A Guide to Suffolk’s Breweries

As a county which abounds with historic sites and attractions, it’ll come as no surprise to discover that Suffolk has maintained a firm connection with the ancient art of brewing delicious beers. Whilst the names of Greene King and Adnams will likely be familiar to you wherever you are in Britain, there’s also a selection of smaller breweries which are well worth visiting or sampling when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent.

With more than a little experience in discerning the best of the best when it comes to tasty ales and refreshing lagers, we’ve put together a handy guide if you’re interested in enjoying some light refreshments when taking a holiday in Suffolk.

Greene King Brewery, Bury St Edmunds:

Setting up shop back in 1799, Greene King has developed an impressive selection of ales, bitters, and more recently, IPAs. Opening their doors for tours, Greene King treats their visitors to a journey through the centuries as well as their day-to-day operations, providing them with a real insight into the workings of an iconic brewery. Rounded off with a sampling session and fantastic views of the historic town from their roof, this is one tour you won’t want to miss.

Adnams Brewery, Southwold:

Offering guests the opportunity to create as well as sample a fine assortment of refreshments, tours around the Adnams brewery in Southwold offer an incredibly hands-on experience of brewing and distilling. As another historic brewer – their roots can be traced back to 1396 – Adnams is a testament to the impressive history of Suffolk’s ale trade.

St Peter’s Brewery, Bungay:

No doubt one of, if not the, most historic brewery-related sites in Suffolk, St Peter’s Hall in Bungay dates all the way back to 1280. In the brewery next to the hall, founded in 1996, the team behind the production of their ales, stouts, port, cider and seasonal offerings provide dedicated “Talk and Taste” sessions on their premises. An altogether educational experience, these talks are made all the more special by the historic architecture in which they take place.

The Old Cannon Brewery, Bury St Edmunds:

Earning a spot on our coveted list for its tours and dining experiences, the Old Cannon Brewery in Bury St Edmunds is unquestionably one of the best places to pass a day in Suffolk. Founded in 1845, this historic brewery now focuses on traditional British ales, providing an insight into the methods which have come to define this tradition. With a great menu to choose from, there’s also no danger of going hungry after spending a day touring and sampling! 

To get started on planning a trip to any of these breweries, be sure to take a look at our range of Barns and Barges for rent. We’re incredibly confident that they’ll provide you with the finest accommodation to return to after a day of crafting and sampling the very best beers that Suffolk has to offer.