Breweries

From the 15th century Kent, Surrey and Hampshire have been among the main hop-growing counties in the country. By 1840, there were 50,000 breweries in England – a large proportion of which were in the South East.

The South East is still home to some of the best independent breweries in England. Take a tour of the 300-year-old Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, Kent, one of the oldest (and perhaps most famous) breweries in England. Tours are also available at The Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, and The Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre in Oxfordshire, a museum and active brewery that is still powered by a steam engine.

Other breweries in England located in the South East include New Forest Cider, Oakleaf Brewing Company and the Southwick Brewhouse, which are all located in Hampshire; Rebellion Beer Company and the Chiltern Brewery both in Buckinghamshire; and The Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire.

So next time you’re longing to sample a tipple or two produced by one of the many fantastic breweries that England is famous for, head for South East England!