Distillery and Brewery Tours in the Lake District

The Lake District is known for a number of wonderful things, from the spectacular natural surroundings, to the famous creatives who have lived in the area and found their inspiration in this part of the world. However, this is not all the Lake District is known for, as it also has a fantastic relationship with food and drink, offering some delicious local dishes and tempting tipples.

In fact, when you visit the Lake District, you may be surprised at the number of breweries and distilleries which call the Lakes their home. Many of these even offer tours so you can make yourself a little more familiar with some of the local products. Here are just some of the best tours in the local area.

Hawkshead Brewery

Staveley

hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

Hawkshead Brewery has been producing beers since 2002 when its home was a barn just outside the village of Hawkshead. The brewery is now located in Staveley and features The Beer Hall where you can enjoy some of their finest beers as well as grabbing a bite to eat. You can also partake in a brewery tour and learn more about how Hawkshead Brewery produces their beers.

Keswick Brewing Company

Keswick

keswickbrewery.co.uk

With a story that goes back to 2006, Keswick Brewery is run by brewers who are passionate about their craft, creating brews that have proved to be particularly popular with their customers. Take a tour of the brewery where you can sample a selection of the beers, before ending your visit at the Brewery Bar to enjoy your favourite brew.

The Lakes Distillery

Bassenthwaite

lakesdistillery.com

Bassenthwaite is the perfect location for this fantastic distillery which produces whisky, gin, and vodka. The distillery claims to find inspiration in their surroundings, and it’s easy to see why as they are located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. You can choose from a number of different tours which offer different features. You can even make a booking to meet the alpaca herd that can be found at the distillery!

Jennings Brewery

Cockermouth

jenningsbrewery.co.uk

Jennings Brewery has a long and interesting history, dating back to 1828 when it was founded by John Jennings. Today the brewery still keeps in touch with its roots through practices such as drawing pure Lakeland water from their own well in order to be used in the brewing process. You can get a feel for the history and the story behind the brewery when you take a tour around the site. Tours run throughout the year excluding January, so there are plenty of opportunities to get booked in for a visit.

Fantastic microbreweries …. and where to find them!

Hidden in small pubs and hotels are hubs of real creativity in the form of microbreweries. Often these aren’t open for mass tours, but can be visited if you are an exclusive customer. Here are a few of our favourites!

Fell Brewery Bars

Kendal & Penrith

The Fell Brewery are a small yet mighty team, creating some modern, progressive beers that represent the rural areas of South Cumbria. Head to their bars in Kendal and Penrith to try out some of their best and newest creations, as well as guest beers and ales.

Cumbrian Legendary Ales

Craft beers created on the shores of Esthwaite Water, are served at the brewery’s own pubs, the Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater and Dockray Hall, Penrith

The Strands Brewery

Wasdale

Near Wasdale, you will find the Strands Brewery and The Strands Inn, where visitors are welcomed to see the brewery and learn more about the beer-making process. Make sure to sample some of their range when you stop by!

We are lucky to have access to the many distilleries and breweries nearby but please make sure to pop in and visit us at The Royal in Silverdale where you will be able to take your pick from our own vast selection of beer, wine and spirits, some of which have a local connection. Be sure to also check out our food menu where you can enjoy a hearty meal made up of locally sourced ingredients.

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