Five East Anglian Brewery Tours to Discover this Summer
Attractions | Coastal Pubs | Country Pubs | Dog Friendly | News | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.06.05
East Anglia is a region brimming with diverse attractions catering to every taste, including keen beer enthusiasts. Across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Bedfordshire, there are a variety of historic pubs and renowned breweries that promise not just a delightful day out but also a tranquil evening’s rest.
From industry giants such as Greene King and regional favourites like Adnams and Woodfordes, to state-of-the-art breweries like Brewpoint (owned by family brewers Wells & Co) and boutique producers Bishop Nick, East Anglia boasts a rich brewing heritage. Each brewery offers tours that unveil the meticulous craft behind brewing a British pint, showcasing distinct flavours and traditions.
But the experience doesn’t end with the last sip of beer. For those seeking a truly immersive getaway, having overnight accommodation nearby is paramount. Nestled nearby are cosy pubs offering accommodation to ensure enthusiasts can fully immerse themselves in the brewing experience.
We’ve worked with Cask Marque, the brewery-led accreditation for pubs serving great quality beer, to pull together a selection of brewery tours and places to stay across the region.
Adnams Brewery and Distillery Tours
Based in Southwold in Suffolk, Adnams produces premium beers and spirits, offering a range of tours to choose from. Explore the brewery with an experienced guide to witness the crafting of their renowned beers and delve into the brewing process from start to finish. For spirit lovers, experience the creation of Adnams’ award-winning vodka, gin, and whisky in the Copper House Distillery, followed by a tasting that showcases their diverse spirit range.
Adnams also has a range of pubs with accommodation nearby, so there’s no need to travel too far after tasting their delicious beers and spirits. The Bell in Walberswick is easily accessible by either a short taxi ride or a scenic 2-mile walk from the brewery. The 600-year-old pub offers six cosy bedrooms surrounded by open skies and fresh sea air, making it the perfect base to enjoy an extended stay along the stunning Suffolk coastline.
Greene King Brewery Tours
With a history spanning over 200 years, Greene King has established itself as a prominent figure in the beer industry. The Bury St Edmunds brewery and headquarters has evolved into a sought-after destination for brewery tours. Explore the brewery’s oldest buildings, guided by knowledgeable experts who unveil the brewing process and history. Sample Greene King beers from Bury St Edmunds and Belhaven Brewery, accompanied by delicious chutneys, marmalades, and mustards infused with Greene King flavours.
Make sure to visit this historic brewery soon though, as Greene King has recently announced plans to move to a new site by 2027, which aims to assist with meeting the brewery’s future sustainability objectives.
A short 15-minute stroll from the brewery is The Bushel, one of Greene King’s 2,700 pubs. Located in the historic centre of Bury St Edmunds, the pub offers nine stylish bedrooms alongside a cosy restaurant serving traditional pub classics. Make the most of an overnight stay with a walk around the city or a visit to the impressive Abbey Gardens just a 5-minute walk away.
Alternatively, just a few miles west of Bury St Edmunds, you could stay at the beautifully restored Weeping Willow. The pub has seven newly built luxurious lodges set in a tranquil meadow behind the pub. Some lodges have wood-fired hot tubs too.
Woodfordes Brewery Tours
Named after 18th Century clergyman, Parson James Woodforde, Woodforde’s is a Norfolk based brewery that uses local produce including malt, hops and even water. Its brewery tours delve into the brewery’s history and the significance of Norfolk in shaping their beers distinctive flavour profile. The tour concludes back at the brewery shop where punters can indulge in a beer tasting session.
Just across the other side of Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve sits The Swan Inn, a black and white timber-framed pub dating back to 1696. Offering stunning views across the River Bure, the pub offers eight bed and breakfast rooms, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep following a day of exploration at Woodforde’s brewery.
Bishop Nick Brewery Tours
Situated in Braintree, Bishop Nick is an award-winning brewery using local ingredients to produce distinctive real ales. Its brewery tours offer an immersive experience, allowing beer enthusiasts to actively participate in the brewing process and take pride in contributing to the creation of one of Bishop Nick’s signature brews. The full day tour covers the whole brewing process, from ‘mashing in’ to ‘digging out’ and transferring the beer – all with various breaks throughout the day with light bites, a chance to try the beer, and souvenirs to take home!
The action-packed day begins with an early 7am start, but a short drive away is the quaint village pub, The Pheasant. This 500-year-old establishment features welcoming dining areas each with their own wood burner, as well as five boutique-style bedrooms in the pub’s Coach House, providing a cosy retreat for visitors seeking a getaway in the Essex countryside.
Brewpoint Brewery Tours
Located on the outskirts of Bedford, Brewpoint boasts a cutting-edge brewery and taproom, dedicated to crafting a range of artisanal beers. Led by one of the knowledgeable ‘Brew Crew’, the brewery tours provide a comprehensive exploration of the facility, offering insights into every aspect of their beer-making process. Visitors can learn about the fascinating 140-year history behind this 5th-generation family brewery and the £14m investment in its future. A tasting session is also included to sample various Brewpoint products, from their core beers to their seasonal range.
Just beside the River Great Ouse, just two miles from Brewpoint brewery, stands The Embankment. Dating back to 1891, the historic pub has recently undergone renovations to reflect its late-Victorian heyday whilst keeping all the modern comforts and facilities of a Great British Pub. With 20 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, stunning waterside views, and relaxing atmosphere, this conveniently located pub is an ideal haven for beer enthusiasts.