Black Sheep Brewery


Founded in 1992 by the 'black sheep' of the Theakston family, who refused to work for the multinational company that took over Yorkshire's highly regarded Theakston's brewery in 1987, this place has grown to be just as famous as its near neighbour. There are four entertaining tours a day, plus an excellent casual bistro offering Yorkshire pub food laced with Black Sheep ale, and a bar where you can sample most of the brewery's ales and craft beers.

The tour price includes tokens for beer tasters at the bar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Theakston's Brewery

0.18 MILES

Founded in 1827, and still run by the Theakston family (despite a spell in the ownership of global brewer Scottish & Newcastle), Theakston's has long been…

2. Jervaulx Abbey

4.42 MILES

There are many abbey ruins down leafy country lanes in Yorkshire, but Jervaulx has an unusual claim to fame as the birthplace of Wensleydale cheese. It…

3. St Mary's Church

8 MILES

St Mary's is a neogothic jewel designed by William Burgess and built in 1871; ask the attendant to point out the trademark mouse carved into the stone of…

4. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

8.26 MILES

The alluring and strangely obsessive water gardens of the Studley Royal estate were built in the 18th century to enhance the picturesque ruins of 12th…

5. Forbidden Corner

8.97 MILES

There can surely be no other place like this in the world: a modern walled garden furnished with Victorian-style follies, some veering into gothic horror,…

6. Richmond Castle

12.65 MILES

The impressive heap that is Richmond Castle, founded in 1070, has had many uses through the years, including a stint as a prison for conscientious…

7. Green Howards Museum

12.74 MILES

Military buffs will enjoy the three floors of this museum, which pays tribute to Richmond's famous Yorkshire infantry regiment, formed in 1688. The medal…

8. Richmondshire Museum

12.78 MILES

The Richmondshire Museum feels a bit worn, but it's crammed with local history exhibits including Stone Age artefacts and displays about lead mining,…