If you’re considering a day out that combines stunning scenery with a taste of local flavors, a 7-hour pub tour in the Peak District might just be your ideal plan. While I haven’t taken this particular tour myself, the reviews and info paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s designed for those who love good beer, enjoy scenic drives, and want to learn a bit about the area’s history without the hassle of planning every stop.
What stands out first? The professional guides who really seem to bring the area and its pubs to life, and the beautiful views you get to enjoy along the way. Plus, the fact that drinks are pre-ordered and waiting for you in each pub means no queuing and more time for relaxing. That said, it’s a fairly long day—about 7 hours—so if you’re not used to a fair bit of activity or just prefer a more flexible schedule, this might not be your first choice.
One thing to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included, but there’s a 10% discount on pizzas at the final stop, Thornbridge Taproom. This makes the tour a good value if you’re planning to grab a bite there. Overall, it’s best suited for adults who enjoy socializing, love discovering hidden gems, and don’t mind a structured day with scheduled stops. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, read on for all the details.
Key Points
- Includes 6 unique pubs with pre-ordered drinks waiting for you
- Beautiful scenic views as you travel across the Peak District
- Knowledgeable guides who share insights about the pubs and local history
- Luxury coach transportation with reserved seating at each pub
- Flexible for most travelers; most can participate
- Non-refundable booking; plan accordingly
An Honest Look at the 7 Hours Pub Tour in Peak District
This tour offers a great way to combine your love of good beer and picturesque landscapes in one well-organized package. Starting at the Thornbridge Taproom in Bakewell, the journey takes you through some of the most charming, lesser-known pubs in small villages, giving you a taste of local life while sipping on quality drinks. We’ll break down what you can expect from each part of the experience, what’s included, and what you might want to consider before booking.
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The Itinerary: What’s Actually Involved
Start point: Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell
The tour kicks off at 11:30 am from the Thornbridge Taproom. This is not just a convenient starting point but also a notable brewery in the Peak District. Here, you’ll meet your guides, Emily and Angel, who have earned praise for their passion and knowledge. You’ll hop onto a luxury coach with air conditioning and reserved seats—an upgrade that makes the day more comfortable, especially if you’re not keen on standing or wandering between pubs. The driver, Bill, also gets rave reviews for his friendly, knowledgeable service.
First stop: The Thornbridge Taproom
This is where your journey begins. You’ll get a pre-ordered drink and perhaps even take advantage of the 10% pizza discount if hunger strikes. The staff here are helpful, and the atmosphere is lively enough to set a good tone for the day. You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough to enjoy your drink, take some photos, and listen to some interesting facts about the brewery and the local area.
Travel across the Peak District
As you leave Bakewell, the coach takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Peak District. Expect sweeping views, rolling hills, and quaint villages. This part alone is worth the price if you appreciate beautiful countryside and want a break from the usual city scene.
Visiting six pubs in total
Each pub is in a different small village, often hidden away from typical tourist routes. The guides have curated a mix—from gastro-style inns to cozy traditional pubs—so you get to experience a range of atmospheres. The reviews highlight how many of these pubs are “hidden gems” and places most visitors wouldn’t find on their own.
Reserved seating and pre-ordered drinks
In each pub, your drinks are reserved and waiting for you upon arrival, thanks to your tour host’s organization. You typically spend about an hour in each, giving you enough time to enjoy your drink, chat, and soak in the ambiance.
Final stop: Thornbridge Brewery Taproom
The tour concludes back at the brewery, where you can relax and perhaps use your 10% pizza discount again. The whole experience lasts roughly 7 hours, including travel, stopping, and sightseeing.
The Value of This Tour: What You’re Paying For
At $171.72 per person, this isn’t your cheapest pub crawl, but it’s packed with value. You get six drinks included, reserved seating at each pub, a knowledgeable guide, luxury transport, and scenic views—all organized for you. The reviews emphasize how the pre-ordered drinks save queuing time and how the organization ensures everything runs smoothly, which is a big plus for those who like their outings hassle-free.
What the Reviews Say
Buyers have consistently rated the tour a perfect 5.0, highlighting great hosts, fabulous pubs, and spectacular views. Comments like “Emily and Angel were great hosts” and “everything was fantastic” suggest the guides make a real difference, adding insights and making the day more engaging. Many also mentioned the variety of pubs visited—ranging from cozy old pubs to more modern establishments—giving a well-rounded experience.
Considering the Downside
The main consideration is the duration. With a full 7-hour itinerary, you may find it to be a longer day than some prefer, especially if you’re not used to a lot of sitting and drinking. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to plan for a meal either at the start or at the final pub with the discount.
Breakdown of the Experience: Why It Works
The Pubs and Their Charm
The tour visits six pubs, each with its own personality. Some reviewers mention that they visited pubs they’d never have found alone, which is a real selling point for those looking to discover new places. The venues range from gastro inns to traditional nooks, so you’ll get diverse atmospheres and styles.
Scenic Drives and Views
Expect to travel through the Peak District’s rolling hills and picturesque villages. Many reviews praise how the tour combines stunning scenery with an authentic pub experience, making it more than just a pub crawl.
Guides and Organization
The guides, Emily and Angel, receive high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep things running smoothly. The pre-order system means no waiting at bars, and the reserved seating ensures comfort.
Drinks and Food
Included are six drinks—one in each pub—which means you can focus on enjoying the day rather than worrying about ordering. The 10% pizza discount at the end adds a nice touch, helping to fill a potential gap if you’re hungry after all the drinking.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This pub tour is ideal for adults who like organized group experiences, enjoy discovering hidden gems, and appreciate a scenic drive. It’s perfect if you want a structured day with all logistics handled, and if you’re a fan of quality beers and interesting stories about local pubs. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who shares your interest in good drinks and beautiful views, this could be a highlight of your trip.
It’s also suited for those who don’t mind a longer, more scheduled day. Since it’s not explicitly family-focused and involves alcohol, it’s best for those over 18 who can handle a full day of social drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Since each pub visit includes an alcohol drink, non-drinkers may want to discuss options with the guides beforehand. However, the primary focus is on enjoying the scenery and pub atmosphere, so it might still be enjoyable without drinking.
Are meals included in the tour?
No, the ticket price does not include lunch. However, there’s a 10% discount on pizzas at the final pub, Thornbridge Taproom, so you can grab a meal there.
What’s the transportation like?
You’ll travel in an air-conditioned luxury coach with reserved seats, making the journey comfortable and relaxing.
How long is each pub stop?
You’ll spend about an hour at each pub, which provides enough time to enjoy your drink and soak in the atmosphere.
Can I join if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to confirm specific mobility needs with the tour provider beforehand.
What is the price, and is it worth it?
At around $172, the tour offers excellent value considering the number of pubs, drinks, scenic views, and guided insights included.
Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s primarily designed for adults, given the alcohol focus. If you’re traveling with children, this might not be the best option.
7 Hours Pub Tours in Peak District
“Wow, what a fabulous 40th Birthday treat! From start to finish the family run business and engagement was superb! 6 pubs that we have never been t…”
Final Thoughts
The 7 Hours Pub Tour in Peak District offers a well-rounded, organized way to experience some of the most charming pubs amid breathtaking scenery. The combination of expert guides, pre-arranged drinks, and beautiful drives makes for a memorable day. It’s great for those who want a hassle-free experience, enjoy good beer, and appreciate learning about local culture through its pubs.
While it’s not the cheapest outing, the quality of the experience and thoughtful organization make it a worthwhile splurge, especially if you value comfort and a curated route. Perfect for groups, couples, or anyone wanting a relaxed but engaging way to explore the Peak District’s pub scene.
If you’re after a day that mixes scenic beauty with a taste of what makes the Peak District special, this tour checks many boxes. Just be prepared for a full day of socializing, drinking, and enjoying some of the best pubs England has to offer.
