FAMOUS throughout the world for the production of beer, Burton-upon-Trent has a brewing heritage stretching back to the Middle Ages.

Now visitors can get the brewery experience while staying in luxury at the Grade II listed, 18th century Ramada Burton-upon-Trent Newton Park Hotel, which is the former home of Staffordshire brewer William Worthing.

The town of Burton and the surrounding area lie within the growing National Forest, so visitors can combine their weekend with a leafy walk around some of the forest's hundreds of woodlands.

The special two-night treat package includes tickets to the National Brewery Centre along with a three-course dinner for two in the oak-panelled Folly Restaurant with its vast 18th century fireplace and large windows overlooking landscaped gardens, and full English breakfast on both mornings. The total price for the package to stay in this grand Italianate-style country manor, set in eight acres of private grounds, is £174 per couple (just £87 per person). The offer is available until the end of December.

Visitors can find out more through the website www.visitnationalforest.co.uk or through the hotel's website http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotels/newtonpark.aspx Formerly the Bass Museum, the National Brewery Centre is a world-class museum and visitor centre that celebrates Burton's proud brewing heritage. Brilliant holograms and costumed characters from the breweries' past stroll around the centre and truly bring the history of brewing, beer and Burton itself to life. The brewing experience includes beer tasting, guided tours and a brand new micro-brewery.

The general manager of the Ramada Burton, Tom Keaveny, said: "This is such a beautiful area and with so much to do! The special break gives guests the chance to experience the fascinating heritage of the area, while exploring some of the lovely countryside."

The monks of Burton Abbey from around AD1002 were the first to discover how the local water, which is rich in minerals, made excellent ale. Beer was important because the brewing process made it safer to drink than water, which was unlikely to be pure.

The first commercial brewery in the town was not founded until 1708 with premises close to Burton Bridge. At its peak the town produced one quarter of all beer sold in Britain with over 30 breweries recorded in 1880. Today, only two remain - Molson Coors and Marston's. Burton Bridge Brewery is the only remaining independent brewer although Burton-upon-Trent is now home to a number of high quality micro-breweries.