Krafty Braumeister Brewery

Suffolk's got a proper craft beer scene now, and Krafty Braumeister is bang in the middle of it near Leiston. This is a working brewery where you can actually see what goes into making decent beer - none of that industrial nonsense. The operation is small and hands-on, which means you're getting the real deal rather than a sanitised visitor experience.

What you'll find here depends on whether they're doing tours that day, but generally you can watch the brewing process, chat to the people who actually run the place, and taste what they've made. It's the sort of spot where brewers talk you through their decisions - why they chose certain hops, how long they've aged a particular batch. If you're into beer, you'll spend a good couple of hours here without feeling rushed.

Families with older kids who don't mind hanging around while adults sample things will manage fine, though it's not really set up for little ones running around. The atmosphere is unpretentious - you're standing in a brewery, not a themed bar.

Being just outside Leiston puts you within easy reach of several holiday parks - Cakes & Ale is barely over a mile away, and Beach View is only marginally further. If you're basing yourself at any of these parks for a Suffolk break, this makes a decent afternoon detour. Check ahead before visiting though, as opening hours aren't fixed and tours need arranging in advance.