When most people think of visiting Glasgow, they picture street murals, music venues, or Kelvingrove’s majestic galleries. But tucked just east of the city centre lies one of Scotland’s most iconic hidden gems. The Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery.If you love discovering offbeat experiences, check out our Made in Scotland series for more local legends.
Whether you’re in town for the Edinburgh Fringe and exploring Scotland beyond the capital, or just spending a long weekend in Glasgow, this tour is a perfect detour for anyone who loves beer, history, or a good laugh.
A Lager with Legacy
Tennent’s isn’t just a beer, it’s a Scottish institution. Founded in 1885, the Wellpark Brewery has been brewing its signature lager for over a century. The giant red ‘T’ is instantly recognisable from Shetland to the Borders, gracing pubs, fridges, and festivals across the country.
A visit here is less about just sipping a pint. It’s about experiencing the culture, craftsmanship, and cheeky Glaswegian humour that make the brand so beloved.
Travelling from Edinburgh? Check ScotRail for train schedules and fares.
Tour Highlights – What You’ll See & Learn
The Tennent’s Brewery Tour is immersive, fascinating, and just the right amount of quirky. Here’s what you can expect:
🏭 Explore Scotland’s Oldest Brewery
Walk through the Wellpark site, where brewing has taken place for over 450 years. You’ll see how raw ingredients become Scotland’s best-known pint, including massive copper mash tuns and fermentation tanks.
📺 Dive Into Lager Culture
The visitor centre features vintage ads, old-school merch, and iconic campaign clips that’ll make you laugh out loud. Tennent’s marketing is legendary for its humour and Glaswegian edge.
🍺 Sample the Goods
Of course, no brewery tour is complete without a tasting! You’ll finish in the Tasting Room, where you can enjoy a fresh pint of Tennent’s Lager but right from the source. Some tours include limited-edition brews too.
Explore more about what to see and do around the city via VisitScotland’s Glasgow travel guide.
How to Book the Tennent’s Tour
Booking is easy and highly recommended during busy times like the Fringe Festival or summer holidays.
- 📍 Location: Wellpark Brewery, 161 Duke St, Glasgow G31 1JD
- 💻 Book online: tennents.com/uk/experience
- ⏰ Duration: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
- 💸 Price: Around £12–15 per adult (includes your pint!)
- 👥 Group bookings & private tours available
- 📅 Tours run daily, but slots fill fast, especially during festivals and weekends
Tip: Arrive early to explore the shop or grab some branded gear before your tour begins.
Where to Grab a Pint Afterward
Still thirsty after your tasting? Good news, you’re in one of the best cities in the UK for pubs. Here are a few spots near the brewery where you can enjoy a post-tour pint of Tennent’s:
🏴 The Gate
A stylish bar with a focus on Scottish spirits, just a short walk from Wellpark. They also offer small plates and seasonal cocktails.
🍻 The Laurieston Bar
A retro gem near Glasgow Central Station with Formica booths, vintage signage, and a warm, old-school feel.
🎶 Mono
A bar, vegan café, and record shop all in one. Glasgow’s indie culture at its best. A great contrast to your brewery experience.
Heading to the Fringe? Add Glasgow to Your Itinerary
If you’re visiting Scotland for Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, don’t miss the chance to see a different side of the country. Glasgow’s gritty charm, electric nightlife, and food scene are well worth the 50-minute train ride.
Here’s our Fringe survival guide for tourists if you’re planning your route between cities.
And the Tennent’s Brewery Tour? It’s the perfect way to slow down, sip something local, and see how this iconic beer has shaped Scottish culture.
Whether you’re a tourist, a Fringe performer on a day trip, or a curious local, the Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery Tour is more than a beer tasting, It’s a crash course in Scottish identity, humour, and craftsmanship. Affordable, fun, and full of flavour, it belongs on your Glasgow itinerary.
Ready to raise a pint at the source?
Book your tour, bring your camera, and don’t forget to say “slàinte!”
