Arkells Brewery

The brewery itself sits right in Swindon, though Fairford's just down the road if you're staying at one of the local parks. Arkells has been brewing here since 1843, and they still do proper traditional ales - the kind that tastes like a brewery should taste, not like a fruit smoothie.

You get a tour round the actual working brewery, which is the whole point really. You'll see the copper vats, learn how they've kept things largely unchanged for generations, and end up in the tap room for a tasting. The whole thing takes about ninety minutes depending on how chatty your guide is. It's genuinely interesting if you care about how beer gets made; less so if you're just after a quick drink and a photo.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Little ones might find the noise and heat of the production floor a bit much, and there's quite a bit of standing about. The gift shop's decent without being aggressive, and they do sell bottles to take back to your caravan.

If you're based at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky or Second Chance just up the way, this makes a proper half-day excursion. Pop in for the tour, grab a pint, and you're back by evening. Free entry usually means a paid tour - check their website for current prices and whether you need to book ahead, because they do fill up on weekends. Best bet is to ring them or check online first.