If you fancy a tipple this summer, why not discover the stories behind your favourite drinks with a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the region’s renowned breweries, distilleries and vineyards? From award-winning beers and handcrafted gins to exceptional English wines, there’s something to suit every taste.
Here in Masham, we’re lucky to be home to not one but two famous breweries, as well as the Spirit of Masham distillery. Just a short drive away, you’ll also find several vineyards producing an impressive selection of quality English wines.
Make a day of it by joining a guided tour or tasting experience to learn how these exceptional drinks are crafted and what makes them so special. Afterwards, relax with a bite to eat, sample the local produce, and browse for souvenirs to remember your visit.
Theakston Brewery Tour
Discover the story behind one of Britain’s oldest working breweries with a guided tour of Theakston Brewery in Masham, home of the legendary Old Peculier.
Learn about nearly 200 years of brewing tradition, passed down through five generations of the Theakston family.
Tours can be booked online up to one month in advance (at least 48 hours before your visit), or by calling the Visitor Centre on 01765 684333 for later or last-minute bookings.
The Theakston Brewery tour experience includes an approx. 45-minute guided tour of the famous Brewery, which has been in full operation since 1875. Led by a fully-trained guide, you will learn first-hand the craft and skill that goes into brewing the beers. The tour ends in the Theakston Paradise Bar, where you can relax and spend some time sampling a selection of beers.
An hour and a half is needed in total for the tour and sampling, don’t forget to also visit their git shop on the way out to grab some bottled beers, hampers, food, accessories, clothing and more.
Visitor Centre Opening Times
1 April – 31 October 2026
Monday to Thursday: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Last orders: 4:00pm
Friday to Saturday: 10:30am – 6:00pm
Last orders: 5.30pm
Brewery Tours (subject to availability)
Monday to Saturday: 11:00am & 2:00pm
Black Sheep Brewery Tour
Go behind the scenes at Black Sheep Brewery and experience the sights, sounds and aromas of a working Yorkshire brewery. Learn the story behind the brewery, discover how its award-winning beers are crafted, and round off your visit with a guided tasting at the bar.
After your tour, browse the Sheepy Shop, stocked with Black Sheep beers, branded gifts, glassware and Yorkshire treats, or relax in the Baa…r with a brewery-fresh pint and a delicious home-cooked meal. Whether you’re joining a tour or simply stopping by, Black Sheep Brewery is a great destination for beer lovers and visitors to Masham alike.
Sheepy Show Opening Times
Monday – Sunday – 11:00am – 5:00pm
Brewery Tours (subject to availability)
Thursday – Sunday – from 11:30am – 4:00pm
Spaces are limited to 15 per tour so it is advisable that you book in advance.
Find Out MoreSpirit of Masham Distillery Tour
Discover the art of gin making with the Spirit of Masham Gin Experience, a hands-on distillery tour that takes you behind the scenes of one of Yorkshire’s most exciting craft gin producers.
Your experience begins with a welcome gin and tonic, followed by a guided tour of the distillery where you’ll meet the stills, learn about the fascinating history of gin, and discover how Spirit of Masham’s award-winning Dry Yorkshire Gin is created.
The highlight of the experience is the chance to become a distiller yourself. Working with your own traditional copper alembic still and choosing from a wide selection of botanicals, you’ll create and distil a unique bottle of gin under the guidance of the expert team. Along the way, you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks, learn how different botanicals influence flavour, and finish by bottling and labelling your own personalised gin to take home.
Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, the Spirit of Masham Gin Experience offers a fun, informative and truly unique taste of Yorkshire.
Tours are currently available on a Saturday and must be booked in advance via their website. Tickets are limited and priced at £95 per person.
Find Out MoreDunesforde Vineyard Tours & Tasting
Experience one of the UK’s most northerly vineyards with a visit to Dunesforde, a boutique family-run vineyard nestled in the beautiful Vale of York.
Home to 6,000 vines, Dunesforde produces distinctive English wines from carefully selected grape varieties, all grown to thrive in North Yorkshire’s unique climate.
Join a guided tour to learn about the vineyard’s fascinating Roman-inspired heritage, discover how the grapes are grown and transformed into award-winning wines, and enjoy stunning views across the vines from the elegant tasting rooms. Every visit ends with the highlight, a tasting of Dunesforde’s exceptional English wines.
Choose from a Still Wine Tour & Tasting (£28), a Classic Tour & Tasting including sparkling wines (£38), or indulge in a Grand Tasting (£95) with expertly paired canapés. Gift vouchers and private group experiences are also available, making Dunesforde the perfect destination for a memorable day out in North Yorkshire.
Booking is essential via the Dunesforde Vineyard website linked below and check out their seasonal events calendar for more unique experiences taking place throughout the year.
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