Earl Soham & Cliff Quay Brewery

Earl Soham is a proper working brewery tucked away near Stowmarket, and it's the kind of place that rewards a bit of advance planning. You'll find it producing cask ales and craft beers with a genuine local following - the sort of outfit that takes its brewing seriously without the pretension. The brewery itself is functional rather than flashy, more industrial workspace than visitor attraction, but that's part of its charm. If you ring ahead, they sometimes offer tours or at least the chance to buy direct from the source, which beats supermarket prices. Allow a couple of hours maximum, and go on a weekday if you want to chat properly with the staff - weekends can be chaotic. History buffs and real ale enthusiasts will get the most from a visit, though it's bit of a specialist thing. It's not a destination you'd build a whole day around unless you're genuinely into beer. Stowmarket sits close by if you need a proper lunch or a poke around town beforehand. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Stonham Barns or Hill Farm Suffolk are your closest bets - it makes a decent half-morning detour on a rainy day. Check opening hours first though, as these places can be unpredictable. Worth it if you're into craft ale; less so if you're after something to entertain the kids.