We’ve seen plenty of tours, but Craft Beer Tour Manchester has brewed up something special. With four distinct venues to visit, this tour promises ten tasters that range from bold IPAs to velvety stouts, each served with a side of expert insights.

At every stop, brewers or beer experts guide participants through the nuances of each pint. The explanations turn a simple drink into a story—like learning how a hint of mango found its way into an IPA or why a porter feels like a warm hug on a cold Manchester day.

We noticed their pricing is refreshingly straightforward—£45 covers everything, from the tastings to the expert-led experiences. Plus, knowing that 50p from each ticket supports Big Change Manchester makes this tour more than just beer; it’s about giving back.

We also appreciate the flexibility here, so free cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour is a perk we’d happily raise a pint to. 

That said, tours fill up fast due to their popularity, so early booking is a must. While this is a testament to the tour’s appeal, it could be a hurdle for last-minute planners.

Friendly

“The tour guide, Isla, was very friendly, welcoming & informative as she lead us around the individual breweries/ tap rooms / craft pubs.”

-Angus Carpenter, Google Review

Accessible

“Excellent tour. Isla was really knowledgeable but in a very accessible manner.”

-Lucy Pitman, Google Review

When uncovering the finer side of Manchester’s beer culture, Manchester Brewery Tours stands out as a go-to option. We admire how this tour balances fun with a genuinely educational experience, making it great for casual and dedicated drinkers.

What caught our attention is how flexible the tour is. We’ve seen stag groups raving about how the guides handle all the logistics, allowing the best man to actually enjoy himself (which—let’s be honest—is rare). 

We’ve heard from teams who appreciated the bespoke tours tailored to their company’s vibe. The opportunity to entertain clients or bond with colleagues over a shared love of craft beer makes this a standout option for team-building days. 

There’s a clear effort to focus on the beer itself, with guides sharing stories behind each style and venue. We love how this tour encourages appreciation rather than excess, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time while soaking up a bit of beer history.

One thing to mention: there’s no room for fancy dress here. It’s a “good times without the gimmicks” kind of experience, and honestly, we respect that. 

Accommodating

“13 of us had a tour around 3 bars in/around Northern Quarter in Manchester. Each of the venues were really accommodating and had a great variety of beers to try”

-Alan McClelland, Google Review

Excellent

“My wife and I went on the tour  as part of a small group and we had a great time. Nicky was an excellent host and really knows her subject.”

-Justin Johnson, Google Review

We’ve seen plenty of beer tours, but Rambling Beer offers something refreshingly different—an experience that feels personal, inclusive, and thoroughly connected to Manchester’s thriving craft beer culture. 

With breweries conveniently clustered in Manchester’s Craft Beer Brewery Quarter, the walking is minimal, and the brewery time is maximised—a perk we fully appreciate after one too many exhausting walking tours. 

We admire how Rambling Beer doesn’t shy away from its independent roots. As a female-owned business, their commitment to inclusivity and the idea that “beer is for everyone” shines through. 

At £37.50 per person, the experience feels accessible without cutting corners. We’re also impressed by the flexibility—they allow changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before the event, which shows a real understanding of the modern-day planner’s unpredictability.

If we had to nitpick, it would be the booking fee, but let’s be honest—when you’re getting a 3.5-hour journey filled with fun beer and local insights, it’s hardly worth dwelling on.

Knowledgeable

‘Thank you for a great time experiencing new craft beers. Sarah was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable with a very friendly attitude.”

-Dave Wilkin, Google Review

Unique

“This was a great tour, very informative and educational. Tasting some unique, weird and wonderful beers.”

-Neil, Google Review

Cloudwater Brew Co has built a reputation for its forward-thinking approach to craft beer. We love how this tour strips away the mystique of brewing while keeping the magic intact—it’s an experience that feels as welcoming as it is enlightening.

Participants get four pours of their freshest beers, including a taste straight from the tank—a detail that’s as close to the brewing process as you can get without donning a brewer’s apron. The tutored tasting is a highlight, with guides who clearly live and breathe beer.

The relaxed atmosphere makes the Q&A session particularly enjoyable. We’ve heard from many visitors who appreciated the chance to ask anything and everything, from brewing techniques to the team’s inspirations. 

The strict no-under-18 and no-pet policy might limit options for those hoping to include younger family members or bring furry companions. Still, for beer enthusiasts, this tour is a no-brainer, offering a deep dive into Manchester’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Big fan!

“Had a brewery tour and really enjoyed it, very informative. Been a big fan of the brewery for a few years now so was great to see where it’s created.”

-Lydia, Google Review

Fabolous!

“Fabulous place, great drinks and good food. Staff are lovely. Really access friendly once inside.”

-Caroline Hughes, Google Review

We love how this tour manages to be intimate, informative, and just the right amount of quirky, giving participants an inside look at what makes Sureshot one of the city’s most intriguing brewers.

The experience starts with a drink in hand, which is honestly the best way to kick off any brewery tour. 

The tour is limited to just 10 people, which makes it feel more like a conversation than a lecture. We appreciate how this setup encourages questions—whether you’re curious about the science behind their IPAs or how they come up with those quirky names. 

Another touch we love? The opportunity to pour a drink straight from the tank—a small detail, but one that makes you feel like you’re getting the freshest beer possible. 

Once the tour wraps up, you’re invited to linger in the taproom, which is a cosy, welcoming space for sampling even more of their creations or mapping out your next brewery stop in the area.

With group sizes limited, tickets can be hard to come by, so it’s best to plan ahead. 

Quality beers

“First time visiting and blown away with the huge selection of top quality beers.”

-Christian Reed, Google Review

Not expensive

“Great local brewery with plenty of craft beer onsite. Staff friendly and not to expensive.”

-david franklin, Google Review