Three Tuns Brewery

Beer lovers stumbling through the Shropshire Hills will find a proper treat at this working brewery tucked away in Bishops Castle. Three Tuns claims the title of Britain's oldest licensed brewery - a bold statement that actually holds water given their 1642 brewing licence. The building itself looks the part, all weathered stone and ancient timber beams that speak of centuries pulling pints.

Inside, the brewing kit sits alongside the taproom where you can sample their ales straight from the source. Real ale enthusiasts will appreciate the traditional methods still in use here - this isn't some sanitised visitor experience but a genuine working brewery that happens to welcome guests. The IPA packs a decent punch, though the mild remains my pick of their regular lineup.

Families might find the appeal limited unless the adults are particularly keen on brewery tours, but couples exploring the Welsh borders will find it slots nicely into a pub crawl around Bishops Castle's surprisingly good drinking scene. Allow an hour or two if you're planning to sample properly.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Foxholes Campsite or Woodbatch Camping puts you within easy reach - handy given you probably won't want to drive after a tasting session. The brewery sits well with other Shropshire Hills attractions, though check opening times before making the trek.