Allendale Brewery

The brewery sits on the edge of Allendale, a proper Pennine village that feels a world away from the coast despite being in Northumberland. You'll find cask ales and lagers made right here, and the taproom gives you a genuine look at how they work - it's not all flash and Instagram angles, just solid craft beer made by people who know their stuff.

Walking in, you get that immediate smell of malt and fermentation, the kind that tells you this is a working operation, not a visitor attraction dressed up as a brewery. The team are straightforward about what they do: seasonal brews, reliable regulars, and the sort of beers you'll actually want to drink rather than photograph. There's normally a good selection on tap, and staff will chat through what's on without the pretension you sometimes get at bigger operations.

It works best for beer drinkers and anyone interested in small-scale production - history buffs won't find much educational content, and it's not geared toward families with young children. Allow an hour if you're tasting a few things and having a proper look around. Summer afternoons are best; winter can feel a bit quiet.

Hexham's just a few miles south if you need supplies or a meal. Either of the local glamping spots - Panoramic Pods or Langley Dam - make cracking bases for exploring the Tyne Valley, and the brewery fits neatly into a wider visit to the area's walking trails and market towns. Worth the detour if you're into beer; less essential if you're just passing through.