Gin has gone from dusty backbars to craft darling in recent years, with distilleries popping up in historic cities, wild coasts, and countryside barns. Whether you’re a die-hard gin aficionado or just curious about botanical spirits, there’s no better way to understand what goes into your favourite tipple than by visiting a working distillery.
From heritage-rich operations in London to eco-conscious craft producers in the Highlands—and a few gems across the Channel—here are some of the best gin distilleries to visit in the UK and beyond.
🇬🇧 Must-Visit Gin Distilleries in the UK
1. Bombay Sapphire Distillery – Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire
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Why go? The distillery is set in a stunning, restored paper mill with glasshouses for the botanicals. Expect science-meets-art elegance.
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Tour highlights: Interactive exhibits, gin lab experiences, and a bespoke cocktail bar.
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Top Tip: Book the Gin Cocktail Masterclass for hands-on shaking and stirring.
2. Sipsmith – London
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Why go? The pioneers of London’s gin revival, nestled in the heart of Chiswick.
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Tour highlights: Learn how their copper stills helped change UK distilling laws. Small, intimate tours with tastings.
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Top Tip: Tours often sell out weeks in advance—plan early.
3. The Cotswolds Distillery – Stourton, Warwickshire
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Why go? Famous for both gin and whisky, this picturesque spot is a gem for spirits fans.
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Tour highlights: Insightful tastings and the chance to see the full distillation process.
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Top Tip: Their Cotswolds Dry Gin is a must-try—floral, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
4. Isle of Harris Distillery – Outer Hebrides, Scotland
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Why go? For a taste of Scotland’s coast in every sip. Their gin is infused with locally harvested sugar kelp.
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Tour highlights: Storytelling, scenery, and sustainability.
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Top Tip: Their bottle is as iconic as the gin—bring one back as a souvenir.
5. Tarquin’s – Cornwall
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Why go? A small-batch gin revolution that started in a surf shack. Very much the spirit of the southwest.
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Tour highlights: Behind-the-scenes of flame-fired stills and wild Cornish botanicals.
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Top Tip: Ask about their seasonal or limited-run gins.
🌍 Distillery Destinations Beyond the UK
6. Monkey 47 – Black Forest, Germany
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Why go? A cult gin made with 47 botanicals—and one of the most complex and rich you’ll ever taste.
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Tour highlights: Nestled in the mystical Black Forest, this is more experience than factory tour.
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Top Tip: You’ll need to reserve well in advance—limited capacity, but unforgettable.
7. Citadelle Gin – Cognac, France
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Why go? Made by Maison Ferrand in traditional Charentaise stills, this French gin exudes elegance.
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Tour highlights: Set in Château de Bonbonnet, combining gin, history, and vines.
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Top Tip: Don’t miss their barrel-aged gin expressions.
8. Gin Mare – Costa Brava, Spain
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Why go? Mediterranean-inspired gin made with olive, thyme, rosemary, and basil.
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Tour highlights: Sea views, Spanish sunshine, and a flavour profile like no other.
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Top Tip: It pairs exceptionally with seafood tapas—try it at the source.
🍸 Planning Your Visit
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Book in advance: Especially in high season or weekends.
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Check for experiences: Many offer cocktail classes, foraging walks, or blend-your-own-gin workshops.
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Respect local guidelines: Some are working distilleries with restricted areas or age limits.
✨ The Spirit of Adventure
Visiting a distillery turns your favourite gin from a flavour into a story. You meet the people behind the spirit, witness the craft in action, and understand the land and lore that shape each bottle. Whether you stay close to home or venture further afield, you’ll never sip gin the same way again.