New Brew

The first thing you notice walking into New Brew is the smell - proper hoppy and fresh, the kind of aroma that tells you this is a working brewery, not some sanitised tourist attraction. Situated just outside Shifnal in Shropshire, it's a straightforward operation: a small craft brewery where they actually make beer, and you can watch them do it.

What you get is a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Depending on when you visit, you'll catch different stages - from the mashing and boiling through to fermentation and packaging. It's hands-on enough to be interesting without feeling like you're in the way. The owners know their stuff and aren't afraid to chat through what's happening in the tanks.

This works best for proper beer enthusiasts and anyone keen on how things are actually made. If your lot are expecting a theme park experience, they'll be disappointed within twenty minutes. But if you're the type who finds factory tours genuinely absorbing, you'll leave satisfied.

Timing-wise, allow 45 minutes to an hour. Phone ahead first though - opening hours can be variable and they sometimes close for private events. It's worth combining with a stay at one of the nearby parks: Ted's Farm Caravan and Camping Site is closest at four miles, while High Onn Holiday Park, just over five miles away, is particularly well-rated if you want creature comforts. Either makes a decent base for exploring the quieter bits of Shropshire.