Real Ale Runabouts

Ipswich Buses is pleased to again partner with Ipswich & East Suffolk CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to deliver a programme of Real Ale Runabouts throughout 2025.

We are proud to have been working with CAMRA delivering the Real Ale Roundabouts since 1983!

What is a Real Ale Runabout?

Real Ale Runabouts are bus trips to rural pubs in Suffolk & Essex, with each runabout stopping multiple public houses each day.

CAMRA arranges the programme of pubs, with those joining the tour finding out where they will be visiting on the day!

CAMRA know pubs, and they know ale, so attendees are sure to enjoy scenic locations, a mixture of pubs, with a wide variety of real ale on offer.

Participants must be aged 18 or over.

When are the Real Ale Runabouts, and what areas will they be touring?

There are 10 runabouts confirmed in 2025:

• Saturday 22^nd March – visiting pubs in East Bergholt, Brantham & Bentley
• Saturday 26^th April – visiting pubs in Halstead, Toppesfield & Belchamp St Paul
• Saturday 24^th May –visiting pubs in Debenham, MSLR Station Bar & Thornham
• Saturday 21^st June – visiting pubs in Shottisham, Alderton & Hollesley
• Saturday 19^th July –visiting pubs in Southwold
• Saturday 23^rd August – visiting pubs in Cavendish, Clare & Stanningfield
• Saturday 20^th September – visiting pubs in Bramfield, Huntingfield & Laxfield
• Saturday 18^th October – visiting pubs in Witham & Maldon
• Saturday 15^th November – visiting pubs in Halesworth, Rumburgh & Grain Brewery (Alburgh)
• Saturday 13^th December – Winter mystery trip

When does a Real Ale runabout start?

All runabouts depart Tower Rampart Bus Station (Cricketers Layby) at 11:15. Tours finish when they finish (usually around 19:00)!

How much is a ticket?

Tickets cost £13.00, or £12.00 to a member of CAMRA (membership card must be presented).

How do I book a place?

All tickets must be pre-booked and will not be sold on board.

To find out more or book your place on a Real Ale Runabout, contact our Travel Shop at Tower Ramparts Bus Station by email at info@ipswichbuses.co.uk, by phone on 01473 344800, or drop by in person.

Participants must be aged 18 or over.

Attendees must drink responsibly.