Ouseburn Brewery & Bites

A walking tour through Ouseburn Valley stopping at three independent craft breweries, sampling beers at each and tasting paired food from local producers. The valley has shifted from mining heritage to craft brewing over the past 15 years; you'll see that transformation in the tour. Breweries are spaced 5-10 minutes apart, creating a sociable afternoon rather than a rushed crawl. Includes four beer tastings and three food pairings curated by the breweries. Oriented toward people interested in how modern beer production connects to local food culture. Best for beer and food pairing enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 2-16. You meet at Ouseburn Farm. Key highlights: Three independent craft breweries within walking distance of each other, Four beer tastings (two at brewery one, one each at two and three), Three food pairings carefully selected by the breweries.

Price: £32

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-16

Minimum age: 18+ (alcohol service requirement)

Best for: beer and food pairing enthusiasts

Best time: Weekends afternoons only (typically 2pm-4:30pm start). Spring or early autumn for comfortable outdoor walking between venues. Avoid Mondays-Fridays when breweries operate on limited hours. December busy; book 3 weeks ahead. Summer can be crowded; September-October offers better atmosphere.

Meeting point: Ouseburn Farm

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meet at Ouseburn Farm car park Group assembly and safety briefing about brewery protocols and responsible drinking - Guide explains the Ouseburn Valley's transformation from industrial to creative hub, introduces the three breweries, and covers tasting etiquette.

First 50 minutes (Brewery One) Brewery tour including production area, tasting of two different beers, and paired food - The brewer or guide explains the brewing process, hop selection, and beer style. Food pairing is typically cheese, charcuterie, or savoury pastry.

10-minute walk to Brewery Two Stroll through Ouseburn Valley with guide commentary on local galleries, artist studios, and industrial history - Opportunity to see street art, notice the mix of old factory buildings and new breweries, ask about local creative culture.

Second 40 minutes (Brewery Two) Second brewery visit with tasting of one beer and different food pairing - If possible, meet a different brewer; compare brewing philosophies and beer styles with Brewery One.

8-minute walk to Brewery Three Final valley walk with chance to explore Ouseburn Street if interested in additional cafés or independent shops - Optional stop for water or bathroom break before the final brewery.

Final 40 minutes (Brewery Three) Third brewery stop with tasting of one beer and third food pairing, plus final questions - Usually the quietest brewery; allows time to decompress, reflect on the afternoon, and purchase bottles to take away.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Ouseburn Farm.

• Three independent craft breweries within walking distance of each other
• Four beer tastings (two at brewery one, one each at two and three)
• Three food pairings carefully selected by the breweries
• Ouseburn Valley's post-industrial transformation from coal mining to craft culture
• Small group size ensures personal interaction with brewers and guide
• Accessibility: Walking distance between venues is approximately 1.5km total on level ground. Ouseburn valley paths are mostly paved but uneven in places. Brewery buildings are on ground floors with accessible entrances. Wheelchair users should notify operator at booking; not all brewery layouts suit wheelchair navigation of production areas. Accessible toilets at main breweries.

What is included: Guided walking tour for 2.5 hours, Four beer tastings across three breweries, Three food pairings at each brewery, Access to brewery production areas (where permitted), Guide's knowledge of Ouseburn Valley's history and local craft culture.

Not included: Drinks beyond the four tastings included, Meals or additional food purchases, Brewery merchandise or branded items, Guide tip (recommended separately). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with grip, Water bottle to stay hydrated between tastings, Small backpack if planning to buy bottles of beer, Cash for purchases at brewery shops (some accept cards), Jacket - breweries can be cool year-round. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekends afternoons only (typically 2pm-4:30pm start). Spring or early autumn for comfortable outdoor walking between venues. Avoid Mondays-Fridays when breweries operate on limited hours. December busy; book 3 weeks ahead. Summer can be crowded; September-October offers better atmosphere..

Tip: Weekend afternoons only

Tip: Includes three brewery stops

Accessibility: Walking distance between venues is approximately 1.5km total on level ground. Ouseburn valley paths are mostly paved but uneven in places. Brewery buildings are on ground floors with accessible entrances. Wheelchair users should notify operator at booking; not all brewery layouts suit wheelchair navigation of production areas. Accessible toilets at main breweries..

Operator: Ouseburn Food Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Ouseburn Farm (meeting point walk)
• Jesmond Dene (12 minutes (by car 3 min) walk)
• Discovery Museum (15 minutes (by car 5 min) walk)

This activity is run by Ouseburn Food Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; £10 fee 24-48 hours before; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Walking distance between venues is approximately 1.5km total on level ground. Ouseburn valley paths are mostly paved but uneven in places. Brewery buildings are on ground floors with accessible entrances. Wheelchair users should notify operator at booking; not all brewery layouts suit wheelchair navigation of production areas. Accessible toilets at main breweries..

Best time to go: Weekends afternoons only (typically 2pm-4:30pm start). Spring or early autumn for comfortable outdoor walking between venues. Avoid Mondays-Fridays when breweries operate on limited hours. December busy; book 3 weeks ahead. Summer can be crowded; September-October offers better atmosphere..

I don't drink beer. Can I still do this tour?

Yes. Non-alcoholic alternatives (often local ciders or soft drinks) are available at each brewery if booked in advance. Food pairings are the same regardless of drink choice. The tour is equally about Ouseburn's cultural transformation and the breweries' creative process, not just beer consumption.

Can I buy bottles of beer to take home?

Yes. All three breweries have retail shops on-site. Pricing ranges from £4-8 per bottle. Most accept cards and cash. The guide can recommend which brews are worth taking home based on your tastes from the tastings. Many visitors buy 2-3 bottles.

What if I reach my alcohol limit partway through the tour?

Tell the guide at any point. They'll provide water and non-alcoholic alternatives for remaining tastings. You can enjoy the brewery atmosphere, food pairings, and cultural commentary without consuming all four tastings. No judgment - responsible drinking is the guide's priority.