Father’s Day Ideas

Father’s Day 2018 falls on the 17th June, which happens to be on the same weekend as National Beer Day, This felt like the perfect opportunity to combine the two occasions. We have compiled a list of some fantastic breweries and distilleries across the UK that your Dad is sure to love. Make Dad’s day by taking him on a beer tasting extravaganza!

1. Palmers Brewery, Bridport, Dorset

Summary: Dorset’s fine brewery proudly advertises itself as Britain’s only thatched brewery. Appreciate the fine location along with their delicious exports by taking a behind the scenes tour of the brewery, which ends with a fantastic beer tasting session in Palmers Wine Store. Please note: These tours are extremely popular and it is therefore extremely worthwhile to book your place in advance.

When: From Easter to the end of October, open Mon – Fri (excludes bank holidays) from 11am. Tours last 2 hours

Price: £8.50 per person. Booking four or more adult tickets to receive a discounted rate of £8 per person. 13-17 year olds are £8. Minimum age 13

2. St Austell Brewery Visitors Centre, St Austell, Cornwall

Summary: If you live or are planning to holiday on the beautiful South West Coast, look no further than St Austell. Enjoy a unique, interactive experience at the St Austell Brewery Visitors Centre.

Take the 90-minute tour, which takes you on a thorough journey of the brewing process of their award-winning ales, learning about the extensive history, as well as sampling some of their finest beverages.

You can exchange two beer tokens for a beer sampling experience, plus a pint or soft drink to take away. Why not end the day with a delicious meal and refreshing drink in the Hicks Bar?

When: Mon – Sat: 9am – 5.30pm. Last entry 4pm. Tours last 90 minutes

Price: £12 for adults; concessions for seniors, students and children

3. Marstons Brewery, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire

Summary: Marstons has an extensive and fascinating history, which began in 1834. The company has been brewing its finest beer in the current Albion brewery since 1898. Learn more about the company’s history, the attention to detail and specific components that make up the brewing process and, of course, taste greatness for yourself during a brewery tour. They only ask one thing; make sure to book in advance!

When: Mon – Sat from 11am. Evening tours also available. See website for more information

Price: £8.50 for adults; £5.00 for under 18s

4. Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth, Lake District

Summary: This North West establishment is one of the most popular things to do in the Lake District, with a history spanning 190 years.

Taste their award-winning ales and learn about the proud history of the Jennings family during a tour of the Castle Brewery.

Then perhaps finish off by making a purchase of Jennings’ finest from the Brewery Shop.

When: Wed – Sat 1.30pm (excludes January)

Price: £15.00 per person includes unlimited Jennings beers. Additional £3 will get you a locally produced pie and peas.

5. Batemans Brewery, Skegness, Lincolnshire

Summary: Established in Salem Bridge in Skegness back in 1874, Batemans has a long and happy history, spanning four generations. Visitors flock to sample its delicious beers, now produced in the magnificent Brewhouse, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Beers’. Enjoy a tour of the fascinating brewery, which includes two half pints of Batemans beer, plus a tasty local supper.

When: Open seven days a week April – September; Wed – Sun between October and April (excludes Christmas and New Year). Tours held at 12pm and 3pm

Price: £12.50 per person (pre-book only) includes two half-pint beer samples, a brewery supper and use of all facilities and attractions

6. Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore

Summary: This unique brewery is one of the most scenic, resting in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy a day out with a difference at this Visit Scotland 4-star-awarded visitor attraction. This Scottish establishment has been running since 2001, and offers a great selection of traditional and contemporary ales for you to try, including Wildcat, Black Gold and Autumn Nuts.

When: Mon – Fri 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes

Price: £5 per person

7. Conwy Brewery Ltd, Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay

Summary: Head to Colwyn Bay to experience a fascinating tour of Conwy Brewery. Choose a 90 minute tour, or for something a little more special, be a brewer for a day and shadow one of the brewers, supporting with any duties and with a gift bag to take home at the end of the 8-hour day. –

For something truly unique, you could opt to design your own beer, perfect for groups of up to eight people. Work alongside the brewers to create your own unique recipe, which will be bottled up into six cases and available to collect around four weeks later.

When: Wed – Fri 4pm. Tours last approximately 90 minutes

Price: £10 per person. Brewer for a day package £95; Design your own beer day £350

Image Credits: Christer Edvartsen – CC BY 2.0; Rob Noble – CC BY-SA 2.0; Chris Allen – CC BY-SA 2.0; Christer Edvartsen – CC BY 2.0; Richard Hoare – CC BY-SA 2.0; Smabs Sputzer – CC BY 2.0; Jeff Collins – CC BY-SA 2.0; Vouliagmeni – CC BY-SA 4.0; Bernt Rostad – CC BY 2.0