Myrddins Brewery & Distillery Ltd

The smell hits you first when you walk into Myrddins - that rich, hoppy warmth of a working brewery mixed with something distinctly Welsh about the place. It's in Barmouth, that seaside town that feels properly tucked away on the Cardigan Bay coast, and once you're through the doors you realize you've stumbled into something genuinely local rather than a tourist tick-box.

You get to see how they actually make their beers, which beats standing around reading laminated signs any day. The distillery side means there's more than just ale on offer - they do spirits too, and the whole operation has that feeling of people who actually care about what they're making rather than just shifting units. Tastings are part of the experience, so bring someone else to drive if you're taking full advantage.

It's best for adults who appreciate a proper brew, though families aren't unwelcome during off-peak hours. Allow a couple of hours if you want the full tour and a drink after. The exact opening times and whether they charge admission aren't set in stone, so ring ahead before making the trip - nothing worse than rolling up to find they're closed for a private event.

If you're staying at Sunbeach Holiday Park just down the coast, this makes a solid afternoon when the weather's dodgy. Barmouth itself has beaches and walks, so you can build a proper day around it rather than treating the brewery as a standalone stop.