Thornbridge Experience
Step inside our Millrace brewery and discover the story behind Thornbridge
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bakewell - the peak districtInside our Millrace BreweryPerfect for beer enthusiasts, curious beginners and anyone looking for a unique experience in the Peak District. -
Six beers, one sessionFind your FavouriteEnjoy a tutored tasting of six beers (equivalent to two pints) -
home of the union setThe worlds only working example - see it up close45 minutes, six beers, one unforgettable brewery
Thornbridge Experience
Thornbridge Experience
Step inside our Millrace Brewery and discover the story behind Thornbridge.
Hosted in the brewery itself, alongside the world's only working Union Set, this immersive experience combines brewing history, hands-on ingredient exploration and a guided tasting of six Thornbridge beers.
During the session you'll:
- Learn how beer is made, from grain to glass
- Explore the aromas and flavours of different hop varieties
- Discover the history of Thornbridge through a short film
- Experience the unique surroundings of our working Millrace Brewery
- Enjoy a tutored tasting of six beers (equivalent to two pints)
Perfect for beer enthusiasts, curious beginners and anyone looking for a unique experience in the Peak District.
45 minutes | From £15 midweek / £18 weekends
The Thornbridge Experience takes place inside our working Millrace Brewery, home to the world's only working Union Set. Rather than simply walking around the brewery, you'll experience the brewing environment up close while our team brings the process to life through stories, ingredients, brewing knowledge and tasting
Taking place in our Millrace Brewery, the building is also home to our Taproom, which can get noisy but full of atmosphere at weekends. Book a weekday if you prefer quieter, more relaxed, smaller group experiences and the opportunity for enhanced Q&A
The Experience, like the taproom, is dog friendly
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Taproom, Experience & Shop - Find Us
Q&As Thornbridge Experience
I have an existing gift card — can I use it to book?
Not directly through the online calendar. Please check availability using the calendar below, then email experience@thornbridge.co.uk to book using your gift card.
Can I buy a Thornbridge Experience as a gift?
Yes, click the "Book now" button and select the Gift Certificate (not gift card) option to buy the Experience as a gift for someone else.
Can I add beers to my Experience booking?
Booking the Experience and ordering beer are two separate checkouts, so please order any beer separately through our shop but you can also order beers and a Pizza for Two to coincide with your visit. Please note Experience bookings don't count towards the £40 free delivery threshold.
How long does the experience last?
45 minutes, hosted inside our Millrace Brewery alongside the world's only working Union Set.
Where do I go?
Thornbridge Brewery, Buxton Road, Bakewell, England, DE45 1GS. Head to the taproom and please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time and check in with any member of staff.
What's included?
An expert host, a short video presentation, a guided tour of our brewing process, a tutored tasting of six ⅓ pints (two pints total), and a 10% voucher to use in our shop.
What's not included?
Food and additional drinks — though both are available to buy in the Taproom afterwards.
How many people are in each session?
Weekdays are capped at 12 guests, weekends at 15 — book a weekday if you'd prefer a quieter, more relaxed group with more time for Q&A
Can children come along?
Yes — under-18s must be accompanied by an adult and booked on with a child ticket.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, the Experience is dog friendly, just like our Taproom — we ask that dogs are kept on a lead throughout.
What's the parking situation?
The business park has a parking system in place — no action needed for visits up to 2 hours. Staying longer? Enter your registration on the tablet at the bar for two extra free hours. Any issues, contact enquiries@bankpark.co.uk.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Full refund for cancellations 72+ hours before your session. Inside 72 hours, bookings are non-refundable but can be exchanged for a different date/time at the manager's discretion. No-shows and same-day cancellations aren't refundable. Rescheduling is available up to 72 hours out, subject to availability.
What if Thornbridge has to cancel?
In the rare event we need to cancel — for operational reasons, safety, or severe weather — you'll be offered a full refund or the chance to rebook an alternative date.
What if I'm running late?
Arrivals more than 5 minutes after the scheduled start may not be admitted, and refunds can't be given in that case — so please aim to arrive early.
Do you walk around the brewery?
The Thornbridge Experience takes place inside our working Millrace Brewery, rather than being a traditional walk-through tour. You'll be hosted alongside the world's only working Union Set and immersed in the brewing environment while learning about the brewing process, exploring hops and tasting six Thornbridge beers.