The Best Breweries and Microbreweries in the South West

The UK’s craft beer scene has grown rapidly in recent years, with an increasing number of independent breweries and microbreweries across the country. And if you live in the South West, you’re in luck, with many of the best producers located here.

Whether you’re a long-time craft beer fan or looking to discover your new favourite brew, we’ve rounded up the top South West breweries you can visit. Read on to find out more about each location, including how to get there on our network.

Breweries in Dorset

Discover the best breweries, taprooms and brewpubs in Dorset, where you can sample unique beers and learn more about how they’re made.

The Dorset Brewing Company

Producing a range of craft ales, including the popular Jurassic Coast brand, The Dorset Brewing Company is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Explore the brewery on a guided tour, then head to the taproom and bottleshop to sample their products. Thanks to the state-of-the-art spring water-fed brewhouse, their small team can produce up to two million pints a year!

Address: The Jurassic Brewhouse, Hybris Business Park, Crossways, Dorchester DT2 8BF

How to get there: The nearest station to The Dorset Brewing Company is Moreton. From there, it’s a 5-minute taxi ride to the brewery.

The Way Outback Brewing Company

The Way Outback Brewing Company is known for its innovative flavour profiles and uses ingredients sourced from the best suppliers in the world. With a brewery, two bars and a mobile bar you can rent for events, there’s plenty of opportunity to taste their beers. This microbrewery in Bournemouth is just around the corner from The Taproom and The Barrel Room, so the beer is as locally produced as you can get!

Address: 144 Seabourne Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth BH5 2HZ.

How to get there: Walk 8 minutes from Pokesdown to The Taproom. The Barrel Room is next door.

Palmer’s Brewery

This small, independent brewery has been producing beer since 1794, making it one of Dorset’s oldest and best-loved breweries. Combining traditional methods with the finest ingredients and water from the natural spring on-site, Palmer’s Brewery ales are a must-try. Book a brewery tour and tasting, or visit one of their pubs across Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

Address: Palmers Brewery, West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4JA.

How to get there: At Dorchester South, catch the X51 Jurassic Coaster to Natwest Bank in Bridport – a 58-minute journey. Then, walk 12 minutes to the brewery.

Breweries in Devon

Ready to find your new favourite beer? Head to these breweries, pubs and taprooms in Devon to explore the region’s finest ales.

Powderkeg Brewery

This small, independent brewery takes influence from craft beer around the world to create its award-winning recipes. They use classic European brewing methods to make easy-drinking session beers that everyone can enjoy. While you can’t visit the brewery, you can order from their online shop to enjoy Powderkeg beers at home.

Address: 10 Hogsbrook Units, Woodbury Salterton EX5 1PY.

How to get there: It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from Cranbrook to Powderkeg Brewery.

Topsham Brewery and Taproom

Located on Exeter’s historic quayside, Topsham Brewery and Taproom serves a range of seasonally changing craft beers brewed on-site, as well as guest keg and cask options. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a Neapolitan-style pizza from the van outside – the perfect accompaniment to a few pints.

Address: Maclaines Warehouse Haven Road, Topsham Brewery 1, Exeter EX2 8GR.

How to get there: Topsham Brewery and Taproom is a 20-minute walk from Exeter Central.

Hanlons Brewery

Inspired by the Irish rugby tradition of mixing port with stout to revive players after a game, Hanlons Brewery began brewing port stout in 1995, and it’s still a firm favourite today. Head here to sample their award-winning beers, take a brewery tour, visit the on-site shop or grab a bite to eat at the Beer Factory and Kitchen.

Address: Hanlons Brewery & Shop, Newton St Cyres, Exeter EX5 5AE.

How to get there: The nearest station to Hanlons Brewery is Exeter St David’s. From here, walk 7 minutes to The Imperial stop and hop on the number 5, 5A or 369 bus to Half Moon – a 12-minute journey. The brewery is a 3-minute walk away.

Breweries in Hampshire

Wondering where to find the best beer in Hampshire? These are our top picks, from pubs to taprooms and breweries.

The Queen Inn

The Queen Inn is a pub and microbrewery in Winchester, offering a core range of beers alongside seasonal brews and collaborations. It’s a small operation, and thanks to the pub’s open-plan design, you’ll be able to see the four tanks whilst you enjoy a bite to eat or a couple of pints.

Address: The Queen Inn, 28 Kingsgate Road, Winchester SO23 9PG.

How to get there: It’s a 24-minute walk from Winchester to The Queen Inn.

Steam Town Brew Co.

This brewery and taproom are inspired by Eastleigh's railway heritage, from the beer labels to the décor. Whether you want to sample their beer alongside a delicious burger or expand your knowledge with a brewery tour or tutored tasting, there’s plenty going on at Steam Town Brew Co.!

Address: 1 Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh SO50 6AD.

How to get there: It’s a 5-minute walk from Eastleigh to Steam Town Brew Co.

Alfred’s Brewery

Named after the 9th-century Saxon King, Alfred the Great, this award-winning microbrewery is a must-try. Although they don’t offer tours, you can find their beers in various pubs across Hampshire or purchase them online. In addition to producing excellent beers, Alfred’s Brewery prioritises sustainability through a recycling programme and the use of renewable energy.

Address: 6 Winnall Farm Industrial Estate, Easton Lane, Winchester SO23 0HA.

How to get there: Walk 19 minutes from Winchester to Alfred’s Brewery.

Enjoy a beer or two when you travel with SWR

Planning a day out to explore the South West’s best breweries and microbreweries? Leave the car at home and travel on our network so you can enjoy a few pints along the way. We offer a range of cheap train tickets, giving you more budget for beer!

Book advance tickets for the best prices, or enjoy extra flexibility on return journeys with our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets. Travelling with friends and family? Check out our GroupSave offers. If you’d prefer to stay overnight and visit more of the top locations in this guide, don’t miss SWR Rewards offers on hotels to save money on your trip.

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