Burton upon Trent Beer Festival Guide: What to Know

The Ultimate Burton upon Trent Beer Festival Guide

Known across the globe as the capital of British brewing, Burton upon Trent has a rich heritage steeped in hops, malt, and pure brewing innovation. The unique mineral composition of the local water—giving rise to the worldwide brewing term 'Burtonisation'—helped establish the town as the epicenter of pale ale production in the nineteenth century. Today, that heritage is celebrated in style, drawing beer lovers from across the country to Burton upon Trent's acclaimed beer festivals.

Whether you are a seasoned real ale connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply visiting to soak in the lively atmosphere, a visit to a Burton beer festival is an unforgettable experience. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

The Heart of the Action: Burton Beer & Cider Festival

The premier highlight of the town's brewing calendar is the annual Burton Beer & Cider Festival, traditionally hosted by the local branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale). Held within the magnificent Victorian surroundings of Burton Town Hall on King Edward Place, this event showcases hundreds of cask ales, craft beers, traditional ciders, and perries from local Staffordshire breweries and independent producers across the United Kingdom.

The Town Hall provides a grand backdrop for sampling. With its ornate timber roof, stained glass windows, and historic civic grandeur, it offers an authentic British beer festival setting. Festival sessions typically run across several days, offering both lunchtime and evening sessions, accompanied by live music, festival programmes, and commemorative festival glassware.

Top Tips for Visiting the Festival

To get the best out of your beer festival experience in Burton upon Trent, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Plan Your Sessions Early: Popular evening sessions can sell out quickly. Check event details online in advance to secure admission tickets or plan an early arrival for walk-in entry.
• Pick Up the Programme: On arrival, pick up the official festival tasting notes. The beers are often categorized by style, region, and ABV, helping you navigate the extensive cask lines.
• Try Thirds and Halves: With scores of unique ales and ciders on offer, opting for third-pint or half-pint measures allows you to sample a wider spectrum of flavours responsibly.
• Stay Hydrated: Make full use of the free water points available around the festival hall between tastings.
• Explore the Town's Food Scene: There is a diverse selection of independent eateries, casual bistros, and international restaurants located around the town centre, just a short walk from the festival venue, perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner before or after your session.

Extend the Tour: Burton's Historic Real Ale Pubs

While the festival hall is the main attraction, a trip to Burton upon Trent would not be complete without exploring the town's celebrated pub circuit. Burton is home to some of the most famous real ale pubs in the country, many within comfortable walking distance of the town centre.

Must-visit establishments include the historic Coopers Tavern on Cross Street, renowned for serving ales poured straight from the cask behind the tap room. Another staple is the Burton Bridge Inn, a traditional tavern with a long-standing association with local brewing heritage. In the town centre and along the Trent washlands, you will also discover numerous welcoming pubs, micro-pubs, and modern taprooms pouring everything from heritage bitters to cutting-edge IPAs.

Getting to Burton upon Trent

Burton upon Trent is exceptionally well-connected, making it an easy weekend getaway for festivalgoers. If arriving by rail, Burton railway station is served by regular CrossCountry rail services connecting Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, and beyond. For those travelling by car, Burton upon Trent sits right on the A38 corridor, providing straightforward road connections to the A50, M1, and M6.

Where to Stay: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

After an afternoon or evening discovering the finest ales in Britain, you need a comfortable, relaxing base to unwind. Located on Bridge Street, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge puts you right in the ideal spot for the festival.

The hotel is situated just a 5-minute walk from the bustling town centre and only 1 mile from Burton railway station, allowing you to travel to and from the festival venues with ease on foot or via a quick local taxi ride. For guests driving into Staffordshire, the property provides the convenience of free on-site parking.

Three Queens Hotel features 62 well-appointed rooms, catering to solo travellers, couples, and groups attending the festival together. You can choose from a broad variety of layouts, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family rooms, Quadruple rooms, a spacious Mews Apartment, and a classic four-poster Suite. You can view all options on our rooms page.

Every room is en-suite with a private bathroom, ensuring total comfort during your stay. In-room amenities include a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, a direct dial phone, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities—ideal for a refreshing morning brew before heading out to explore the town. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry services.

With reception open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and a dedicated night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, you can return from your evening at the festival knowing assistance is always available on-site.

Book Your Festival Stay Direct

Beer festival weekends in Burton upon Trent are popular, and nearby accommodation books up quickly. Secure your room early to ensure you are close to the festival venues and town centre attractions. Visit our booking page to check current availability and reserve your stay direct today, or reach out to our team at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk or by calling 01283 523800.

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