Half Moon Brewery

You'll find Half Moon Brewery just outside York, and it's worth the short drive if you're after proper craft beer and a genuine behind-the-scenes look at how the stuff gets made. They do brewery tours where you can see the operation in action - the kit, the process, the whole works - and then taste what they've actually brewed. It's hands-on without being twee about it.

The brewery appeals most to ale enthusiasts and anyone who wants to understand what goes into a good pint beyond just ordering one at a pub. If you've got kids in tow, check ahead on whether tours are family-friendly on the day you plan to visit - some sessions suit younger visitors better than others.

After a tour and tasting, you'll want to allow a couple of hours minimum. It's not a sprawling visitor attraction, but it doesn't need to be. The quality's in the detail and the chat with the people who actually run the place.

Stay at Wigwam Holidays Ball Hall Farm just 2.4 miles away and you've got a proper base for exploring York's food and drink scene while supporting local breweries. The glamping at Acorn Glade is also close by if you want something with a bit more comfort. Either way, visiting Half Moon slots naturally into a Yorkshire break - you're tasting the region, not just looking at it.