Having a relaxing tipple is all part of the holiday experience. Well, here in the East of England you’ve got so many fabulous drinks to choose from you’ll want to extend your stay…
Brewery tours
First thing you need to know is that we have best brewing barley in the country. North Norfolk has the ideal conditions – a perfect combination of soil type, height (yes, in Norfolk!) and the maritime climate of salty sea frets (that’s mist to you and I).
So it’s no surprise there are around 75 breweries in this part of the world. And a few of them you can take tours around.
In Norfolk, you can take a tour of Woodforde’s Brewery and then settle in for a pint at the brewery tap Fur & Feathers (above), as picturesque a pub as you’ll find with its thatched roof and duck pond.
Not far away, in Great Yarmouth, you can visit the museum of historic Lacon’s Brewery.
In Suffolk, you can take a tour at Greene King in delightful Bury St Edmunds.
Greene King has been brewing in Bury St Edmunds for more than 200 years, and brewing in the town can be traced back as far as the Domesday book in 1086. While you’re here you can also take an historic tour of the town and Abbey Ruins and Garden.
In Southwold on the Suffolk coast, take a tour of Adnams Brewery in the idyllic seaside town of Southwold. If you’re enjoying the day or a stay in Southwold (and, frankly, why wouldn’t you, it’s lovely!) then visit the Victorian Pier with its quirky amusements, discover the quirky and independent stores, delis and cafes on the High Street, buy fresh produce from the fish shacks at Blackshore Harbour and, of course, try the pubs. We’d recommend The Lord Nelson, The Harbour Inn, The Red Lion and The Sole Bay Inn.
St Peter’s Brewery near Bungay, one of the country’s first craft breweries, has a visitors’ centre and tours.
Distillery tours
St George’s Distillery at the English Whisky Company was the first English whisky distillery in more than 100 years. Situated in the lovely Brecks of Norfolk, the tour can be taken after a nice lunch or breakfast in the restaurant, which uses lots of local produce.
Back to Adnams in Southwold for our other distillery, The Copper House. Here they make award-winning gin, whisky and vodka. In blind-tasting, their vodka beat anything from Russia… get in!
Take a look at the video…
Vineyards
Who’d have thought that the East of England would have good vineyards. Well, we have.
The East of England is one of the driest and sunniest parts of the country and has pockets of land perfect for growing grapes. In recent years vineyards have sprung up across the region and local winemakers are making a big impression – with many of them being award-winners. Take a look at our vineyards blog for more details.
Please, before you travel to the East of England, Know Before You Go – ensure places you want to visit are open, see if you have to pre-book. We’ve supplied click-throughs to attractions for you to check.