Top Boutique Gin Distilleries to Watch in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s craft-gin scene is on fire. From Ilkley’s spring-water spirits to farm-to-still innovations, these small-batch distilleries are leading Britain’s next gin wave. We’ve visited each site, met the makers and tasted every release—so you know these names are worth seeking out. For more spirit guides, head to our homepage.
1. Ilkley Distillery (Ilkley)
Highlight: Pure Yorkshire spring water and foraged botanicals (buckthorn, hawthorn).
Signature Gin: Wharfedale Gold – floral, juniper-led, crisp finish.
Visit Info: Tours and tastings by appointment. See our location page for directions, or plan your trip via local bus routes and the train station.
2. BöE Gin (Skipton)
Highlight: Family farm distilling with Skipton Well water and home-grown blackcurrants.
Signature Gin: BöE Seabuckthorn – tangy, zesty, perfect over ice.
Visit Info: Small-group tastings Fridays–Sundays. Book early via our events calendar.
3. The Great Yorkshire Distillery (Bishop Burton)
Highlight: Grain-to-glass production—on-site barley mash and copper pot stills.
Signature Gin: Zebra Gin – bright citrus, warm coriander spice.
Visit Info: Daily tours plus cocktail masterclass add-on. Check our opening hours before you go.
4. York Distillery Co (York)
Highlight: Historic recipes revived with a modern twist.
Signature Gin: Coppergate Gin – peppery cardamom, crisp lemon zest.
Visit Info: Heritage tasting room and ghost-tour pairings. Combine with things to do in Ilkley for a longer trip north.
5. Black Shire Distillery (Harrogate)
Highlight: Foraged spruce tips, wild honey and local juniper.
Signature Gin: White Rose – smooth, honey-led finish.
Visit Info: Weekend open days and garden bar. Hungry? See our guide to places to eat in Ilkley for nearby cafés.
6. Two Birds Distillery (Leeds)
Highlight: Collabs with Harewood House chefs for unique botanical blends.
Signature Gin: Barking Bird – earthy pine, fresh spruce.
Visit Info: Seasonal pop-ups at the estate. Keep an eye on our homepage for updates.
7. Dark Horse Distillery (Hunton)
Highlight: Experimental cask-ageing in farm-barrel houses.
Signature Gin: Night Rider – smoky oak, rich vanilla notes.
Visit Info: Limited-spot tastings; check weather in Ilkley before travelling.
Plan Your Yorkshire Gin Trail
- Cluster by Region:
- Ilkley & Skipton: Ilkley Distillery, BöE Gin
- East Riding: The Great Yorkshire Distillery, Dark Horse
- Central Yorkshire: York Distillery Co, Black Shire
- Leeds Outskirts: Two Birds Distillery
- Local Transport & Stay:
- Taxis: Book via our Ilkley taxis guide.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit our nearby attractions page for day-trip ideas.
- Plan Meals: Check our Ilkley places to eat FAQ.
- Book Tastings & Events:
Need Help or a Bespoke Tour?
For private tastings, corporate outings or custom itineraries, just contact us and we’ll handle the details.
Raise a glass to Yorkshire’s finest craft gins—and don’t forget to return to our homepage for the latest news and guides. Cheers!
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Gin Distillery Tours You Can’t Miss in the UK
From Yorkshire springs to seaside stills, the UK is home to world-class gin producers offering immersive tours and tastings. We’ve visited each venue, met the makers and sampled every pour—so you can plan the ultimate gin road trip. For more guides, head to our homepage.
How We Chose These Tours
- Hands-On Experience: Each distillery offers a full walk-through of the still room and botanical store.
- Guided Tastings: Expert-led sampling sessions with pairing notes.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Opportunity to try cutting-edge recipes or rare cask-aged releases.
- Visitor Amenities: On-site bars, gift shops and local food partnerships.
England
Ilkley Distillery (Ilkley, Yorkshire)
Highlight: Pure Dales spring water and foraged buckthorn.
Tour: 60-minute distillery walk, tasting of Wharfedale Gold, plus a botanical blending session.
Book: Slots fill fast—reserve via our booking page or contact the distillery directly.
Sipsmith Distillery (Chiswick, London)
Highlight: Pioneers of the modern London-dry revival.
Tour: Behind-the-copper-pot still tour, Negroni masterclass and cocktail pairing.
Visit Tip: Combine with a stroll along the Thames and dinner in the neighbourhood—see our places to eat guide for inspiration.
Cotswolds Distillery (Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire)
Highlight: Single-estate barley mash and rainwater cooling.
Tour: Grain-to-glass walk, tasting of their award-winning Dry Gin, plus distiller-led Q&A.
Plan Your Trip: Check local bus routes or drive through the scenic Cotswolds.
Scotland
Edinburgh Gin Distillery (Leith, Edinburgh)
Highlight: Historic port-side warehouses converted into a modern gin lab.
Tour: Botanical bar demo, tasting flight of Original, Cannonball and Seaside gins.
Insider Tip: Book a twilight tour to see the still room under fairy lights—ideal for photography.
Wales
Aber Falls Distillery (Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd)
Highlight: Welsh spring water and foraged elderflowers.
Tour: Full distillation walkthrough, plus tasting of award-winning Welsh Dry Gin.
Nearby Attractions: Combine with a hike in Snowdonia—see our nearby attractions page.
Northern Ireland
Shortcross Distillery (Crossgar, County Down)
Highlight: First gin distillery in Northern Ireland, using local barley spirit.
Tour: Craft gin session, tasting of classic gin and seasonal limited editions.
Getting There: Crossgar is a 25-minute drive from Belfast—taxis details on Ilkley taxis are similar for Belfast.
Plan Your UK Gin Trail
- Cluster by Region
- Yorkshire & Cotswolds: Ilkley, Cotswolds Distillery
- London: Sipsmith
- Scotland: Edinburgh Gin
- Wales: Aber Falls
- Northern Ireland: Shortcross
- Timing & Transport
- Opening Hours: Confirm each venue on their website or our opening hours.
- Travel: Mix driving with scenic train routes (e.g., London → Edinburgh).
- Book in Advance
Distilleries cap group sizes—secure your spot via booking at least two weeks ahead.
Ready to Go Further?
For bespoke itineraries, private group tours or corporate events, simply contact us and we’ll tailor every detail. Cheers to discovering the UK’s finest gin distilleries!