brewery tour faversham

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours

Britain's oldest brewer can be found in Faversham, Kent, where beer has been produced for over 850 years.

The Shepherd Neame Brewery, set in the centre of this historic market town, is open to visitors who wish to discover more about this proudly independent family company and its wide range of award-winning beers.

The Visitor Centre is set in a beautifully-restored medieval hall house and from here, you can join a guided tour which will take you through the heart of this busy working brewery to see how beer is made from barley to bottle and from hop to hand-pump! Taste natural mineral water from the brewery's well, try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.

The tour covers all aspects of brewing from raw material to distribution. Vehicles from the brewery's historic fleet are on display, along with a recreated cooper's workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia.

At the end of the tour there's also the chance to sample some of Shepherd Neame’s fine Kentish Ales during an enlightening tutored tasting - audience participation encouraged! Finally, visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift and some beer. A range of evening tours for those looking for a night out with a difference are also available.

Find out more about Shepherd Neame here .

Please note that due to the industrial nature of the brewery, it is only open to visitors aged 18 years and over.

Brewery tours currently run Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Brewery Tour and Tutored Tasting is priced £22.50 per person.

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours 17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX

• accessibility Accessibility

Opening Times

You may also be interested in

Walking Month in Kent

Summer holidays in Kent

Kent’s Biggest Music Festivals 2024

Dog Friendly Walks

Kent's Dog friendly beaches

Treat yourself in the Kent Big Weekend

Ways to make the most of spring

Kent's Literary Links

I’m a Business

Become a Produced in Kent member, and let us support and promote your business in Kent.

Membership starts from

£30 a month

I’m an Individual

Become a Champion and access amazing discounts in return for supporting local businesses and producers.

Experiences

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours

Discover the secrets of Britain's oldest brewer

Shepherd Neame, Court Street, Faversham, UK

Book Here - https://www.shepherdneame.co.u...

Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia. It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours

Britain's oldest brewer can be found in Faversham, Kent, where beer has been produced for over 850 years.

The Shepherd Neame Brewery, set in the centre of this historic market town, is open to visitors who wish to discover more about this proudly independent family company and its wide range of award-winning beers.

The Visitor Centre is set in a beautifully-restored medieval hall house and from here, you can join a guided tour which will take you through the heart of this busy working brewery to see how beer is made from barley to bottle and from hop to hand-pump! Taste natural mineral water from the brewery's well, try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.

The tour covers all aspects of brewing from raw material to distribution. Vehicles from the brewery's historic fleet are on display, along with a recreated cooper's workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia.

At the end of the tour there's also the chance to sample some of Shepherd Neame’s fine Kentish Ales during an enlightening tutored tasting - audience participation encouraged! Finally, visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift and some beer. A range of evening tours for those looking for a night out with a difference are also available.

Find out more about Shepherd Neame here .

Please note that due to the industrial nature of the brewery, it is only open to visitors aged 18 years and over.

Brewery tours currently run Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Brewery Tour and Tutored Tasting is priced £22.50 per person.

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours 17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX

• accessibility Accessibility

Opening Times

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.22 km) The Sun Inn
• (0.14 km) The Quay
• (0.47 km) Gladstone House
• (0.35 km) Stone Street
• (0.36 km) Brickmakers Cottage
• (0.02 km) Fay's Place
• (0.05 km) Havishams Coffee House & Sandwich Bar
• (0.06 km) ASK Italian
• (0.10 km) The Bear Inn

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Shepherd Neame Brewery

Name Shepherd Neame Brewery Address 11 Court St, Faversham ME13 7AX Contact Telephone 01795 542016 Website Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours Description Shepherd Neame’s award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia. It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.

Website by Zonkey

Shepherd Neame brewery

The Shepherd Neame brewery was founded in 1698 and local records indicate that commercial brewing has taken place on the site since 1573. Shepherd Neame is recognised as Britain’s oldest brewery that has been continuously operated by the same family for over 300 years.

The brewery holds a rich heritage and is known for producing exceptional ales and beers that are available in over 300 Shepherd Neame pubs in southeast England.

Brewery tours allow visitors to learn about both the brewery’s history and the brewing process and you can enjoy a beverage at the end of the tour.

What to see on the Shepherd Neame brewery

Visiting the Shepherd Neame brewery provides an opportunity to explore this historic brewing site and gain insight into the art of traditional brewing methods. The brewery tour offers a comprehensive and informative experience for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

During the brewery tour, visitors can expect to see the entire brewing process firsthand. Knowledgeable guides take guests through each step, from the selection of the finest ingredients to the fermentation and packaging of the beers. The tour includes visits to the mash tuns, fermentation vessels, and the iconic oak vats, where Shepherd Neame’s distinctive ales are aged to perfection. Visitors can witness the skill and precision that goes into crafting each batch of beer.

Aside from witnessing the brewing process, visitors can also explore the brewery’s fascinating history. The tour provides insights into the Neame family’s longstanding involvement in the brewing industry and the evolution of the Shepherd Neame brand over the centuries. Exhibitions and displays showcase the brewery’s historical artefacts, including vintage brewing equipment and memorabilia.

The tour concludes with a tasting of Shepherd Neame’s ales and lagers.

Visiting the Shepherd Neame brewery

The Shepherd Neame brewery is located in Faversham’s town centre and most points of interest in the town centre are no more than a five-minute walk from here.

Guided tours operate twice a day (at 11am and 2pm) Wednesday to Saturday.

Visitors must not wear open-toed or high-heeled shoes and all visitors must be at least 18 years old.

Because much of the tour takes place in an historic building, tours are not suitable for disabled visitors in wheelchairs.

Tours run for approximately 80 minutes but it is best to allow at least two hours to give you a little more time to enjoy a drink or two at the end of the tour.

• Guided tours (paid)

There are no comments yet.

Submit your review Cancel review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Plan your next trip to England with us

Planning a trip to England? englandrover.com  is your independent source of travel information with information about how to get around, what to see and do and where to stay on your next trip to England.

• Windsor and Eton

The Midlands

• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Ironbridge Gorge
• Warwick & Leamington Spa
• Newcastle upon Tyne

Copyright 2018–2024 Rover Media Pty Ltd

Username or Email Address *

Remember me Lost your password?

Don't have an account yet? Please Register.

Email Address *

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

Already have account? Please Login.

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Privacy Overview

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Beer and Food Evening - Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Kent    
• Faversham    
• Faversham - Things to Do    
• Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Great tour, from the very warm welcome to the very well organised tour itself and the tasting rooms... read more

A really interesting tour and beer tasting led by our brilliant guide Nick. Don't miss out on this... read more

Beer and Food Evening

Was on the Good and Beer tasting session last night Saturday 20th August on table 3, and it was a fantastic experience, the staff were very friendly and our host extremely knowledgeable. We had 2 other couples who were strangers when we first met, but we were like best friends and the end. Thoroughly recommend

Thank you for the 5* review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the evening!!

Very good and informative tour taking guests through the working Shepherd Neame brewery and explaining the process of the making of the various beers produced on this historic site. The tour guides are knowledgeable and staff freindly with a great beer tasting to end the tour of six of the products produced here. Highly recommended and well worth the fee to go on this tour.

Whole experience was excellent - the brewing process, the equipment, the historic vehicles, and of course, the tasting! Top tip - wear comfy clothes and shoes, it is very warm in some areas and there are lots of stairs

Really enjoyable, informative and fun with a good tasting experience at the end. Heat wave meant in the brewery was a tad warm at times but in the alleyway it was lovely and cool. Sarah was a fun tour guide and my brother in law made a good assistant shepherd

Myself and my partner had the brewery tour as a birthday gift from a few years back, with COVID etc we struggled to use the voucher so they kindly extended our expiry date. The tour was really insightful and interesting and both tour guides we had were really knowledgeable and engaging. The tour was followed by the beer tasting (best bit obviously) and a gorgeous meal of confit duck and panacotta which were both lovely. The meals were already set so it might be nice for visitors to know the menu prior to coming if possible. We then had a look around the gift shop and took home a selection of beers, a beer glass and a bag. Overall, a really enjoyable experience. Would definitely recommend to anyone (especially beer lovers). Thanks to the team.

We went as a U3A Group outing, taking a coach to Faversham. The guides were very good and very knowledgeable. I loved the way that, being Shepherd Neame, the Guide said she was the Shepherdess and we were her flock, with “Flock” printed on the back of our hi-vis tabards. Interesting to see the factory in action plus the old vehicles and old pub signs. Finishing with a tutored tasting of six beers, a great way to spend two hours.

Thank you for the wonderful review Keith!

Visit A Brewery

Brewery Tours and Information

Love beer? Find your nearest brewery.

Search the best British breweries below, or switch to the map view by pressing the icon in the bottom-right. See where your favourite beers come from, or book a tour today!

Adnams Brewery

Behind the walls of our Victorian-looking brewery, we’ve got some of the most advanced and energy-efficient brewing equipment in Europe.

Andwell Brewing Co.

Andwell Brewing Co, Hampshire Join us on a guided tour of the Brewery, meet the Andwell’s Team and learn how we craft our quality real

Arkell’s Brewery

Kingsdown Brewery, Swindon Arkell’s Brewery is one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery anywhere in the world.But if this magnificent site looks

Belhaven Brewery

Belhaven Brewery, Dunbar If you would you like to learn more about Scotland’s Oldest Working Brewery and taste Scotland’s favourite ales & stouts, book your

Bishop Nick

Bishop Nick, Essex Ever wanted to try your hand at brewing? Want to treat someone to an unforgettable experience? This is a unique opportunity to

Black Sheep Brewery

Black Sheep Brewery, Masham This is your chance to join one of our experienced tour guides and take a look behind the scenes of our

Bowland Brewery

Bowland Brewery, Clitheroe Our Ales Of Outstanding Natural Beauty are brewed right here beneath the chimney at Holmes Mill – just behind our famous Beer

Wychwood Brewery, Witney If you would like to see the famous ‘Double Drop’ system for yourself, Wychwood Brewery run tours every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Brewpoint, Bedford Well’s & Co’s new home, Brewpoint is a state-of-the-art brewing facility with the flexibility to produce the styles of beer that consumers are

Butcombe Brewing Co.

Butcombe Brewing Co. Bristol Bristol born and made to stand out, Butcombe Brewing Co. began life at a time of cultural, social and political change,

Camerons Brewery

Lion Brewery, Hartlepool You are invited to meet the faces behind the beer, ask questions and take in the wonders of the marble-lined brew hall.

Fuller’s Brewery

Griffin Brewery, Chiswick What goes into making Fuller’s ales taste so good? Just how much has brewing changed? How do we continue to thrive in

Gower Brewery

Gower Brewing Company Here at Gower Brewery we’ve been crafting ales of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of Gower since 2011. As the Gower

Greene King Brewery

Westgate Brewery, Bury St Edmunds Come and see the brewery for yourself, learn about its history and taste the beers in our home town? On

Hambleton Brewery

Hambleton Brewery, RiponEnjoy a behind the scenes tour of Hambleton Brewery and learn about our history, how our beer is made from the raw ingredients

Harvey’s Brewery

Harvey’s Brewery, Lewes We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed opportunity for customers to gain an appreciation of the brewing process and our heritage –

Hogs Back Brewery

Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham The Hogs Back is a small family-owned brewery with big plans to make our beer genuinely local and our brewing more

Hook Norton

Hook Norton Brewery Co Ltd Book onto a brewery tour and experience first hand the sights, sounds and smells of brewing beer the Hooky way

Lancaster Brewery

Lancaster Brewery Join us for a relaxed drink in the Brewhouse and Tap or book a Brewery Tour and learn the processes of state-of-the-art brewing

Langham Brewery

Langham Brewery Come and see our Brewery. If you love Craft Ale and want to know a bit more about how it’s done, why not

Long Man Brewery

Long Man Brewery, South DownsBook a Brewery Tour & Tasting to learn more about how we produce Naturally Excellent Beer in the heart of the

Marston’s Brewery

Albion Brewery, Burton upon Trent Visit our famous Albion Brewery, described as a ‘cathedral of brewing’ and home to Marston’s since 1898. Discover how we

Moorhouse’s

Moorhouse’s Brewery, Burnley Discover the mystical secrets and recipes of our exceptional beers with a look behind the scenes. We take you through the heart

Okell’s

Okell’s Brewery Here, amidst the pure shores and rolling glens of the Isle of Man, Okell’s has been defined by our beautiful island for over

Ossett Brewery

Ossett Brewery, West Yorkshire We’re extremely proud of what we do and are keen to share our passion for making our meticulously crafted beer. Our

Palmers Brewery, Dorset You’ll go behind the scenes in the historic brewery buildings, to watch every stage of the centuries-old brewing process. The tour ends

Purity Brewing Co.

Purity Brewing Co. Purity Brewing Co have been producing amazing beers in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside since 2005. Join us on our award

Rebellion Beer Co.

Rebellion Beer Co. Our monthly social nights are a fantastic evening of great beer, great food and great atmosphere. The events offer a chance to

Robinsons Brewery

Robinsons Brewery, Stockport See the old with the new as you explore the brewing process…Our Visit England accredited Visitors Centre, based in the historic town

Sambrook’s

Sambrook’s Brewery, Wandsworth It’s a big claim, but we believe our tours are the best in town! First off, they’re only £15 and that includes

Shepherd Neame

Faversham Brewery Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation

Stewart Brewing

Stewart Brewing, Loanhead Whether you’re a self-proclaimed beer geek or an eager beer novice, Stewart Brewing would love to invite you to one of our

Theakston’s Brewery

Theakston’s Brewery, Masham While we’d like to think Theakston ales are legendary in their own right, many other factors contribute to our company’s reputation. To

Windsor & Eton Brewery

Windsor & Eton Brewery Our brewery tours are a delight for the beer drinker and non-beer drinker alike. You will enjoy a fun, informative and

Wold Top Brewery

Wold Top Brewery Learn all about our story and how we create our wonderful beers, including an insight into the day-to-day workings of a brewery.

How to find us

Arriving by train.

To walk from the station to the brewery takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Alight at Faversham Station. Walk across the road and turn right into Preston Street. Walk to bottom of road through pedestrian area. Turn left into East Street then right at the Square into Court Street. The Brewery is on your left. Come to the Visitor Centre, 11 Court Street, on the corner of Partridge Lane and Court Street.

Train services to Faversham from London (Victoria) and Kent are provided by South East Trains. To check train times, call the National Rail Enquiry Line 08457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

View Larger Map

Arriving by road

Faversham is 9 miles north-west of Canterbury, just off junction 6 of the M2, and the brewery can be found in Court Street - close to the town centre. Visitors arriving by car should follow the white-on-brown signs to the Central Car Park, five minutes' walk from the brewery. The Sat Nav ref for the car park is ME13 8PW

Alternatively, if you pass down Court Street with the brewery on your left, you can continue along and take the first left into Quay Lane, and follow the road round into Conduit Street. Take the first left into Partidge Lane, and there is a long stay car park on the right hand side.

The Visitor Centre is located within 11 Court Street, just within the pedestrianised area, on the corner of Court Street and Partridge Lane. 

Parking in the bays at the front of the brewery, in Court Street itself, is limited to a maximum of 1 hour only between 8.00am and 10.00pm Monday to Saturday.

Disabled badge holders may park unrestricted in these limited waiting bays, or free of charge in any of the council car parks, provided they are parked within bay markings and have their blue badge clearly on display.

Parking in the semi-pedestrianised area of Court Street is not permitted during the day but some on-street parking is available in this area after 6.00pm so may be of use to visitors attending an evening tour or event.

GROUPS ARRIVING BY COACH

Head down Newton Road, Crescent Road and into Court Street. Stop just after the zebra crossing to drop off passengers who can then walk to the Visitor Centre which is just within the pedestrianised area of Court Street. The coach should then turn left into Quay Lane, follow the road round into Conduit Street and take the first right (Bridge Road).  Follow the road round to the right into Church Road and Upper Brents and there are two free on-street coach parking bays on the right.

Download a map

• Pubs & hotels
• The Brewery
• Visitor Centre