Topsham Brewery & Taproom

The first thing that hits you walking into Topsham Brewery is the smell - proper hoppy, warm, and inviting. It's a working brewery tucked into this charming riverside village just outside Exeter, and they've got a taproom where you can actually watch the brewing happen while you nurse a pint.

They produce their own ales on-site, which means what you're drinking is genuinely fresh. The taproom itself is unpretentious - all exposed brick and brewing equipment - and the staff know their stuff without being snobby about it. You can sit inside or spill out onto whatever outdoor space they've got, and it's the sort of place where locals are propping up the bar alongside visitors.

If you're into beer, it's worth the detour from Exeter. An hour or two maximum unless you're making an afternoon of it. Families with older kids will be fine, though it's not a destination with much to occupy under-tens. The village of Topsham itself is worth a wander - proper old streets, antique shops, a riverside walk.

Perfect as a stop-off if you're based at Devon Heaven Hideaways, the glamping spot nearby. You could easily combine this with a riverside stroll and a decent pub lunch elsewhere in the village. Check their opening hours before heading over, as brewery taprooms can be a bit irregular with their schedule.