Belhaven Brewery
Scotland's oldest working brewery, offering a deep dive into 300 years of brewing heritage with engaging tours and tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Brewery is active, full experience
Belhaven Brewery
Best Time
Brewery is active, full experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scotland's oldest working brewery, offering a deep dive into 300 years of brewing heritage with engaging tours and tastings.
"What a fabulous experience it was! Highly recommend booking this tour."
🎯 Tour Guides are Excellent
Guides like Tom and Chris are praised for their knowledge, passion, and humor, making the tour engaging.
🍻 Generous Beer Tastings
Expect more than just samples; tours often include full pints during the tasting session.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brewery Tour & Tasting
Belhaven Brewery, Dunbar
Explore 300 years of brewing history, learn the process, and enjoy a generous tasting of Belhaven beers.
Belhaven at the Mound
Edinburgh City Centre
Experience Belhaven's presence during festivals with special tours and enjoy their beers in a vibrant city setting.
Belhaven Black Stout
Available in pubs and for purchase
Savor the rich, award-winning Belhaven Black Scottish Stout, a favorite among enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Brewery Tour in Advance
Consider Your Visit Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tour Guides are Excellent
Guides like Tom and Chris are praised for their knowledge, passion, and humor, making the tour engaging. +1
🍻 Generous Beer Tastings
Expect more than just samples; tours often include full pints during the tasting session.
🛍️ Don't Miss the Gift Shop
Purchase unique merchandise and your favorite Belhaven beers to take home.
⏳ Tours Can Exceed Time
Tours are officially timed at 2 hours but often extend longer, especially during the tasting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tour Guides are Excellent
Guides like Tom and Chris are praised for their knowledge, passion, and humor, making the tour engaging. +1
🍻 Generous Beer Tastings
Expect more than just samples; tours often include full pints during the tasting session.
🛍️ Don't Miss the Gift Shop
Purchase unique merchandise and your favorite Belhaven beers to take home.
⏳ Tours Can Exceed Time
Tours are officially timed at 2 hours but often extend longer, especially during the tasting.
📸 Photo Ops Limited
Photography is not allowed inside the Malting House during tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Belhaven Brewery tour for its engaging guides, extensive history, and generous beer tastings. The experience is often described as a highlight of trips to the Dunbar area, with many recommending it highly. Some wish for more online purchasing options for merchandise and specific beers.
"My wife and I did the Belhaven Brewery Tour last week when we were visiting Dunbar and what a fabulous experience it was. We were part of a small group of 4 one our guide was Tom who was excellent. The tour included the usual H&S briefing, a brief overview of the site, the full history and evolvement of the Belhaven Brewery (the oldest working brewery in Scotland, previously family owned for 250 years and now part of Green King), a full explanation of the brewing process followed by a tour of the Malting House (no photos allowed inside here), the rear gardens and then on to the tastings in the Monk’s Retreat bar. We were able to sample several Belhaven beers including Best, Black, 80 Shillings and a lager, followed by a pint of your own choice. Tom pulls a good point and speaks with knowledge and passion on all things related to Belhaven Brewery and the local history of Dunbar - he’s certainly an asset for promoting the brewery and its beers. There is also a shop where you can purchase beer and merchandise and if you get the opportunity, book up this tour because it’s certainly worth it - it’s officially timed at 2 hours but it can go well over that duration when you are sat in the bar 🤣 🍺 👍"
Neil Casson
"Flew over to Scotland for our Ancestry hunt/ Wife's birthday/ Belhaven tour from Canada Sept 26 2025. Unfortunately, Ontario LCBO has stopped carrying the best beer in the world ( Belhaven Black Scot Stout) I have been in withdrawl for months. We drove to the shop and had a fantastic time with tour guide Tom and shop keeper ( red hair...did not catch her name) Both were extremely knowledgable about the company and a lot of fun to talk with. We purchased lots of items to bring back to Canada. I really, really wish that Greene/ King would allow themselves to have the shop items on their website*. I for a fact , would continue to purchase EVERYTHING. I'm sure others would as well to keep some revenue and " the brand" out there in the public eye. Very strange there is not an area to purchase online. Please, please, please get your aluminum issues back on track and re sell to Ontario! 5 STAR visit all day long. Thank you !"
69glamboy
"What a great tour of the brewery& it's buildings we'll worth the visit. Amazing to see & hear the history of brewery started. The smells of how beer is made wow. Our tour guide Chris was amazing, our group was full of laughs. The tasting was brilliant especially the new lager 🍺was yummy. Will definitely be back for another tour."
donna graham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Belhaven Brewery is located in Dunbar, approximately 20 miles from Edinburgh. You can reach it by train or bus, with the journey typically taking around an hour.
Yes, the brewery is accessible by public transport. Trains run regularly from Edinburgh to Dunbar, and the brewery is a walkable distance from the station.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is likely parking available at the brewery. It's a scenic drive from Edinburgh.
Dunbar is very walkable, making it easy to explore the town's historic sites and coastal areas after your brewery visit.
Dunbar itself offers historical sites and coastal walks. The brewery's location makes it a good stop on a wider exploration of the Aberdeenshire region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't listed, reviews suggest the tour is well worth the cost, including generous tastings. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Belhaven Brewery tour in advance, as they can sell out, especially during peak seasons.
Tickets typically include a guided tour of the brewery's history and brewing process, a tasting session with several Belhaven beers, and access to the gift shop.
The brewery is active Monday-Friday, but tours do occur on weekends as well. It's best to check the official schedule when booking.
Yes, there is a shop at the brewery where you can purchase a variety of Belhaven beers and merchandise.
🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience
Tastings typically include popular Belhaven beers like Belhaven Best, Belhaven Black, 80 Shillings, and sometimes a lager or other seasonal brews. You usually get to choose a pint at the end.
While the focus is on beer tasting, the Monk's Retreat bar may offer some snacks. For full meals, exploring Dunbar's local pubs and restaurants is recommended.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's restricted inside the Malting House. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding photos.
The official tour duration is about 2 hours, but it often extends longer, especially during the tasting and social time in the bar.
Belhaven participates in events like the Edinburgh Fringe, offering special tours and promotions at city pubs.
🎫 🍻 Belhaven Beers
Belhaven Best, Belhaven Black Scottish Stout, and Belhaven 80 Shillings are consistently popular and highly regarded.
Availability varies by region. In the past, Belhaven Black Stout was available in Ontario, Canada, but it's advisable to check local retailers or online stores for 'Belhaven beer where to buy'.
Belhaven Best typically has an alcohol content of around 3.2% ABV, making it a sessionable ale.
Belhaven Black is a rich, smooth Scottish Stout known for its creamy head and roasted malt flavors. It's a favorite for its depth and quality.
Belhaven 80 Shillings is a traditional Scottish ale, often described as a malty, slightly sweet beer with a moderate strength.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the brewery's active hours (weekdays) for a glimpse of operations, though access to all areas might be restricted. The gift shop offers merchandise that could appeal to older children interested in the brewery's story. For a more family-centric experience, focus on exploring Dunbar's attractions before or after a brewery tour for the adults.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
Pay close attention to the guides' insights; they are often passionate and knowledgeable, providing nuanced details about each beer's profile and the brewery's heritage. The opportunity to purchase rare or specific Belhaven beers from the onsite shop is also a significant draw.
✈️ International Visitors
Don't miss the chance to try iconic Scottish beers like Belhaven Best and Belhaven Black Stout. If you're visiting from abroad, consider combining your brewery tour with exploring the charming coastal town of Dunbar. Be aware that some international visitors have expressed difficulty in purchasing Belhaven products or merchandise online, so maximize your purchases at the brewery itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Brewing Heritage
The tours meticulously detail the entire brewing process, from malting to fermentation and conditioning. Visitors get an inside look at the historic Malting House, though photography is restricted here to preserve the atmosphere and processes. The narrative shared by guides often weaves in local history and the brewery's significant role within the community of Dunbar, making the experience both educational and engaging.
Beyond the brewing itself, the tour culminates in a generous tasting session at the Monk's Retreat bar. This is where guests can sample a range of Belhaven's acclaimed beers, including their flagship Belhaven Best, the popular Belhaven Black Stout, and the traditional 80 Shillings ale. The experience is designed to be immersive, allowing visitors to not only learn about the beers but also to savor their distinct flavors and aromas.
Experiencing Belhaven Beyond the Brewery
These city-based activations often involve unique experiences, such as the Fringe Walking Tour, where patrons collect stamps at various Belhaven pubs for rewards. This strategy not only promotes Belhaven beers but also integrates the brand into the cultural fabric of Scotland's capital during its busiest period.
+1Furthermore, Belhaven beers are enjoyed in numerous pubs across Scotland, offering a consistent taste of Scottish brewing tradition. These establishments, often referred to as 'Belhaven pubs,' provide a traditional Scottish pub atmosphere, serving hearty food alongside a variety of locally brewed ales and beers.
This widespread presence ensures that the Belhaven experience is accessible to a broad audience, both locally and to visitors seeking authentic Scottish pub culture. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit