Wainstones Brewery

The brewery sits just outside Northallerton, and if you're staying at Whorlton Pods or anywhere nearby, it's worth a proper detour. Wainstones is Stokesley Brewing's operation, and they take their beer seriously without being insufferable about it.

You'll find a working brewery here - actual fermentation tanks, the lot - which means there's always something tangible happening beyond the usual tap-room chat. The space has that authentic feel of a place that brews first and sells second. Tours exist, though you'll want to ring ahead to check what's running on your visit day.

The beers themselves lean craft without the eye-watering price tags. Their range changes, but expect proper Yorkshire ales that don't apologise for tasting like ale. It's the sort of place where locals pop in for a genuine pint rather than an Instagram moment.

For families, it's workable during quieter afternoons - kids are tolerated, but this isn't a child-friendly venue in the traditional sense. Walkers heading through the area will appreciate it as a lunch stop. Real ale enthusiasts will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're interested in what smaller northern breweries are actually doing.

Allow an hour if you're just grabbing a pint and a chat. Two to three hours if you're taking a tour. Free admission to the taproom, though you'll obviously buy drinks. It's honest, unpretentious, and a genuine part of what Northallerton's brewing scene has become.