Beer has been a part of Scotland's history for over 5,000 years, with sources claiming that the famous Neolithic village, Skara Brae, produced ale from barley. It's a thriving business in Scotland, assuring visitors that they are never too far from a nice, chilled pint no matter where they are in the country.
The Real Ale Trail allows visitors to find the best breweries and pubs as they travel; there are over 70 breweries operating across Scotland as well as an innumerable number of pubs. Brewery tours are a great experience for visitors to go behind the scenes, better understand the beer-making process, and give the end product a taste. There are even some breweries that allow visitors to be a brewer for a day and produce their own ales with the help of expert brewers.
Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.