Crooked Brewery

The first thing that strikes you about Crooked Brewery, just outside York, is how unpretentious the whole setup feels. You're not walking into some glossy craft beer cathedral - this is a proper working brewery where they actually care more about what's in the glass than the Instagram angle.

They do tours and tastings here, and the team knows their stuff without being boring about it. You'll see the kit, learn how they actually brew, and taste their range. It's hands-on rather than polished, which makes it feel genuine. The beers are solid - they're not trying to make everything a triple-hop explosion just for the sake of it.

This works best for adults who actually like beer and want to understand what they're drinking. Kids will get restless after twenty minutes, honestly. Partner it with a stay at Cawood Park or York South Ltd - both excellent bases - and you can spend an afternoon here before heading into York's centre for dinner. It's a decent half-day activity rather than an all-day mission.

Best to check their website before you go because opening hours shift, and you'll want to book a tour rather than just turning up. The experience feels more rewarding when you've got someone walking you through their process rather than wandering round trying to work out what does what.