Burton upon Trent Beer Festival Guide: Plan Your Trip

The Ultimate Guide to the Burton upon Trent Beer Festival

Known across the globe as the brewing capital of Great Britain, Burton upon Trent possesses a brewing heritage unmatched by any other market town. From the mineral-rich waters of the Trent Valley that gave rise to the historic technique known as 'Burtonisation' to the iconic Victorian breweries that line its streets, Burton is a place of pilgrimage for anyone passionate about cask ale. At the heart of this celebrating calendar is the renowned Burton CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival, alongside numerous regional ale celebrations held throughout the year.

Whether you are a seasoned real ale connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a vibrant weekend celebrating British brewing culture, this festival guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your trip to Burton upon Trent.

What to Expect at the Burton Beer and Cider Festival

Organised by the Burton-upon-Trent branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the festival typically takes place over three days and transforms the town into a bustling hub of hop-forward celebration. Visitors can look forward to a vast and curated selection of drinks, featuring over a hundred real ales, ciders, and perries gathered from independent microbreweries as well as established regional names.

Upon entry, visitors receive a festival programme and an official commemorative festival glass. Drinks are purchased using festival tokens available at the token desk, making transactions at the stillages quick and seamless. Throughout the festival sessions, cask ales are maintained in prime condition by dedicated cellar teams, allowing you to sample everything from crisp golden ales and traditional bitters to rich porters, imperial stouts, and innovative modern craft beers.

The Venue: Historic Burton Town Hall

The Burton Beer and Cider Festival is traditionally staged within the grand surroundings of Burton Town Hall, located in King Edward Place. Built in the late 19th century in the High Victorian Gothic style, the hall offers a dramatic backdrop for sampling traditional ales. The main hall features soaring timbered ceilings and stained-glass windows, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as live music and lively conversation echo through the venue.

Burton Town Hall is situated approximately one mile from Three Queens Hotel and within easy reach of Burton railway station, making travel to and from the event simple for visitors arriving from near or far.

Exploring Burton's Historic Pub Scene

While the festival itself offers an exceptional variety of brews under one roof, your ale pilgrimage should not end at the Town Hall doors. Burton upon Trent boasts some of the most celebrated real ale taverns in England, many located right in the town centre just minutes from local accommodation.

During your festival visit, take time to explore the town's independent public houses and taprooms:

• The Coopers Tavern: A historic jewel on Cross Street where ale was once drawn straight from casks sitting behind the taproom counter. It remains an essential stop for any real ale lover.
• The Devonshire Arms: A vibrant community pub celebrated for its ever-changing selection of cask beers from local and national breweries.
• The Dog Inn: Located on Lichfield Street, this cosy venue has won numerous local CAMRA awards for its impeccable cellar management and commitment to microbrewery ales.

When you are ready for lunch or an evening meal, the town centre offers an extensive selection of dining options, ranging from traditional pub menus and steakhouses to contemporary pizzerias, continental bistros, and international cuisine along Station Street and the High Street.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Festival Visit

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend at the Burton Beer Festival, keep the following practical tips in mind:

• Arrive early for rare casks: Specialty and award-winning casks with limited quantities can sell out quickly, especially during the busy Friday evening and Saturday sessions. Arriving during the afternoon allows you to sample rare brews at a relaxed pace.
• Sample third-pint measures: With scores of beers on offer, ordering third-pint measures is the best way to broaden your tasting palate responsibly throughout the session.
• Hydrate and eat well: Make time to visit one of the cafes, bistros, or pubs in Burton town centre before entering the festival so you are well prepared for an afternoon of tasting.
• Plan your transport: Burton railway station is situated on the main line between Derby and Birmingham, providing direct rail connections. If you are driving, choosing accommodation with parking allows you to leave your vehicle safely behind while you explore the town on foot.

Where to Stay: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When attending a festival weekend in Burton, staying close to the action is essential. Situated on Bridge Street, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is located on the A38 corridor and just a 5-minute walk from Burton town centre. Burton railway station is just one mile away, ensuring straightforward travel connections for guests arriving by train.

Three Queens Hotel features 62 well-appointed rooms, catering to solo travellers, couples, and groups visiting for the festival. Guests can choose from a wide range of room types, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and a four-poster Suite. You can view our rooms to find the setup that best suits your travel plans.

Every room is fully en-suite with a private bathroom and includes practical amenities designed for a comfortable visit: a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities for a refreshing brew in your room, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a direct dial phone. Guests benefit from complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry services.

Drivers will appreciate our free on-site parking, which allows you to park your car securely upon arrival and explore the festival and local taverns on foot. For your peace of mind, our reception desk is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, with a dedicated night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to assist with late arrivals after an evening at the festival.

Book Your Festival Accommodation Today

The Burton upon Trent Beer and Cider Festival draws visitors from across Staffordshire, the Midlands, and the wider UK, making local accommodation highly sought after over festival dates. Guarantee your base in the brewing capital by securing your room early. You can book your room online directly with Three Queens Hotel & Lodge, or contact our friendly team on 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.