Bristol’s craft beer scene shines through its well-organized self-guided tours. The standout Old Market route takes beer lovers to 7 carefully selected stops, from authentic railway arch brewpubs to historic English taverns. At just $5.41, this 4-hour experience delivers excellent value with beer tokens, clear directions, and optional tasting guidance.
I love this tour for its perfect mix of independence and structure – you’ll discover hidden gems while learning about local brewing traditions at your own pace.
Check out our favorite Bristol beer tours below, ranked for quality and value.
Key Points
- Self-guided craft beer tours in Bristol’s Old Market neighborhood offer an independent exploration of the local craft beer scene with a variety of Bristol-brewed beers.
- The tours include a map, booklet, and beer tokens for a 4-hour immersive experience showcasing cozy pubs, taprooms, and bars for an authentic local craft beer culture.
- The tours are priced from $5.41 per person, with an opportunity to explore at an individual pace and a guided tasting option available at select locations.
- Participants should have a charged smartphone, headphones, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and a valid ID for entry at certain venues.
- Tour highlights include a brewpub in a railway arch, an award-winning traditional English pub, and guided tastings of various beer styles for a unique and memorable experience.
Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)
A popular self-guided craft beer tour in Bristol takes visitors on a captivating journey through the vibrant Old Market neighborhood. This tour, which boasts a Badge of Excellence and 19 positive reviews, allows independent travelers to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene at their own pace.
The tour begins at the Moor Beer Co, a local brewery where participants receive beer tokens, snacks, a map, and a booklet. They’ll then visit five other pubs, taprooms, and bars, sampling a total of seven different Bristol-brewed beers along the way.
The tour route is accessible, with a maximum five-minute walk between venues on flat terrain. Travelers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to feel like locals while discovering hidden gems.
Though the booklet may contain some outdated information, the overall experience is praised for its authenticity and good value for money. This self-guided tour provides a fantastic way for visitors to enjoy Bristol’s craft beer culture.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market) Review
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Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour With Optional Tasting
This self-guided craft beer tour in Bristol offers visitors a captivating opportunity to explore the city’s thriving beer scene at their own pace. Priced from $5.41 per person, the 4-hour experience allows guests to discover Bristol’s breweries, traditional pubs, and beer gardens using a downloadable audio guide.
The tour starts at Bristol Temple Meads train station, with the first stop being a brewpub in a railway arch, showcasing a variety of beer styles. Visitors can also opt for a guided tasting of 3 small beers at Bristol’s first brewery taproom.
The route includes an award-winning traditional English pub with a cozy atmosphere and beer garden, as well as other local bars and taprooms.
Practical information, such as the need to bring a charged smartphone, headphones, and weather-appropriate clothing, is provided.
With an overall rating of 4.1/5 based on 9 reviews, this self-guided tour is a must-try for craft beer enthusiasts visiting Bristol.
Read our full review: Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour With Optional Tasting Review
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Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
Crafting an immersive exploration of Bristol’s vibrant beer scene, the Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour invites visitors to embark on a captivating 4-hour journey. Priced at just $30.55 per person, this self-guided experience allows participants to discover the city’s craft beer hot spots at their own pace.
The tour includes a welcome envelope filled with beer tokens, a craft beer map, walking snacks, and insightful facts about the historic Old Market district.
Over the course of the tour, guests will enjoy 7 locally brewed craft beers and real ales across 4 venues, including a brewery taproom, a traditional pub, a bar, and a craft beer pub.
The highlight is a guided tasting of 3 beers at the renowned Moor Beer Co. taproom. With an overall rating of 4.8/5, this tour promises an immersive atmosphere, fantastic local brews, and a well-organized experience, even with unexpected changes.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring valid ID, and note that certain venues reserve the right to refuse entry or service.
Read our full review: Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Local Craft Beer Styles in Bristol?
Bristol’s local craft beer scene features a range of bold, complex styles like hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and crisp lagers, reflecting the city’s thriving independent breweries and their dedication to crafting innovative, flavorful beers.
How Much Cash Should I Bring for the Craft Beer Tours?
When planning a craft beer tour, it’s recommended to bring around £20-£30 per person. This covers the cost of the tour, tastings, and any additional drinks or snacks you may want to purchase along the way.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Craft Beer Tours?
You can generally bring your own snacks on craft beer tours, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Many offer light refreshments, so bringing your own may not be necessary. Adhering to the tour’s policies is recommended to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Craft Beer Tastings?
Yes, many craft beer tour companies offer discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings. Customers should inquire about any available promotions when booking their tasting experiences to potentially save money on the cost of the tour.
What Should I Wear to the Craft Beer Tours and Tastings?
Casual, comfortable attire is recommended for craft beer tours and tastings. Wear clothing that’s easy to move in, as you’ll likely be standing and walking during the event. Avoid anything too formal or restrictive. The focus should be on enjoying the beer, not your outfit.
Recap
Bristol is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a variety of self-guided tours and tastings. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant Old Market area, discovering local breweries and sampling an array of unique and flavorful beers. These experiences provide an immersive and flexible way to dive into Bristol’s thriving craft beer scene at one’s own pace.