Old Dairy Brewery

The Old Dairy Brewery sits just outside Ashford, converting a proper working farm building into a functioning craft brewery where you can actually watch beer being made. It's the kind of place that takes itself seriously without being pretentious - staff know their stuff, but they're not going to make you feel daft if you can't tell a pale ale from a porter.

You'll find a small taproom where the beers are genuinely good, and the whole operation has that authentic feel of people who actually wanted to make beer rather than chase Instagram likes. The brewery tour lets you see the kit in action, and if you're lucky enough to visit on a brew day, there's a real energy to the place. Tours and tastings aren't free, but they're reasonably priced and worth every penny if you're into how things are made.

It's ideal for adult beer enthusiasts rather than families with young kids - the equipment isn't particularly child-friendly and the experience works best if you understand what you're looking at. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a tour and tasting properly; don't rush it.

If you're staying at Wood View Farm Glamping or Wildside Camping nearby, this makes a cracking afternoon excursion. The brewery's close enough that you won't waste a whole day driving, but far enough out that it feels like a proper expedition rather than a quick pit stop. Pair it with exploring the countryside around Ashford and you've got a solid day sorted.