St Austell Brewery Tours
Explore 150 years of brewing history at St Austell Brewery, featuring Victorian copper tanks and a guided tour with a generous beer tasting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
St Austell Brewery Tours
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 150 years of brewing history at St Austell Brewery, featuring Victorian copper tanks and a guided tour with a generous beer tasting.
"Absolutely brilliant tour, learned so much and the tastings were plentiful and so much fun!"
Book 'st austell brewery tours' early
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out. :ticket:
Ask about non-alcoholic options
If you're driving, inquire about non-alcoholic tasting options beforehand. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Copper Tanks
Brewery Floor
Marvel at the impressive, massive copper brewing vessels that have been brewing beer for over 150 years.
Guided Brewery Tour
Throughout the Brewery
Learn the fascinating history and brewing process from passionate guides like Dave or Baz.
Beer Tasting Experience
Hicks Bar
Sample a generous selection of St Austell's finest ales and craft beers after your tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Brewery Tour in Advance
Arrive Ready for a Tasting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book 'st austell brewery tours' early
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out. :ticket:
Ask about non-alcoholic options
If you're driving, inquire about non-alcoholic tasting options beforehand. :wine_glass:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Engage with your guide
Guides like Dave and Baz are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book 'st austell brewery tours' early
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid missing out. :ticket:
Ask about non-alcoholic options
If you're driving, inquire about non-alcoholic tasting options beforehand. :wine_glass:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Engage with your guide
Guides like Dave and Baz are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Explore Hicks Bar
Enjoy delicious food and a wide selection of St Austell beers at the on-site bar. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St Austell Brewery tours for their informative and engaging nature, with guides like Dave and Baz receiving special mentions for their passion and knowledge. The generous beer tasting session is a major highlight, complemented by delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere at Hicks Bar. While the tour is highly recommended, some may find it more adult-oriented.
"We did the Brewery Tour group of 8 of us. Had Dave as our tour guide. Absolutely brilliant we learnt so much about how beer was made.
Great selection of beer to taste
at the end
Would highly recommend this Tour.
Staff lovely, great choice of beer and other alcoholic beverages."
Kim Flanagan
"Loved it! We did the tour for £20. Nick was our guide and we had a fabulous 2 hours. The tastings are plentiful and so much fun ☺️"
Helen Armstrong
"The Brewery is well worth a visit. Although we didn't do the tour this time as we had visited many years ago. We had a very interesting conversation with very knowledgeable member of staff about the changing Hicks family history of the brewery. Hicks bar itself is a beautifully arranged bar serving delicious food. Although we didn't eat this time, we enjoyed the ambience whilst having a drink brewed on site. It has a well stocked shop. We treated ourselves to a bottle of their rum Hicks 125 70% proof. Haven't opened it yet, just hope it's as good as the bottle we bought 25years ago !"
Jean Davies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Austell Brewery is located in St Austell, Cornwall. You can reach it by car, with parking available. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby. For those traveling from further afield, the nearest train station is St Austell, from which you can take a short taxi or bus ride to the brewery.
Yes, there is parking available at the St Austell Brewery for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a little early if you are driving, especially during busy periods, to ensure you find a spot easily.
While the tours are highly recommended, you can visit Hicks Bar, the brewery's pub and shop, without taking a tour. It's a great place to enjoy their beers and food.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The 'st austell brewery tour prices' are generally around £20 per person, which includes a guided tour and a generous beer tasting session afterwards. It's always best to check the official St Austell Brewery website for the most up-to-date pricing and booking information.
The St Austell Brewery tours typically last around 2 hours. This allows ample time for a comprehensive exploration of the brewery, learning about its history, and enjoying the tasting session.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your 'st austell brewery tours' in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends. This ensures you secure a spot on your preferred date and time.
Opening hours for tours can vary, so it's essential to check the official St Austell Brewery website for the most current schedule. Generally, tours run on specific days and times throughout the week.
🎫 🍺 Beer & Tastings
During the tasting session, you'll have the opportunity to sample a wide range of St Austell Brewery's popular ales and craft beers, including their famous Tribute and Proper Job IPA.
Yes, St Austell Brewery typically offers non-alcoholic options for those who are driving or prefer not to drink alcohol. It's advisable to confirm this with your guide or when booking.
Absolutely! The St Austell Brewery shop offers a fantastic selection of their beers, including special editions and gift packs, so you can enjoy your favorites at home.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery serves delicious food, from burgers to nachos, at reasonable prices. It's a great spot to grab a bite before or after your tour.
Hicks Bar offers a menu with classic pub fare, including succulent burgers, hot fries, and well-presented nachos with generous toppings.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed during the St Austell Brewery tours, especially to capture the impressive Victorian copper tanks and brewing equipment. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
The massive copper brewing vessels are a must-photograph. The exterior of the historic brewery buildings and the vibrant atmosphere of Hicks Bar also make for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the brewery during times when it's less crowded, and perhaps focus on the historical aspects of the brewery that might interest older children. The visual spectacle of the large copper tanks could also be engaging. For a more family-centric experience, exploring the nearby coastal attractions and beaches in Cornwall would complement a brewery visit.
🍺 Beer Enthusiasts
Engage with the guides, who are often long-time brewery employees with a wealth of experience and passion. Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about ingredients, fermentation, and the brewery's unique approach. The opportunity to purchase special releases or limited editions from the shop adds another layer of appeal.
🚗 Designated Drivers & Non-Drinkers
Crucially, Hicks Bar offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, and the food is highly praised. You can fully participate in the atmosphere and enjoy the historical aspects of the brewery without consuming alcohol. It's always a good idea to confirm non-alcoholic tasting options with the brewery when booking your tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Heritage of St Austell Brewery
During your 'st austell brewery tour', you'll delve into the evolution of brewing techniques, from its early days to modern innovations. Guides often share fascinating anecdotes about the brewery's past, including its resilience through changing times and its deep connection to the Cornish community. This historical context adds a significant layer of appreciation to the beer tasting experience.
Beyond the brewing process, the brewery's heritage is also evident in its architecture and the enduring values of the company. The Hicks Bar and shop are designed to reflect this heritage, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates Cornish culture and the brewery's long-standing traditions.
Experiencing the Beer Tasting
You can expect to sample some of their most popular offerings, such as the award-winning Tribute pale ale, the robust Proper Job IPA, and potentially seasonal specials. The tasting is usually generous, allowing you to savor the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every pint.
For those who are driving or prefer not to consume alcohol, St Austell Brewery is usually accommodating with non-alcoholic tasting options. This ensures that everyone can participate in and enjoy this integral part of the brewery experience.
Beyond the Brewery: Exploring St Austell and Cornwall
Nearby, you can discover beautiful coastal areas, picturesque fishing villages like Charlestown (home to the Harbour Beer House, often featuring St Austell beers ), and stunning beaches. Popular destinations like Padstow and St Ives are within driving distance, offering a wealth of activities from surfing to exploring art galleries.
Consider incorporating your brewery visit into a larger Cornish adventure. Many pubs across Cornwall proudly serve St Austell Brewery's beers, allowing you to continue enjoying their brews throughout your stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit