Newcastle is a city that knows how to enjoy a good pint. Its lively pub scene, historic breweries, and friendly locals make it ideal for exploring the local beer culture. What’s more, Newcastle offers some unique ways to experience its brewing heritage, from behind-the-scenes brewery tours to wild pedal-powered beer rides. We particularly love how these experiences mix local flavor with fun, whether you’re into tasting craft beers or dancing to tunes on a moving party bike. For example, the Brinkburn St Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting lets you see the brewing process up close, while the Beer Bike Tour with Music and Drinks combines sightseeing with a party on wheels.
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Newcastle’s brewing scene, a range of tours awaits—each with its own style and appeal. Whether you prefer a relaxed meal paired with craft beers or an active, social pub crawl by bike, there’s something for every type of beer enthusiast. Let’s explore the best drinking tours in Newcastle and help you choose the perfect one for your trip.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of drinking tours to suit different interests and schedules. From detailed brewery visits to lively pub crawls, each offers a unique experience:
- Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting provides a behind-the-scenes look at brewing with tastings.
- Newcastle: 3-Course Meal with Beer Flight combines fine dining with local craft beers.
- Newcastle: Beer Bike Tour with Music and Drinks Included offers a lively pedal-powered pub crawl.
- Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting mixes history, good food, and beer.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each tour and what they bring to the table.
1. Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
At number 1, this Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting at Brinkburn St. Brewery offers a deep dive into the art of brewing. You’ll step inside a working brewery and see how craft beers are made from raw ingredients to finished product—something you can’t get from just drinking at the pub. The tour lasts around 2 hours, and you’ll taste a diverse range of original beers, from light session ales to bold IPAs, giving you a true appreciation for local brewing craftsmanship.
What makes this tour stand out? It’s the chance to learn about the brewing process and the history of Brinkburn St. Brewery in a relaxed, friendly environment. With a review rating of 4.3 out of 5, visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the beer samples. It’s perfect for beer lovers who want to get a behind-the-scenes look and expand their tasting palate. The tour is also flexible—check availability for the starting times that suit your schedule.
Bottom line: if you’re eager to see how craft beers are made and enjoy tasting some top-quality brews, this brewery tour is a great pick.
2. Newcastle: 3-Course Meal with Beer Flight
At number 2, this 3-Course Meal with a Beer Flight at Dobson & Parnell combines the pleasures of good food and quality beer in a stylish setting on Newcastle’s Quayside. For $67 per person, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully prepared 3-course meal featuring bold, contemporary dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The highlight is the flight of three artisan beers brewed at nearby St Dominic’s Brewery, allowing you to taste a variety of flavors side by side.
This experience is perfect for those who want to indulge in British and European cuisine while pairing each course with a carefully selected beer. The venue offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, making it a nice way to combine culinary delights with local brewing. Reviewers appreciate the seasonal menu and the opportunity to try different beers without feeling rushed. It’s a good option for couples, small groups, or anyone who enjoys pairing food and drink.
Bottom line: if you prefer a sit-down meal with a curated beer tasting, this elegant dining experience offers good value and a memorable setting.
$67 per person
3. Newcastle: Beer Bike Tour with Music and Drinks Included
Number 3 on our list, the Beer Bike Tour with Music and Drinks is Newcastle’s most energetic way to explore the city. This pedal-powered party bike fits up to 15 people and combines sightseeing with lively music, drinks, and lots of laughs. For around $472, the entire group can enjoy a 1-hour ride through the city center, with the option to sip beers, prosecco, cocktails, or cider packages as you pedal and sing along.
What makes this tour unique? It’s the ultimate party on wheels, perfect for birthdays, stag and hen dos, or just a fun day with friends. The combination of sightseeing, music, and social drinking makes it a highlight for those who want a memorable, active experience. Be prepared for some pedaling—it’s a great way to burn off the indulgence.
Recent reviews highlight how much fun people have had, praising the lively atmosphere and friendly guides. It’s best suited for groups that enjoy socializing, dancing, and being a little silly. Keep in mind, it’s a short ride, so plan for other activities afterward if you want to keep the party going.
Bottom line: if you’re after a high-energy, inclusive experience that combines city sights with a party vibe, this beer bike tour is hard to beat.
$472 per group up to 15
4. Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting
Completing our list, this Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting offers a full afternoon of learning, eating, and drinking. It starts with a guided tour of St. Dominics Brewery, where you’ll learn about its history and brewing process, followed by a delicious 3-course lunch made from fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a flight of three beers brewed on site, with each sip revealing different flavor profiles.
What sets this experience apart is its combination of history, culinary pleasure, and beer tasting. It’s ideal for those interested in local traditions and who want a comprehensive afternoon out. Attendees also receive a Beer Gift Pack of three 500ml bottles to take home, making it a nice souvenir. The tour is rated well, with many noting the informative guide and quality of the lunch.
This offers good value for a 3-hour experience for $78, especially if you’re interested in learning about brewing as well as enjoying a relaxed meal. It’s suitable for beer novices and connoisseurs alike, especially those who want a deeper dive into Newcastle’s brewing scene.
Bottom line: for a balanced mix of brewery insights, hearty food, and take-home goodies, this tour delivers plenty of value.
$78 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider a few practical factors. If you’re eager to see how beer is made from start to finish, the Brinkburn St. Brewery Tour is your best bet. If your priority is pairing good food with local beers, the Lunch and Beer Flight at Dobson & Parnell offers a refined experience. For those looking to combine sightseeing with high-energy fun, the Beer Bike Tour makes for a memorable party.
Budget-conscious travelers should note that the brewery and brewery-lunch tours offer the best value, while the beer bike is a splurge for a special celebration. Think about your group’s activity level—cycling and pedaling might be too much for some, but perfect for those wanting a lively, interactive outing.
Booking early is wise, especially for the beer bike, which tends to fill up quickly during peak seasons. Also, check the availability and start times to match your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle provides a rich variety of drinking tours that cater to different interests—from in-depth brewery visits and gourmet beer and food pairings to lively, fun-filled pedal rides. For a comprehensive experience, the Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting and the Lunch and Beer Tasting are perfect for those wanting to learn and enjoy. If you’re after a spirited, social outing, the Beer Bike will make your trip unforgettable.
No matter your choice, these tours highlight Newcastle’s friendly, lively beer scene and offer authentic ways to soak up local culture. Be sure to book early, gather your friends, and prepare for some great drinking adventures in this vibrant city.