Norfolk is home to a diverse brewing scene. From charming countryside breweries to urban taprooms, you can discover a tapestry of flavours and stories that will leave you craving for more.
The best way to learn more about the rich traditions, passionate brewers, and exquisite brews that define Norfolk’s beer culture is to take a tour. It’s an experience that no beer enthusiast should miss.
Allow me to guide you through the different Norfolk brewery tours available. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the perfect tour that suits your preferences and interests.
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Norfolk Brewery Tours
There are several breweries around Norfolk that offer guided tours. You get to delve into the world of beer alongside true experts, immersing yourself in the craft and savouring the flavours that define each unique brewery. Allow me to introduce you to the captivating brewery tours available across the county, where knowledge meets indulgence in a perfect blend of beer appreciation and fun.
Woodforde’s Brewery Tours
Woodforde’s in Woodbastwick near Ranworth is a leading cask ale brewery in the UK, renowned for its award-winning ales that have received the prestigious CAMRA ‘Champion Beer of Britain’ accolades. Each pint of Woodforde’s beer is carefully crafted using special ingredients, including ancient water sourced from beneath the brewery, Norfolk barley, and a variety of hops.
With nearly four decades of experience in beer making, Woodforde’s has become one of the most well-known breweries in Norfolk. They offer 90 minute long tours that showcase their brewing process.
During the tour, you’ll embark on a journey starting from the mash tuns, where the secrets of Woodforde’s acclaimed ‘Wherry’ pint will be revealed. Led by an experienced tour guide, you’ll delve into the rich history of the beer and witness the behind-the-scenes magic of the brewery.
The tour culminates in a tasting session at the brewery tap, The Fur and Feather, where you can partake in Woodforde’s beer under expert guidance. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to sample any seasonal brews available at the time.
After the tour and tasting, make sure to visit the Woodforde’s Brewery shop, where you can take home your favourite beer. As a bonus, everyone on the tour gets a 10% discount on their purchase.
If your appetite calls for more, you can go back to the brewery’s charming thatched pub, The Fur and Feather. Here, you can satisfy your hunger with hearty home-cooked dishes while enjoying your preferred Woodforde’s brew.
Get more information and book here.
Redwell Brewing Company Tours
The Redwell Brewery in Norwich has become one of Norfolk’s premier breweries since its establishment in 2013. Renowned for their small-batch brewing approach, Redwell Brewery offers an impressive selection of lagers and American-influenced craft beers. Their innovative creations also include exciting hybrid styles, like the delightful White IPA, which combines Belgian wheat beer with IPA flavors.
You can learn more about Redwell Brewery through their engaging tours and tastings. Dive into the different beer styles, explore the raw ingredients, and uncover the brewing processes involved. Taste beers straight from the tanks at various stages of fermentation and discover the pride of Redwell Brewery—each brew is vegan and gluten-free.
During the 60-minute tour, you’ll receive a free branded pint glass and a pint of beer upon arrival. Led by either the Head Brewer, Marcel, or the Taproom Manager, Alex, you’ll be treated to a guided tasting of their full range of beers and a behind-the-scenes tour. Conclude the tour with two pints of your choice to enjoy on-site or take away.
Afterward, why not extend the experience and enjoy the brewery taproom? Enjoy great beer directly from the source, complemented by wood-fired pizza for a truly satisfying evening. Just be sure to book your tour in advance.
Get more information and book here.
Wildcraft Brewery Tours
Wildcraft Brewery is in the process of moving to a new site so they are not offering tours at the moment. Check their Facebook page here to get the latest updates.
Discover Wildcraft Brewery, an eco-conscious microbrewery that produces real ales and craft ales. Immerse yourself in their innovative brewing methods, foraging-based recipes, and a distinctive range of seasonal brews.
This unique brewery takes pride in foraging as many natural ingredients as possible, including nettles, elderflower, raspberries, cherries, sloes, and hops. The result is a remarkable collection of brews, many of which change with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and dynamic tasting experience.
As one of Norfolk’s most environmentally friendly breweries, Wildcraft Brewery places a strong emphasis on minimizing their carbon footprint while actively contributing to the local community. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement adds an extra layer of pride and purpose to their creations.
During a tour and tasting at Wildcraft Brewery, you’ll have the opportunity to sample their brews, including favourites like Wild Bill Hiccup, Wild Spice, and Wild Stallion Stout. Each sip will transport you into a world of unique flavours crafted with care and passion.
While the microbrewery itself may not have an extensive physical space to explore, Wildcraft Brewery compensates by immersing you in captivating stories and, most importantly, a generous array of beer samples. You’ll be treated to an unforgettable tasting experience, discovering the nuances and complexities of their various brews.
In addition to their exceptional beers, Wildcraft Brewery offers an enticing selection of flavorful liqueurs and spirits. From their Wildcraft Bathtub Gin to the tantalizing Cherry Liqueur and Blackberry Vodka, you’ll have the chance to take home a taste of their craftsmanship and creativity.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast seeking an authentic tasting experience or a curious adventurer eager to learn about the brewery’s unique approach, a tour at Wildcraft Brewery promises a fascinating insight into their operations and a delightful exploration of their brews.
Get more information and book here.
Duration Brewery Tours
Join in on a captivating tour and beer tasting experience at Duration Brewery, nestled on the picturesque Abbey Farm in West Acre near King’s Lynn. Discover the heart of the brewery as you embark on a founder-led tour of their Bavarian brewhouse and cellar, learning about their sustainable ethos, the artistry behind their Beers That Belong, and more.
Mark your calendars for the first Saturday of the month at 15:00, when Duration Brewery opens its doors for an hour-long tour that promises to delight beer enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Step into their 20HL Bavarian brewhouse, witness the brewing process first-hand, and gain insights into their nature-inspired brewing philosophy.
During the tour, you get to indulge in a tutored tasting featuring three of their freshest beers in the ambient setting of the barrel store. Savour the unique essenses, aromas, and complexities of their brews while immersing yourself in the stories behind each creation.
Have burning questions? Take advantage of the informal Q&A session with one of the founders, who will happily share their expertise and passion with you.
As a memento of your visit, you’ll receive a branded glass keepsake, a tangible reminder of your time spent exploring Duration Brewery. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on any beers purchased in the kiosk, so you can save on any of the brews that you might want to take home.
Looking for the perfect gift for a beer lover? Duration Brewery tour experiences make an excellent choice. Simply check the calendar and book your preferred date or opt for a £25 gift card, allowing the recipient to select their own tour date at their convenience.
Get more information and book here.
Grain Brewery Tours
Grain Brewery is a haven for beer enthusiasts situated at South Farm, Alburgh near Harleston, amidst the fertile fields of barley-growing country. Their journey began in 2006, fuelled by a desire for a fresh start, a yearning to break free from corporate life, and an unwavering passion for exceptional beer.
They draw inspiration from all corners of the world to craft an array of beers that cater to diverse tastes. From refreshing wheat beers to balanced bitters, from crisp pilsners to hop-forward pale ales, their creations are a testament to our unwavering commitment to brewing excellence. With every batch, they infuse passion, dedication, and a touch of playfulness in their brews.
During the week, the brewery buzzes with activity so tours are limited to specific days of the month. For a small fee, you can embark on a guided tour that offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Grain Brewery. You can add a flight of beer to your booking if you want to sample a few of their finest brews. They believe in creating an inclusive atmosphere, so children are welcome to tag along for free.
During the tour, you will go on a journey through their brewing process and gain insights into the art of mashing, discover the nuances between cask ale and lagered keg beer, and witness first-hand the transformation from raw ingredients to a delightful brew. If timing aligns, you’ll even have the chance to try beer fresh from the tank, a true treat for the senses.
You are also welcome to visit the Taproom at Grain Brewery. If you find yourself at the Taproom on a tour day, you can easily secure your spot then and there. Our tours run hourly between 13:00 and 16:00, subject to bookings, and typically last around half an hour.
Get more information and book here.
St. Andrews Brewhouse Tours
St. Andrews’ Brewhouse is a pub in Norwich city centre with its own brewery. It’s a fully equipped microbrewery where they craft a selection of ales and lagers right on-site, catering to the discerning tastes of real ale enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados alike.
Behind the scenes, their talented brewer, Jake, is hard at work, channelling his passion for malting and homebrewing into creating unique and captivating brews. With every pint, he brings his expertise and a touch of history, often paying homage to local figures and legends through the names of the beers.
To provide you with a taste of the brewing magic, they offer bite-sized Brewery Tours that last approximately 15-20 minutes. For just £8, you’ll embark on a guided journey through the brewery, led by Jake himself.
He’ll unveil the coveted process that transforms malted grains, hops, and water into the brilliant beverages we all cherish. During the tour, you’ll explore the brewhouse and fermentation room, gaining insights into the craftsmanship behind the brews.
As the tour concludes, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. Indulge in a complimentary flight of beers, carefully selected to showcase the range and depth of their offerings.
To ensure availability, they kindly request bookings for the Brewery Tours. Simply contact St. Andrew’s Brewhouse, and they’ll arrange a time that suits your schedule.
Get more information and book here.
Poppyland Brewery Tours
Poppyland Brewery is a micro-brewery that may be small in size, but it’s big on passion and dedication. It can be found in the building of the now defunct Allen’s Garage on West Street in the charming seaside town of Cromer.
Within the modest space, the entire brewing process unfolds before your eyes. From brewing and maturation to fermentation, cask conditioning, and bottling, every step takes place on-site. This hands-on approach ensures that each beer receives the utmost care and attention, resulting in a perfectly formed operation dedicated to quality.
If you find yourself in the vicinity and want to learn more, feel free to drop by. If the team is around, they would be delighted to offer you a quick tour, providing a glimpse into their craft. However, for a more formal and immersive experience, you should arrange a visit in advance. During this specially curated tour, you’ll have the opportunity to not only explore the facilities but also taste a selection of our finest beers.
Get more information here.
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