with a private shower room, compact kitchen and decked outdoor space. Set beside the River Lee, they’re ideal for easy-going countryside stays with walking and cycling on the doorstep – and quick train links into London when you fancy switching pace.
Shepherd Neame, Faversham (Kent)
Shepherd Neame is big on roots – and you can feel it the moment you step into their historic Faversham site. Tours here mix brewing know-how with a strong sense of place: old buildings, traditional methods, and a living, working brewery vibe rather than a museum piece. It’s a brilliant option if you want your pint with context, and you’ll finish with tastings that bring the story together nicely.
Where to stay: The Snug at Pickelden Farmhouse
A stylish, studio-style retreat for two on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a private garden and wood-fired hot tub made for slow evenings under the stars. Rural, peaceful and perfectly placed for Chilham village and days out in Canterbury.
Adnams, Southwold (Suffolk)
Southwold already does seaside charm in its sleep – Adnams just adds a very drinkable reason to visit. Their brewery tours are friendly, informative, and satisfyingly hands-on in feel, with a clear look at how the beer goes from mash to glass. There’s usually a tasting finale (as it should be), and the location means you can roll straight into a coastal wander, a pub stop, or both.
Where to stay: Granary Cottage
This beautifully restored 18th-century granary is a cosy, grown-up hideaway with a wood burner, roll-top bath and garden made for slow evenings by the fire pit. Peacefully rural yet well placed for the Suffolk coast, it’s ideal for relaxed stays near Southwold and countryside walks straight from the door.
St Austell Brewery, St Austell (Cornwall)
Cornwall’s not just about beaches and pasties – it’s also home to one of England’s most recognisable brewing names. A St Austell tour is a great way to break up a coast-heavy itinerary: you’ll get the behind-the-scenes peek at a working brewery, learn what makes their beers tick, and end with a tasting that’s equal parts education and treat. Bonus: you’re perfectly placed for further Cornish exploring.
Where to stay: Inny Brook Cottage
A seriously indulgent riverside retreat on the edge of Bodmin Moor, with wildlife on your doorstep, hotel-style comforts, and standout extras for both humans and dogs. From fire pits and river views to luxe bathrooms and thoughtful touches throughout, it’s a Cornwall stay that feels properly special.
Thornbridge, near Bakewell (Peak District)
Thornbridge is a crowd-pleaser for modern beer fans, but it’s not all hype and hops – the experience is genuinely engaging. Expect a smart, contemporary take on brewery visits: you’ll learn how the magic happens, get a feel for the range beyond the headline favourites, and (crucially) sample along the way. With Bakewell and the Peak District on your doorstep, it’s easy to turn this into a full-blown weekend plan.
Where to stay: Rock Cottage
A cosy Peak District hideaway for two, with a wood burner, private outdoor spaces and a standout antique outdoor bath for stargazing soaks. Perfectly placed for classic walks like Dovedale and village pubs on foot, it’s a romantic base in the heart of the hills.
Black Sheep Brewery, Masham (North Yorkshire)
Masham punches above its weight for beer lovers, and Black Sheep is one of the reasons. Their tours are approachable and full of character – you’ll get a clear run-through of the brewing process, plenty of local pride, and a tasting that’s generous enough to help you pick a favourite. It’s the kind of visit that suits mixed groups too: beer nerds get detail, everyone else gets a fun day out with a solid pint at the end.
Theakston Brewery, Masham (North Yorkshire)
Also in Masham, Theakston brings serious “proper brewery” energy, with a visitor experience that leans into tradition and technique. It’s a great counterpoint to the modern craft scene – less fuss, more heritage, and plenty of reassuringly established flavour. Expect a guided look at the brewing and maturation story, plus tastings that show why these beers have stuck around. Do both Masham breweries if you can – it’s a brilliant one-town double bill.
Where to stay: Church View Cottage
A pretty, courtyard cottage on a working farm, offering a peaceful and romantic base with easy walks into the village for pubs and local history. With countryside on the doorstep and Harrogate just a short drive away, it’s ideal for relaxed Yorkshire escapes.
Hook Norton Brewery, Hook Norton (Oxfordshire)
Hook Norton is the kind of place that makes you want to linger – a Victorian tower brewery with bags of personality and that wonderful sense of stepping into a different era. Tours are a proper wander through the working site, with plenty of history, quirks, and good old-fashioned brewing craft. The tasting at the end is the reward, but the atmosphere is half the point. It’s ideal for a countryside break that includes a standout beer stop.
Where to stay: Little Owl Barn
A beautifully refreshed Cotswolds barn with light-filled interiors, peaceful views and a pretty enclosed garden, just a short stroll from Burford’s historic high street. Tucked away yet perfectly placed, it’s an ideal base for soaking up classic villages, countryside walks and the best of the Cotswolds charm.
Wadworth, Devizes (Wiltshire)
Devizes is a handsome market town, and Wadworth gives it an extra pull for anyone who likes their pint with provenance. Brewery visits here are all about seeing how a long-standing English brewer does things – straightforward, interesting and nicely paced. You’ll come away understanding the process (and the brand) a lot better, and tastings help cement the lesson. Pair it with a wander along the Kennet and Avon Canal for an easy-going day.
Where to stay: The Folly at Castlebridge
A truly distinctive hideaway with striking hexagonal rooms, private patio views and a wonderfully secluded feel, made for switching off in style. Perfectly placed for exploring Stourhead and the surrounding countryside, it’s peace and quiet with a serious sense of character.
With so many standout breweries spread across the country, it’s easy to turn a tasting into a full escape. Pair your chosen brewery tour with great food, scenic walks, or local pubs, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable weekend break. Find the right place to stay nearby, pace yourself, and enjoy England’s beer scene properly.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
