Scotland · DRINKING TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 drinking tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part of planning.
Glasgow’s Tennent’s Brewery Tour at Wellpark: a 90-minute, story-led brew experience with a free pint from the tank.
“The tour guide was very informative and very funny. Were not expecting the hair nets but understand why they are needed and caused a good laugh amongst the people on the tour”
Edinburgh’s Literary Pub Tour pairs actor-led walking performances with historic pubs in Old and New Towns, plus optional drinks.
“Lack of a contingency plan for a rainy night rendered this performance unbalanced and off-kilter. A bit disappointing.”
A seven-bar Edinburgh pub crawl with included shots, a bomb, VIP entry, and drink discounts, paced by party-minded guides.
“We didn't immediately gather up as a group at the first bar, but once you see the guides and the full group the night picks up. The guides were energetic and fun. Everything was explained and all the bars were more and more fun. It's a great way to kick off a visit and meet new people from all over the world.”
Edinburgh’s Old Town pub walk with beer tastings, brewing heritage stories, and cozy cask ale stops. Small group, about 2 hours.
“Wag was an exceptional guide with an incredible wealth of knowledge about beer making and its history. Could not recommend more!!”
Join a 6-hour Old Town pub crawl with fast entry to 5 venues, a welcome drink, free shots, and drink discounts in Edinburgh.
“Honestly, I didn’t know how we would go. Not sure if we would have a great night or not. Well. We didn’t have a great night. We had a FANTASTIC night!! Met some amazing people and hit some good drinking spots. I would highly recommend this tour. It’s not just for the young ones it’s for any one of any age.”
Guided whisky and beer tour at Inverness’ Uilebheist, with a small-group visit and tastings of New-Make spirit, Colpach whisky, and beer.
“It’s a long tour with a very, very, very technical description of the distilling and brewing process. Beautiful facility but I’d skip the tour and just get a pint. If you’re interested in the technical components of brewing and distilling it’s for you. If you’re looking for more of the Scottish mythology and about the company itself you can skip the tour.”
A small-group Glasgow walking tour with craft beer tastings, George Square orientation, and pub history, with your evening free.
“What a great way to spend an evening in Glasgow! This was a small group tour (7 guest) and our guide was Leigh (forgive me if I've spelled it incorrectly). Leigh was very engaging and spent a bit of time knowing all of her guests and what they liked/disliked in a beer. Then off we went! Her knowledge of beer is astonishing! From the science of it, to the physical attributes, methods of brewing, the taste, and how to properly taste. She would "surprise" us with different beers and we would discuss all aspects of it and try to guess what we were drinking. Who knew that having a few…”
One hour Edinburgh beer tasting in The Lost Close underground vaults. Sip local craft beers, learn flavor tips, and hear close history.
“Our guide Terry was fantastic! We met folks from all over the world and tried 5 good beers. The experience was so great we wished it lasted more than the hour. Beers varied, so there's something for everyone here, all set in a really unique setting. Would recommend to any of my friends.”
Edinburgh pub crawl with VIP entry, 6 free shots, drinking games, and host photos across local bars, ending at The Hive in 5 to 6 hours.
“We had a lot of fun not really knowing what to expect. Tour went exactly as planned and we had much to drink. The included shots we had at each bar were sweet but easy enough for my wife to handle(she doesn’t drink really). Danielle our tour guide was amazing. We were celebrating our honeymoon on this trip, and our guide kept it a secret as we wished. Bar hopping was a lot of fun. Our group was awesome. We will be recommending it to those that visit. Thanks for a great time again!”
Follow spooky tales through Edinburgh pubs with a welcome cocktail on a 3-hour small-group tour from the National Museum for $39.85.
“Ended up with a private tour for two because the other scheduled guests canceled, but our host, John, didn't miss a beat. We visited 4 great pubs with interesting, and/or sinister histories. John was welcoming and funny, and answered any questions we had about Edinburgh. He also gave us a great revommendation for fish and chips after. All of the suggested beverages were a hit, especially the traditional ale at Grey friar's Bobby. Would highly recommend this experience.”
A small-group walking whisky pub crawl through Glasgow, from river stories to members-only pours, led by Neil, in English.
“It was fabulous. Neil was a warm, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate guide who tailored the whisky choices to the tastes of our group. He answered all our questions about whisky, Glasgow history and current events generously. Neil’s approach to whiskey is accessible and not pretentious. It was lovely afternoon and we kinda want to be friends with him now ! Glasgow is a great city and Neil’s tour was a great intro to it and to Scotch! Pro tip: don’t wear a football jersey/colours on this tour; they won’t let you into the bars. This is a “must do” in Glasgow!”
Edinburgh bar crawl with live ceilidh at Stramash, gothic Frankenstein Pub, Irish music at Biddy Mulligan’s, and late-night The Hive.
“I met awesome friends here and they were so nice!”
Adult-only Edinburgh Harry Potter walking tour with a small group, 9-plus key stops, and a local pub drink at the end.
“We had a great time with our guide Jackson! We went to many interesting locations. Jackson had great stories for each one. The views of the city at night were truely magical! We would highly recommend.”
Whisky tasting in Edinburgh’s Waverley Bar with a storyteller guide. Taste 4 single malts with notes, 2 hours, $49.38.
“Great information and insight into the Whisky world. John was fabulous at delivering the facts in a very interesting way including stories and history.”
Leith craft beer tour in Edinburgh with a small group, guided tastings at local breweries and taprooms, and a 1:30pm start.
“A Fantastic Tour that opened our eyes to new Local Brewers and beer styles.”
Every kind of day out, from an hour under the Old Town to a week in the islands.
