The Bass Museum And The Social History of Brewing In Burton

The Brewing Experience is proud to incorporate large elements of the original Bass Museum.

It contains a unique collection of 'Bass' artefacts and the history of this world famous brand. Learn about the legendary Bass family and their role in the development of brewing in Burton and the fascinating story of the introduction of 'IPA', India Pale Ale.

The museum also celebrates the social history of the development of brewing in Burton – the real life experiences and stories of the local men and women who helped to build Burton's world-renowned brewing reputation. One of the most intriguing exhibits is the model of Burton town centre and the breweries that were operating in this area at the beginning of the 20th Century.

We also stage a number of temporary exhibitions relating to brewing, the social history of Burton or the work of local artists.

Discover The History, Art And Fun of Brewing

Your tour starts with a holographic-style presentation, from ancient Egypt to the modern day, which takes you on an entertaining journey through the evolution of brewing.

Each step of the brewing process is explained, from malting and hop growing, through to the brewing process itself – including full size historical brewing vessels. A variety of multi-media presentations and our talented character performers really bring the story to life.

The experience is then brought up to date by the newly completed William Worthington's microbrewery where you can actually see the brewing process in action! Although very modern in appearance it is a traditional English brew house, using Burton well water, English malted barley and hops to recreate beers first brewed 150 years ago.

Try the finished product at our sampling station or in The Brewery Tap bar (four samples per adult free with your entrance ticket).

The Role of Steam In The History Of Brewing

Our Robey steam engine is similar to those that would have drawn clean well water from the springs of St. Modwen to the brewery. It is a Tandem Compound engine – which made it very economical to run. Robey engines were still in use at the Sleaford Maltings until its closure in 1959. This model is still in good working order and is run at weekends and Bank Holidays (except during Winter months) by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Steam enthusiasts and kids of all ages – will also be delighted with both our No.9 steam train and Directors' coach, featured in our recreation of a station platform from the days when the Bass Brewery had its own railway network.

A model of the fantastic network of rail that existed around Burton is on display at the second floor of the joinery shop exhibition building.

Vintage Brewing Industry Vehicles

Transport played an important part of the evolution of the brewing industry. From horse-drawn drays, through to more modern-day vehicles. The Brewing Experience houses a fine collection of vehicles, that includes delivery wagons, fire trucks, a double-decker bus and special promotional vehicles, such as a 1920s Daimler bottle car that was built to deliver promotional materials to pubs.

This unique collection provides an intriguing and fascinating element to your visit to The Brewing Experience.

On some weekends and on Bank Holidays our team of dedicated volunteers will be on hand to explain the history of the vehicles and even get certain vehicles started up and running.

Our Character Performers & Shire Horse

Our dedicated team of character performers will entertain you during your visit to The Brewing Experience. Serving you samples of real ales in our Edwardian Bar and talking about the bygone days of brewing, they'll bring Burton's glory days back to life. They combine historical knowledge with lots of amusing anecdotes to keep you both informed and amused!

On Bank Holidays, Bank Holiday weekends and at certain special events – you can meet our magnificent Shire horses. We have an array of traditional drays (carts) that were used to deliver beer in days of old. Come along and chat to the head horseman, who started his working life delivering beer with Shire horses in Blackburn! The original Shire stables are open to the public everyday.

The Brewery Historic Site

The National Brewery Centre is located in the heart of Burton upon Trent, the home of brewing and birthplace of the historic Bass and Allsopp breweries. The Centre, with its wealth of period Grade 2 listed buildings, is steeped in history and is known throughout the world for its massive contribution to brewing.

Besides The Brewing Experience attraction, The National Brewery Centre is also home to an unrivalled array of historical collections that relate to brewing. This includes an extensive archive of ledgers, books, photographs and film from the breweries that once occupied the site; a library containing brewing-related books and journals and objects that include paintings, ceramics, glass, bottles, cans, beer mats and Inn-signs. This collection is of national importance.

New for 2011! Specialist group tours of the historic site and museum are now available, led by our knowledgeable experts (minimum tour numbers 10 people).

The tradition of brewing in Burton continues today – the modern Molson Coors Brewery is situated next to the visitor heritage area and is continuing the tradition of producing beer brands of world renown.

Guided tours of the modern brewery are available and can be combined with your National Brewery Centre visit, but must be prebooked.

Our Beer Boutique, Coffee & Gift Shops

Refresh yourself and enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and one of our delicious home made cakes or pastries during your visit. Our coffee shop is located inside our gift shop, where you'll find a wide-range of souvenir gifts, brewing memorabilia, sweets and specialist beers to take home with you.

New for 2011! We are pleased to announce the opening of The Beer Boutique. It will stock a wide range of beers from the UK and around the world, as well as a selection of beers from the William Worthington Brewery at the NBC, including Worthington White Shield, Red Shield, Worthington E, P2 imperial stout and IPA. We will also be developing a full on line shop facility during the course of 2011.