Arkell’s Brewery Tour and Night On The Town
As Arkell’s celebrate their 180th anniversary, we’re booked into the brewery for a brewery tour on Wednesday afternoon. Then, as it’s the time for festive merriment, we’ll transfer to Old Town to continue the banter and muse with some pints and pies.
What To Expect
A rare opportunity to learn the history and see behind the scenes of one of the UK’s last remaining fully operational Victorian tower steam breweries. See the history of the family owned brewery in our new museum followed by a detailed description of what ingredients go into each pint. Then a walking tour around our tower brewery finishing at The Grape and Grain Brewery Shop.
Meet Point and Parking
Meet in the GRAPE and GRAIN brewery shop, onsite at Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon. PLEASE PARK IN THE KINGSDOWN PUB CARPARK opposite the brewery due to limited space onsite.
Accessibility
Arkell’s regret they are unable to receive people with significantly reduced mobility on our tours as our historic brewhouse has a lot of steep steps. If you are unsure please call The Grape and Grain Brewery Warehouse in advance and they will be more than happy to advise you.
About Arkell's
Arkell’s Brewery, located in Swindon, is a historic, family-owned brewery that holds a special place in the history of British brewing. Founded in 1843 by John Arkell, it is one of the oldest traditional breweries in the UK still operating today. What makes Arkell’s unique is its deep roots in the region and its commitment to maintaining traditional brewing methods while evolving to meet modern tastes.
Visitors and Brewery Tours
Arkell’s welcomes visitors for brewery tours, allowing people to experience firsthand the traditional brewing techniques and enjoy tastings of their beer. Their brewhouse and traditional Victorian maltings are key attractions for anyone interested in the history of brewing.
History of Arkell’s Brewery
Founded in 1843: John Arkell, a farmer, returned to his home near Swindon after a period in Canada. Realizing the growing demand for beer and the agricultural benefits of brewing, he decided to establish a brewery on his farm. His original focus was on brewing traditional ales using local barley and hops.
Family Legacy: The brewery has been passed down through generations, with Arkell’s now being run by the fifth generation of the Arkell family. The brewery’s continuity through multiple generations is one of its most defining features, maintaining its independence while many other breweries have been absorbed by larger corporations.
Traditional Methods: Arkell’s continues to use traditional open fermentation methods, which are rare in modern breweries. They still brew in the original brewhouse on Kingsdown Brewery, making them a living link to the past.
Tied Estate: Arkell’s owns a large number of tied pubs in the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire areas. These pubs serve as a key outlet for their beers, reinforcing the brewery’s deep connection with the local community.
Arkell’s Beer Range
Arkell’s produces a wide variety of beers, focusing mainly on traditional English ales, but they’ve also ventured into more contemporary styles. Some of their notable brews include:
3B: One of their most famous beers, this amber ale is a classic bitter with a malty, slightly sweet taste, balanced by a mild bitterness. It’s been a staple of their lineup for decades and is a favorite in their tied pubs.
Kingsdown Ale: This premium bitter is stronger than the usual session ale at 5.0% ABV. It’s a rich, full-bodied beer with a well-balanced malty sweetness and a crisp, dry finish.
Wiltshire Gold: A popular golden ale, Wiltshire Gold is a smooth, refreshing brew with a slightly sweet flavor, a perfect option for those looking for a lighter ale.
Moonlight: A session beer with a lower ABV (around 4.5%), this is a dark, mild ale with roasted malt flavors and a gentle bitterness.
Seasonal and Special Brews: Arkell’s also produces seasonal beers and limited-edition brews for special occasions, such as Christmas ales and harvest ales, maintaining a tradition of experimentation while keeping to their roots.
Community and Heritage
Arkell’s Brewery has a long-standing connection to the local community. It sponsors events, supports local causes, and its pubs are gathering places that reflect the brewery’s heritage. The brewery’s focus on community is as important as its beer, ensuring that they stay a cornerstone of life in the area.
In short, Arkell’s Brewery is special not just because of its long history, but also due to its unwavering commitment to tradition, family values, and the local community, while continuing to produce high-quality beers that stand the test of time.
Hourly Schedule
Meet
- 13.30 - 14.00
- Meeting
- Meet at the Arkells brewery.
- 14.00 - 16.00
- Tour
- Tour of the historical brewery, one of the oldest steam breweries still in existence.
- 16.00 - 19.00
- Beers
- Move to Old Town for some beers.
- 19.00 - 21.00
- Grub’s Up
- Time to have something to eat.
- 21.00 - 23.00
- More Beers
- For those who are still in the party mood.
Date
- 11 Dec 2024
- Expired!
Time
- 1:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Cost
- £16.00
More Info
Location
- Kingsdown Brewery Swindon SN2 7RU
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Website
https://www.arkells.com/contact -
Phone
(01793) 823026
