The Yorkshire Dales has a long tradition of producing fine real ales and having great pubs to sample them in. You can visit a number of the breweries to see the brewing process in action – and sample the results, of course!
Brewery tours
Theakstons
Visit Masham to experience the flavours and aromas of malted barley, hops and yeast for yourself. With a trained guide, you'll be able to follow the entire brewing process: from blending the ingredients, through to filling the casks, to the craft of the cooper forming straight pieces of oak into curved staves to create a perfect cask to hold a precise amount of beer. Chat to the people behind the beer, ask any questions, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the brewery!
Black Sheep
It was in October 1992 when Black Sheep beers first appeared in Yorkshire Dales pubs. It was a new era for Paul Theakston, whose family has brewed in Masham for six generations. At the Black Sheep Brewery, you can take a guided tour to find out how they brew their famous ales. Afterwards, relax over a delicious meal at the Black Sheep Bar & Bistro. Their shop has lots of Black Sheep goodies including, of course, their range of award-winning ales.
Copper Dragon
The 1 hour brewery tour takes you right through the brewing and fermentation process allowing you to see the new state of the art brewery plant. Learn how and when Copper Dragon evolved and travel through the milestones of the brewery's rapid growth and huge achievements. Daytime and evening tours.
Richmond Brewery Company
A small brewery with a big welcome. They would love to see you at their premises in the picturesque surroundings of Richmond's former railway station, now transformed into a lively visitor attraction. Watch their artisan brewing in progress with a tour of the brewery. A guide will be happy to answer all your questions.
Dent Brewery
Nestling in picturesque Dentdale, in that corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park that is actually in Cumbria, is one of the most remote breweries in the country. Dent Brewery supplies cask ale to many locations across the north of England and has a tap-house in Dent at the George & Dragon Hotel.
Other local ales and beers
There are other breweries whose wares you can sample in local pubs. There is the Wensleydale Brewery near Leyburn, the Yorkshire Dales Brewery at Askrigg and the Darkhorse Brewery based near Hetton.
Just slightly further afield is the Daleside Brewery in Harrogate, Roosters in Knaresborough, Naylors at Crosshills and the Wharfebank brewery at Pool.
Pub walks and more
If you want to earn your beer why not combine it with doing some exercise?
Three breweries have been selected to brew official beer for The Pennine Way, available from pubs along the Trail. This isn’t just good news for thirsty walkers - the breweries will be making a donation to support the Pennine Way from every pint and bottle sold.
The Inn Way and Dales Way long-distance multi-day walking routes link some fine local pubs together. Many shorter walks can also take in a well-deserved drink.
As an alternative to a designated driver why not use the train or bus or stay overnight to make a trip out of it?
