MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT…
Make a Weekend of It: Things to Do in Berkhamsted Before or After Brewfest 🍻🌿🛍️
Coming to Berkhamsted Brewfest 2025? Why not turn your festival experience into a full weekend getaway?
With canal-side charm, historic landmarks, cosy cafés, and a vibrant independent high street, Berkhamsted is more than just the home of one of the UK’s best craft beer festivals. It's the perfect place to explore, unwind, and soak up everything Hertfordshire has to offer.
Whether you're travelling from London, the Three Counties, or beyond — here’s your complete craft beer festival travel guide for making the most of your weekend in Berkhamsted.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grand Union Canal & Countryside Walks
Start your day with a scenic stroll along the Grand Union Canal. Just a few steps from Brewfest’s main venue, this peaceful towpath walk is ideal for:
Morning coffee strolls ☕
Dog-walking 🐶
Post-festival detox walks 🧘♀️
Extend your route into Ashridge Estate or the Chiltern Hills AONB, just minutes from town — ideal for nature lovers or anyone wanting to stretch their legs in fresh Hertfordshire air.
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🏰 Visit Berkhamsted Castle – A Real Piece of History
Don’t miss the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle dating back to 1066. It’s one of the best-preserved examples in England and completely free to visit.
Great for families
Ideal spot for a pre-festival picnic
Just a 5-minute walk from the town centre
Perfect for anyone looking to blend heritage with hops.
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☕ Coffee, Cake & Chill: Independent Cafés to Visit
If you’re arriving early or need a break from the Brewfest buzz, Berkhamsted’s high street has plenty of independent coffee shops and bakeries to recharge.
Popular spots include:
Fred & Ginger – sleek interiors, seriously good flat whites
The Rising Sun Café – perfect for canal-side brunch
Darcy’s – excellent cakes and comfy corners
These spots are ideal for relaxing before a big day at the festival — or recovering from one.
🍽️ Grab a Bite Around Town
While Brewfest boasts incredible street food vendors, Berkhamsted is also home to some excellent pubs, restaurants, and delis that make the perfect stop on Friday night or Sunday morning.
Top food spots near the Brewfest venue:
The Boat – riverside pub dining
Here Café – modern brunch & seasonal plates
Tabure – Turkish tapas with rave reviews
The Gatsby – art deco-style cocktails & fine dining
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🛍️ Shop Local: Berkhamsted High Street & Markets
If you’re making a weekend of it, take time to explore Berkhamsted’s buzzing High Street. Full of boutique stores, bookshops, gift shops, and artisan markets, it’s a haven for browsing and buying.
Look out for:
Artisan cheese & deli shops
Vinyl records, homeware, and eco-friendly gifts
Local markets (especially Saturday mornings!)
Great for souvenirs, gifts, and supporting the Berkhamsted community.
🎭 Evening Entertainment Beyond Brewfest
Once Brewfest wraps up each night, why not catch more live entertainment in town?
The Rex Cinema – An iconic art deco cinema showing indie & mainstream films
Live music at local pubs like The Crown or The Kings Arms
Comedy Night at Brewfest on Thursday 11th Sept – the official kickoff to the weekend!
Whether you’re after a chilled-out film night or a lively pub scene, Berkhamsted keeps the vibe going even after the last pint is poured.
🛏️ Stay Local: Where to Sleep in Berkhamsted
If you're planning to attend multiple days of Brewfest, booking local accommodation is a smart move. Options range from cosy B&Bs to boutique inns and hotel chains.
Top choices:
The Kings Arms Hotel – historic charm, central location
The Pennyfarthing Hotel – modern rooms, walkable to Brewfest
The Ivy House B&B – countryside stay just outside town
Plus nearby stays in Tring, Hemel Hempstead, and Chesham
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📍 Getting to Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted is easily accessible:
🚆 35 minutes from London Euston by train
🚗 Located off the A41, with parking available
Local taxis & walking routes from train station to Brewfest venue
This accessibility makes it the ideal weekend getaway from London or surrounding towns like St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, and Amersham.
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🎟️ Plan Your Weekend Around Brewfest 2025
Here’s how to fit it all in:
Thursday, Sept 11 – Brewfest Comedy Night + lunch in town
Friday, Sept 12 – Brewfest Day 1 + canal walk or castle visit
Saturday, Sept 13 – Brewfest Day 2 + live music from Tom Wacket, Grace George, and Luke Carey
Sunday, Sept 14 – Family Funday + brunch, shopping, and Berkhamsted High Street stroll
It’s not just a festival — it’s a full weekend experience.
🎫 Ready to Book Your Brewfest Weekend?
Don’t just come for the beer — come for the adventure.
📅 Berkhamsted Brewfest: Sept 11–14, 2025
🎟️ Buy Tickets Here
🌐 Visit www.berkobrewfest.co.uk
Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby towns, this is the Hertfordshire event of 2025 you won’t want to miss.