Wigan Brewhouse

Walking into the Wigan Brewhouse, you're immediately hit with the smell of hops and malt - the kind of place where the craft brewing actually happens rather than just gets talked about. It's a proper working brewery, not some sanitised museum pretending to be one.

You can watch the brewing process from the observation areas, see the fermentation tanks doing their thing, and understand how a beer actually comes together. The staff know their stuff and aren't precious about explaining what's going on. If you've got even a passing interest in how things are made rather than just consuming them, this is well worth an hour of your time.

The attached bar stocks their full range - and they do some solid work here, not the gimmicky stuff some breweries fall back on. A pint while you watch someone actually making beer beats scrolling through your phone in a chain pub.

It's best suited to adults rather than families with small children, though teenagers interested in food production might get something out of it. The location near Skelmersdale means it works as a stop-off while exploring the wider Lancashire area. The Secret Garden Glamping is just down the road if you're staying local - makes for a decent evening out after settling into your accommodation.

Check ahead for opening times and whether they've got tours running - the place operates around production schedules, not tourist convenience. Worth the detour if you're in the north-west.