Aitcheson's Brewery

The brewery sits just outside Beverley, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of advance planning. Aitcheson's is a working operation, not a museum, so you'll need to check ahead for tours - they're not always running on a whim. When they do open their doors, you get the real deal: a proper look at how they actually make the beer, from the grain to the glass.

It's genuinely interesting if you care about how things are made. The brewing process itself is oddly compelling to watch, and the staff know their stuff. You'll leave understanding Yorkshire brewing in a way that just reading about it never quite achieves. That said, it's not a massive venue and an hour covers it well. Plan two hours if you fancy a proper chat and maybe a tasting.

Families with older kids will get something from it - teenagers who are into food production or science find it engaging. Younger children might lose interest fairly quickly, if I'm honest. Real ale enthusiasts absolutely should make the detour from Butt Farm Caravan or High Farm Holiday Park - both are within easy striking distance.

The surrounding area is pleasant enough for a half-day trip. Beverley itself has plenty to occupy you if the brewery visit is shorter than expected, and it's well-positioned if you're using one of the nearby parks as a base. Just don't rock up expecting a visitor centre experience - this is a working brewery that happens to let people in.