Whisky Trails and Gin Journeys: Explore the UK’s Premier Distillery Tours

Foodies

From the smoky malts of the Highlands to the botanical gins of London, the UK has firmly established itself as a global leader in the art of distillation. Whether you’re an experienced whisky connoisseur, a gin aficionado, or simply in search of a spirited addition to your travels, a tour of one of Britain’s distilleries offers a unique opportunity to savour local flavours – both culturally and gastronomically.

Across the UK, distillery tours interweave craftsmanship, storytelling, and tastings against scenic and often historic backdrops. Many are nestled in picturesque rural locations, from secluded glens to coastal villages, making them ideal stops on a self-directed adventure. At Great British Trips, we’ve assisted numerous travellers in discovering the UK’s liquid heritage through bespoke itineraries – here are some of the destinations that are truly worth raising a glass to.

Scotland: The Whisky Heartland

Oban Distillery, Argyll

Why visit: Big flavour in a small setting – and an ideal urban tasting stop

Situated in its namesake harbour town, Oban Distillery offers an intimate, atmospheric whisky experience. The tour, though small, is rich in storytelling, with whisky flavours shaped by proximity to both sea and mountains.

Pair with: Seafood lunches on the pier, ferry excursions to Mull, or visits to nearby castles
 Included in: Our Scotland’s West Coast Explorer

England: Gin Renaissance and Craft Whisky

While England has only recently begun large-scale whisky production, it has quickly gained a reputation for innovation. Concurrently, the English gin revival has spurred the emergence of numerous award-winning distilleries – from rural barns to urban centres.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

Why visit: Stylish, sustainable, and visually stunning

Occupying a refurbished Victorian paper mill, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill is a masterclass in branding and sustainability.

Highlights:

  • The heritage centre and distillation hall
  • Custom cocktails at the on-site bar
  • Nearby walks along the River Test

Perfect for: A countryside stop on our Southern England Discovery Tour

Un Whiskey en Irlande du Nord, Antrim

Why visit: Award-winning gin and England’s inaugural premium single malt

Located in the heart of rural Warwickshire, the Cotswolds Distillery produces expressive gins and a rich, fruity English single malt. The distillery has become a staple on English food and drink itineraries.

Don’t miss:

  • A tasting flight in the on-site café
  • Scenic walks in nearby villages
  • Their seasonal cocktail workshops

Easily incorporated into: Our Heart of England Tour

The Lakes Distillery, Cumbria

Why visit: Poetic whisky and equally stunning views

Situated near Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District, this sleek, modern distillery crafts whisky, gin, and vodka – with an emphasis on local ingredients and natural inspiration.

Highlights:

  • The distillery restaurant with locally sourced menus
  • Strolls along the lake shore
  • Proximity to Wordsworth’s Grasmere

Part of: Our Northern England Discovery Tour

Wales and Northern Ireland: Small but Impressive

Wales and Northern Ireland both boast an increasing number of high-quality, boutique distilleries that blend innovation with deep regional pride.

Penderyn Distillery, South Wales

Why visit: Wales’ pioneering and most renowned whisky brand

Set near the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Penderyn has reintroduced Welsh whisky to the global stage with its Madeira-cask-aged signature malt.

Don’t miss:

  • The visitor centre’s museum-style exhibit
  • Local hikes in the adjacent national park
  • New branches opening in Llandudno and Swansea

Part of: Our Wales Discovery Tour

 

Distillerie de Whiskey de Bushmill, Dégustation, goût, Irlande du Nord, Antrim

Echlinville Distillery, County Down

Why visit: A boutique distillery making significant strides in Irish spirits

One of Northern Ireland’s first licensed distilleries in over a century, Echlinville produces both whiskey and gin, emphasising locally grown barley and traditional field-to-glass methods. Located just outside Strangford Lough, the setting is tranquil and steeped in folklore.

Best included in: A tailored stop on our Northern Ireland Explorer route

Embark on a Spirited Journey

Distillery tours in the UK are not just about tasting – they are about connecting with craftsmanship, heritage, and the landscape itself. From the windswept isles to charming country lanes, every bottle narrates a tale – and every visit brings you closer to it.

With Great British Trips, you can create an itinerary that weaves together Britain’s top cultural sights with unforgettable distillery visits. Whether you’re traversing the whisky trails of Speyside, gin hopping across London and Hampshire, or sampling English single malts with a view, we’ll help you toast your way through the very best of Britain.

Explore our food and drink-inspired itineraries or reach out to start planning your ultimate distillery journey across the UK.

Step Inside the Story

These homes are not just beautiful buildings—they are places where history unfolded. Where families rose and fell, where art was amassed and wars were strategised, where gardens were shaped over centuries, and where tradition still lingers in the air.

With Great British Trips, you can walk in the footsteps of aristocrats and artists, royalty and custodians, through the grand halls and private chambers of Britain’s country estates. Whether you’re a history buff, a Downton Abbey fan, or simply someone who appreciates a perfectly set tea table, there’s a stately home waiting for you.

Explore our UK heritage and countryside tours and start planning your own adventure into Britain’s most graceful past.

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