Palmers Brewery Tours
Experience the Heritage of Brewing on a Tour Like No Other
Each year, thousands of visitors join us on a tour of the historic brewhouse. After meeting at Palmers Wine Store, the tours start in the brewery’s Malt Loft overlooking the river, which historically powered the brewery.
Our expert guides lead visitors through the production process of our five award-winning ales, from the raw ingredients arriving on the third floor to their journey through the brewery.
It is a process that, in many ways, has changed very little over the past two centuries. Where updates have occurred, they have always aimed to uphold quality.
Don’t just take our word for it – hear it from those who’ve been!
With over 400 glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, our brewery tours have delighted beer enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Guests often praise the fascinating insights, entertaining guides, and, of course, the chance to sample our award-winning ales. Whether you’re a seasoned ale lover or simply seeking a memorable experience in Bridport, our 5-star reviews speak volumes.
What our visitors say...
“Excellent tour. Really interesting. Very informative. Fascinating process. Loved seeing the beer being brewed in front of our eyes!”
Tim R, December 2025
“A wonderfully informative and detailed tour of this independent brewery, capped by an equally informative and detailed tasting session! Excellent hosts and a really enjoyable experience.”
Martin P, November 2025
“Awesome. Lots of information really interesting. We all loved it. The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The building is very interesting as well. We had a 13 yr old with us who liked it and enjoyed the ginger beer at the end.”
Sarah G, November 2025
Rated 4.9 from 435 reviews
Over 230 Years of Tradition at Britain’s Only Thatched Brewery
In 2024, Palmers Brewery celebrated 230 years of continuous operation at the Old Brewery in Bridport. It is the only remaining thatched brewery in the UK, situated to the south of the town near the weir that marks the confluence of the River Asker into the River Brit.
The brewery’s water wheel, forged in 1879 at a Bridport foundry, still turns alongside the main channel before the river twists and turns the last mile to its mouth at West Bay, gateway to the Jurassic Coast.
We have never felt the need to describe our cask ales as “craft” because they have never been anything else!
EVERY PINT MATTERS
FROM BREWERY TO BAR
In an age where ‘passion’ is often used as a fashionable marketing buzzword, we prefer to give the term real substance!
If Palmers has a passion, it is for quality – making sure that every pint of beer reaches our customers in perfect condition. We invest in our storage, transport, cellars, and most importantly, in training the people who handle our ales, from the brewery to our licensees and their teams.
Cask Marque, the leading organisation that monitors beer quality in UK pubs, recently described us as “obsessive”, a compliment we are only too happy to accept!
History, Heritage, and Hops
Your Brewery Tour Awaits
Joining a tour of Palmers Brewery is an increasingly rare opportunity to get close to the age-old process of English brewing and to gain an insight into one of Britain’s oldest family-run breweries and their pursuit of producing the finest cask-conditioned real ale.
Tours run daily at 11 am and 2 pm, Monday to Friday, all year round and last for two hours, finishing in time to enjoy lunch in one of our fantastic local pubs. Places are limited, so we advise that you book in advance.
Young persons over 12 are very welcome, but an adult must accompany them. For younger children, please call to discuss. We request a maximum of 2 children per adult, to be supervised at all times. Any very young children in arms should be in a baby carrier.
The tour ends back at the Palmers Wine Store, where you can enjoy a few half glasses of the final product.
Please note that you may be asked to show ID for the beer tasting after your tour. We recommend you bring a valid form of ID to avoid disappointment.
Brewery Tours FAQS
When do tours run?
Our guided brewery tours run throughout the year from Monday to Friday at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Advance booking is essential as places are limited. During the quieter winter months, tours may be restricted if there are no bookings made at least 24 hours in advance.
Access to wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility?
Unfortunately, due to the nature and age of the building, Palmers Brewery tours are not accessible to wheelchair users. The route includes several steep staircases, which are not suitable for visitors with restricted mobility. More details can be viewed here (link to be added). Visitors must assure themselves that they are capable. If you have any concerns please contact a member of the Wine Store team on 01308 427500 before booking and we will be happy to discuss accessibility.
Can I walk around the brewery by myself?
The brewery can only be accessed as part of one of our guided tours. Led by knowledgeable guides from the local community, the tours provide a fascinating insight into our historic brewing process and offer visitors a unique opportunity to get up close to this traditional craft in action.
Is there parking available at the brewery?
Yes, free parking is available in the main brewery car park to the north of the brewery. If you need assistance finding us, please contact the Wine Store team on 01308 427500 before your visit.
Where do tours start?
Our brewery tours start and finish in Palmers Wine Store. Please do not park in Palmers Wine Store carpark, there is free parking available in the main brewery carpark to the north of the traffic lights.
How long do tours last?
Tours last two hours which includes a tasting in Palmers Wine Store.
Is a tasting included?
After the tour a range of Palmers award winning ales will be available to taste alongside our Dorset Orchards ciders, Ginger Beer, Golden Cap Gin and GC Whisky.
What to wear?
The tour includes several steep staircases, uneven floors and is a working environment. Please wear suitable footwear, no stilettoes or heels; open toes, sandals and flip flops are not recommended. The brewhouse can be hot and humid, please dress accordingly. Coats can be left in Palmers Wine Store.
Coming by public transport?
Various bus routes serve Bridport and West Bay. Bridport bus station is a 15 minute walk from the brewery and West Bay is a pretty half hour walk that follows the river to the rear of the brewery
The X52 and x53 link to Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Axminster whilst the X51 takes in the County town of Dorchester. CR6 and 6A routes link to Yeovil. Full details available from the First Bus website
Planning an event?
For groups of 10 or more we can offer more flexible timings and options, please get in touch with Palmers Wine Store on 01308 427500.
Where can I go afterwards?
Palmers has several great pubs in Bridport and in West Bay. The Crown Inn is nearest to the brewery, in West Bay – the Bridport Arms, The George and West Bay Hotel are within half an hour’s walk and in Bridport – the George Hotel, Lord Nelson, Market House, Ropemakers and White Lion are within 15 minutes.
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