Harvey's Brewery
Explore a historic Victorian tower brewery, established in 1790, offering exceptional traditional ales and immersive tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Harvey's Brewery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic Victorian tower brewery, established in 1790, offering exceptional traditional ales and immersive tours.
"Genuinely excellent brewery tour, a living museum that still makes beer with ale to die for!"
🎯 Book Tours Early
Limited spots! Secure your spot on a guided tour, especially with the head brewer.
🍺 Generous Tastings
Enjoy a variety of Harveys' ales, often including pour-your-own samples.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Tower Brewery Tour
Inside the brewery
Explore a historic, working Victorian brewery with passionate guides and generous beer tastings.
Sussex Best Bitter
Taproom/Tasting
Savor this award-winning, prominent local brew, a true taste of Sussex.
The Fully Decked Out Dray
Brewery grounds/Shop
Admire the beautifully maintained traditional horse-drawn dray, a symbol of the brewery's heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Brewery Tour in Advance
Embrace the Historic Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early
Limited spots! Secure your spot on a guided tour, especially with the head brewer.
🍺 Generous Tastings
Enjoy a variety of Harveys' ales, often including pour-your-own samples.
🛍️ Brewery Shop Finds
Pick up your favorite Harveys ales and merchandise to take home.
🚶♂️ Heart of Town Location
Easily accessible in Lewes town center, perfect for combining with other sights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early
Limited spots! Secure your spot on a guided tour, especially with the head brewer.
🍺 Generous Tastings
Enjoy a variety of Harveys' ales, often including pour-your-own samples.
🛍️ Brewery Shop Finds
Pick up your favorite Harveys ales and merchandise to take home.
🚶♂️ Heart of Town Location
Easily accessible in Lewes town center, perfect for combining with other sights.
🐎 Historic Dray Sightings
Keep an eye out for their beautifully preserved horse-drawn dray.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Harvey's Brewery for its exceptional ales and the immersive experience of touring a historic Victorian brewery. The knowledgeable and passionate guides, particularly the head brewer, are frequently highlighted as a major draw, making tours both informative and enjoyable. The generous tasting sessions and the charming atmosphere of the brewery are also significant positives.
"I have done many brewery tours now but this one was genuinely excellent. Being inside a Victorian tower brewery felt a lot like being in a museum, but this place still makes beer.
Having Miles, the head brewer, show us around was definitely the highlight as he was very generous with his time and knowledge. Highly recommend. Ends with a tasting of many different beers from cask."
David Harding
"Prominent local brew, this place produces
some very fine beers. The fully decked out
Dray is a sight to behold. Shop sales. Right
In the heart of town. Easy access."
roland j. ruttledge
"Wow! Finally got on a tour !
Our guide was the joint MD and what a passionate advocate for his brewery & his beer.
A truly excellent, good humoured informative tour followed by a tasting.
Fabulous historic buildings & fittings, and ale to die for.
I felt like I'd died and gone to heaven."
Keith Barry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Harvey's Brewery is located in the heart of Lewes, East Sussex. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Train services to Lewes station are frequent, and the brewery is a short walk from the station.
While direct parking at the brewery is limited, there are several public car parks within easy walking distance in Lewes town center.
You can visit the brewery shop and taproom without a tour, but guided tours offer the full experience and are highly recommended.
Lewes is a historic town with many independent shops, cafes, and the iconic Lewes Castle. Combining a brewery visit with exploring the town is a popular choice.
While not a direct shuttle, some local tour operators, like those for the Cape May - Lewes Ferry, may offer brewery excursions that include transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours at Harvey's Brewery must be booked in advance due to limited availability. You can typically book through their official website or by contacting them directly.
Tour prices can vary, but they generally include a guided experience and a tasting session. It's best to check their website for the most current pricing.
Tour times are specific and depend on availability. It's crucial to check the booking schedule on their website for exact tour times.
Yes, Harvey's Brewery has a shop where you can purchase their range of ales and merchandise.
As alcohol is involved, tours and tastings are typically for individuals aged 18 or 21 and over, depending on local regulations.
🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience
Expect an informative and engaging tour through their historic Victorian brewery, often led by passionate staff or the head brewer, culminating in a generous tasting session.
Harvey's is renowned for its traditional ales, including the popular Sussex Best Bitter, Olympia Ale, and various seasonal brews. They also produce milds and darker ales.
Yes, tours typically conclude with a tasting of several different Harvey's beers, often served directly from the cask.
Absolutely! The brewery shop offers a wide selection of their bottled and canned ales, as well as merchandise.
The brewery is a historic Victorian building, operating since 1790, offering a unique atmosphere and a glimpse into traditional brewing methods.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and the historic interiors and brewing equipment make for great shots. Always be mindful of other visitors and staff.
The Victorian tower interior, the brewing vessels, the traditional dray, and the brewery shop are all excellent subjects for photography.
Yes, capturing your pint during the tasting session is encouraged, especially if you're sharing your experience online.
Typically, commercial drone use is restricted at most attractions. Personal drone use may also be prohibited for safety and privacy reasons. Check with the brewery if you have specific needs.
Popular hashtags include #HarveysBrewery, #Lewes, #SussexBestBitter, #CraftBeer, and #BreweryTour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
+1Consider joining specialized beer tours that may include Harvey's, as these often provide an even more curated experience.
And remember to stock up at the brewery shop to continue your tasting journey at home. 🏛️ History Buffs
The Victorian tower brewery itself is a historical marvel, offering a glimpse into traditional brewing practices that have stood the test of time. 👨👩👧👦 Families (with adult supervision)
+1 Ensure any touring members are of legal drinking age, and consider the brewery's location in Lewes, which offers other family-friendly attractions like Lewes Castle. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Tradition: Harvey's Ales
Other popular offerings include the refreshing Olympia Ale and the rich Dark Mild. Visitors on tours often rave about the generous tasting sessions, where they can sample multiple brews straight from the cask, experiencing the true character of each ale. The brewery's dedication to quality is evident in every pint. Head Brewer Miles Jenner, a legendary figure in the brewing world, often shares his passion and knowledge during tours, making the tasting experience even more insightful.
Whether you're a seasoned ale enthusiast or new to craft beer, exploring the diverse range of Harvey's beers is a highlight of any visit. For those who can't visit in person, Harvey's Brewery also offers delivery services and an online shop, allowing you to enjoy their award-winning beers from the comfort of your home.
Stepping Back in Time: The Historic Brewery
+1 The atmospheric buildings and original fittings create a unique ambiance, making it feel more like a museum than just a production facility. Guided tours provide an in-depth look at the brewery's heritage, showcasing how traditional methods are still employed today. Guides, often with deep personal connections to the brewery, share fascinating stories and insights into the brewing process.
Beyond the brewing itself, the brewery's heritage is also represented by its iconic, fully decked-out dray, a testament to the brewery's long-standing connection with horse-drawn transport.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit