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Whether you’re a beer expert or a beer novice, you’ll love these brewery tours in Cornwall. Learn about the history of the brewery, enjoy a guided tour of the factory and of course sample the brew. 


St Austell Brewery

St Austell beers©St Austell Brewery

Founded in 1851, St Austell Brewery has been brewing beers for over 160 years. With all of that experience and knowledge it is no surprise it has won so many awards – both for the beers and the company. The newly refurbished visitor centre houses an on-site shop where you can purchase your favourite beers, Hicks Bar serving food, cask ales and lager, as well as interactive attractions and choice of two brewery tours.

The Brewing Experience Tour starts with a welcome drink from the Small Batch Bar, an overview of the production process and tour of the Cask Racking Plant. Make your way back to the Small Batch Bar and sample up to 8 brews. The Brewhouse Tour includes all of the above as well as a tour of the active Victorian Brewhouse, showcasing all the stages of the brewing process, Cornish pasty and 1 beer token.

Popular beers:
Tribute, Proper Job, Hicks, Korev Cornish Lager

Location:
St Austell Brewery, 63 Trevarthain Road, St Austell, PL25 4BY

Times & cost:
Brewing Experience Tour | Monday to Saturday | 11am & 2pm | £15
The Brewhouse Tour | Monday to Saturday | 12pm | £25

More information:
St Austell Brewery tour


Skinners Brewery

Located on the banks of the River Truro, this award winning brewery was established in 1997 by Steve Skinner. The brewery is rooted in Cornwall with the majority of its beers taking their names from Cornish history and folklore. The daily tour last around 90 minutes and is followed by a beer tasting tutorial in the tap room. Large groups (10 – 50) can also book exclusive guided tours and beer tastings. 

Popular beers:
Betty Stogs, Porthleven, Sennen, Cornish Knocker

Location:
Newham Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2DP

Times & cost:
Daily public tour | Monday to Friday | 2.30pm – 4pm | £9.50

More information:
Skinners Brewery tour


Beer in glasses


Sharp’s Brewery

Founded in 1994 by Bill Sharp, Sharp’s Brewery is located in Rock, Cornwall. Its most popular beer  Doom Bar, named after a sand bank at the mouth of the estuary of the River Camel hazardous to ships and is the UK’s best selling cask ale. 

The guided tour provides a history of the brewery and an in-depth look at the production process. Sample around 10 beers at the tasting session, some of which are no longer available to buy.

Popular beers:
Doom Bar, Atlantic, Seas Fury, Offshore Pilsner

Location:
St Minver, Rock, Wadebridge, PL27 6NU

Times & cost:
Tour and tasting | Tuesday – Friday | 2pm | £30
Tasting only | Tuesday – Friday | 2.45pm | £20

More information:
Sharp’s Brewery tour


Padstow Brewing Company

This independent brewery only set up shop in 2013 but is already highly successful with 24 award wins across a range of categories. Since its first award in 2013, for Padstow IPA, the premises and team have had to grow in order to keep up with demand. Lasting around 90 minutes, a knowledgeable member of the team will take you on a tour of the brewery process and provide a detailed explanation of all the stages of production. Along the way you have the chance to sample a range of bottled and canned beers. For anyone wanting to get more involved Padstow Brewing Company also offer a Brewday Experience. Spend a full day at the brewery getting hands on experience of what goes into making the perfect beer. 

Popular beers:
Padstow IPA, Padstow Pale Ale, The Smoke

Location:
Trecerus Industrial Estate, 4a, Padstow, PL28 8RW

Times & cost:
Brewery Tour | Usually Friday and/or Saturday | 2pm | £25
Brewday Experience | Usually Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday | £109

More information:
Padstow Brewing Company


Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

It’s not just beer on the menu. Launched in 1986, Healeys Cyder Farm has remained a family business since being established by Kay and David Healey in 1986. Around 20 acres of orchards produce award winning cyder, juices and jams. Healeys also make England’s oldest whiskey, typically aged for 7 years. The small craft distillery the whiskey is made in is also the first in Cornwall for 300 years. 

Healeys offer several tours that cater to all ages from guided tours to tractor rides and walks through the orchards. The full guided tour includes an overview of the production process, tutored tasting, tractor ride and a pint of cyder (or soft drink). The Cydermaster Tour is a wonderful experience that includes a private guided tour as well as tutored tasting and cyder sharing platter in The Old Bottlery Restaurant.

As well as the tour experience Healeys also have a farm shop, tea room, restaurant and farm animals for children to make friends with, making this a great day out for the whole family.

Popular ciders:
Rattler, Cornish Gold, Cornish Scrumpy

Location:
Penhallow, Truro, TR4 9LW

Times & cost:
Full Guided Tour | Adult: £20 Child: £9.50
Classic Tour | Adult: £13 Child: £7
Cydermaster Tour | £90 for 2 people

More information:
Healeys cyder tour

Brewery production


Planning a brewery tour? Take a look at our great range of holiday cottages in Cornwall to stay in.