Bristol’s historic center brims with excellent beer-tasting opportunities. Several organized tours make sampling the local brews both fun and efficient. Our favorite is the self-guided 4-hour Craft Beer Tour, which hits four perfectly chosen Old Market pubs with seven local beer tastings – it’s the best value and lets you set your own pace. The GPS Audio Tour works well for history buffs, connecting Bristol’s pub heritage with expert commentary over four hours. For hands-on learners, the guided brewery tour with three tastings gives you direct access to local brewmasters. The Puzzle Treasure Hunt adds an entertaining twist, mixing sightseeing with beer sampling. These are our recommended tours for discovering Bristol’s beer scene.
Good To Know
- The Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour in the Old Market area offers a 4-hour experience to sample 7 locally brewed beers across 4 venues.
- The Bristol’s Brilliant Pubs Audio Tour provides a self-guided GPS-based tour of the city’s pubs, with offline access and insider commentary.
- The Optional Guided Tasting Tour includes a downloadable audio guide and the opportunity to taste 3 beers at a local brewery.
- The Interactive Puzzle Treasure Hunt allows participants to explore landmarks while solving puzzles and trivia, with flexible booking and full refunds.
- Bristol is home to more breweries per capita than any other English city, making it an ideal destination for beer enthusiasts.
Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)
The Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour takes you on an exploration of Bristol’s vibrant Old Market area, where you’ll discover a range of locally-brewed craft beers.
This 4.5-star rated tour, awarded a Badge of Excellence, offers a fun and affordable way to sample seven different Bristol-brewed beers across several venues. You’ll receive half pints and third pints, along with snacks, to enjoy as you walk the flat, 5-minute path between each stop.
The tour starts at the Moor Beer Co, just a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station, and ends near major bus stops in the Old Market area.
Throughout the self-guided experience, you’ll have a booklet with facts about the region, a map, and venue information to reference. While hot food is available for purchase at two stops, the focus is on exploring Bristol’s craft beer scene.
With free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling, this tour provides a flexible, authentic exploration of the city’s thriving brewing culture.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market) Review
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Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
Visitors to Bristol’s vibrant Old Market area can embark on a self-guided craft beer tour that showcases the city’s thriving brewing culture. Priced at £30.17 per person, the 4-hour tour allows participants to enjoy 7 locally brewed craft beers and real ales across 4 venues, including a brewery tap room, a tiny bar, a traditional pub, and a small craft beer pub.
The tour includes a guided tasting of 3 beers at the Moor Brewery taproom and a welcome bag with a craft beer map, walking snacks, and beer tokens.
The self-guided nature of the tour allows visitors to explore the pubs at their own pace, while insights from venue staff provide valuable information about the local beers and ales. With a maximum group size of 6 people, the tour offers a laid-back and personalized experience.
Customers praise the excellent value, quality of the local brews, and the unique pub atmosphere. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and 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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Bristols Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City
Those seeking to enjoy Bristol’s vibrant pub culture can embark on a self-guided GPS audio tour that explores the city’s Old City area.
This tour, titled “Bristols Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City,” provides a flexible and informative way to discover the best local beer spots at one’s own pace.
The tour features insider commentary and can be accessed through the VoiceMap mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata ensures seamless navigation, even without an internet connection.
The tour starts at Bella Vista and ends at King Street, offering a view of the river and various food options.
Priced at $7.99 per person, this private tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making it accessible to most travelers.
With a 5.0 rating from a single review, the tour is praised as a fabulous experience, lasting approximately 4 hours with stops for drinks and food.
Read our full review: Bristols Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City Review
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Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour With Optional Tasting
Explore Bristol’s thriving craft beer scene at your own pace with this self-guided tour. Starting at Bristol Temple Meads train station, you’ll visit a variety of brewpubs, brewery taprooms, and an award-winning pub with a beer garden.
Along the way, a downloadable audio guide will share stories about the city’s notable breweries and local history.
The tour is priced at just $5.34 per person and lasts around 4 hours, with the option to split it over a weekend. You can even book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
For those who want to dive deeper, there’s an optional guided tasting where you can try 3 beers at one of the breweries.
With more breweries per capita than any other English city, this self-guided exploration is a fantastic way to discover Bristol’s thriving craft beer culture at your own pace.
Just remember to bring your headphones, charged smartphone, and ID, as participants must be over 18.
Read our full review: Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour With Optional Tasting Review
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Bristol: Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt to a Pub! + Team Racing!
Calling all puzzle enthusiasts and pub-crawlers! Set out on a thrilling Bristol Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt that leads you to a charming pub. This self-guided adventure, priced at just $25.13 for up to 2 people, promises an unforgettable experience.
Explore famous landmarks and uncover hidden gems as you solve a series of puzzles, trivia, and orienteering challenges. Learn about the local history and stories that bring this vibrant city to life. Upon completing the hunt, claim a well-deserved discount at the treasure pub.
The flexible booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. With a 182-day validity, you can plan your journey at your convenience.
Two routes are available, both covering the same distance and intertwining, so you can choose the path that best suits your group size of 1-2, 2-4, or 5-8 people.
The treasure hunt pack includes a clues sheet, treasure map, clipboard, and compass, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Bristol: Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt to a Pub! + Team Racing! Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times to Take the Tours?
The best times to take the tours are typically in the evenings and on weekends when there’s more nightlife and social activity. Many offer flexible scheduling to accommodate visitors’ schedules and preferences.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
Many drinking tour companies offer discounts and special offers, such as discounted tickets for groups or early bookings. Some may also have seasonal promotions or student/senior discounts. It’s best to check each company’s website for their current deals.
Can the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
Many drinking tour companies can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, often offering alternative drink options or non-alcoholic substitutes. Guests should mention any needs when booking to ensure the tour provider can make appropriate arrangements.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tours?
Most drinking tours have no minimum group size, allowing individuals or small groups to join. However, it’s always best to confirm the specific requirements with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour can accommodate your needs.
What Should Participants Bring With Them on the Tours?
Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and any necessary personal items. They may also want to bring a camera to capture the sights along the way. Some tours provide snacks or beverages, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance.
The Sum Up
Bristol offers an array of exciting drinking tours for visitors. Whether you prefer a self-guided craft beer exploration, a GPS-enabled pub crawl, or a fun treasure hunt, the city has something to satisfy every thirst. These tours provide a unique way to discover Bristol’s vibrant drinking scene, from historic pubs to local craft breweries. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect drinking experience to suit your taste.