Grasmere Distillery tour

Introduction

If you’re exploring the Lake District and have a taste for authentic craftsmanship, the Grasmere Distillery tour offers a fascinating glimpse into small-batch spirit production. This family-run gem is unique among distilleries, blending traditional methods with a genuine local touch. The one-hour experience includes a guided walk with the founder, Paul Abbott, tastings of dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, and a peek into the distillation process that sets it apart.

What we love about this tour is how personal and relaxed it feels—you’re not just a number among a crowd but welcomed by passionate makers who are proud to share their craft. The setting, partly in old hay barns near Grasmere Lake, adds a rustic charm that’s perfect for those wanting a more authentic experience.

One potential consideration is the limited tasting selection—if you’re eager to sample a wide range of spirits, this might feel a bit brief. Still, the quality and story behind each drink make it worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy discovering local producers, appreciate craftsmanship, and want a memorable, educational outing that supports local families rather than big corporate brands.

Key Points

• Authentic Family Business: Small-scale, family-owned, with spirits made entirely from scratch.
• Expert Guided Tour: Led by founder Paul Abbott, offering personal insights into the distillation process.
• Tasting Experience: Includes dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, with ample opportunity to savor and learn.
• Unique Location: Set in scenic old hay barns near Grasmere Lake, providing a rustic, picturesque backdrop.
• Family and Dog Friendly: Suitable for visitors of all ages and traveling with pets.
• Excellent Value: At $33.67 per person, offering a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at craft distilling.

A Closer Look at the Grasmere Distillery Tour

The Setting and Atmosphere

Starting at The Good Sport, the distillery’s tap room, you immediately sense a laid-back vibe. It’s a cozy spot where locals gather, and the tour begins with a friendly introduction before heading down to the distillery. The actual production takes place in converted hay barns nearby—this adds a layer of authenticity often missing from larger, commercial operations.

The rustic environment, combined with scenic views of Grasmere Lake, creates a peaceful backdrop that enhances the overall experience. You can expect a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and observe the craftsmanship firsthand.

What Makes This Distillery Unique

Unlike mass-produced spirits or those bought pre-flavored, Grasmere Distillery prides itself on creating spirits from raw ingredients. They use traditional methods, fermenting and distilling spirits like gin, vodka, and even laying down casks of single malt whisky for future maturation.

The owners, who live on-site, are directly involved in the process, ensuring high quality and attention to detail. This is a rare find in the Lake District, where most distilleries tend to be larger or simply repackage bought-in alcohol.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: You meet at The Good Sport, a local tap room, where your guide, Paul Abbott, greets you warmly. Here, you’ll get a brief overview of the distillery’s history and mission—knowing that this is a family-run business makes a difference. Paul’s passion is infectious, and his storytelling about starting the distillery adds a personal touch.

Main Tour: You then walk down to the distillery itself, which involves a scenic stroll past the lake and through the countryside. The tour lasts about an hour, during which Paul explains their production methods—from selecting raw ingredients to the fermentation and distillation stages.

Visitors will see the equipment and hear stories of the challenges faced when establishing this small operation. One reviewer mentions how Paul and Dennis, his team members, make the experience personal and engaging, sharing honest stories about their journey.

Tasting Session: After the tour, you head back to the tap room for tastings. You’ll sample the dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, both crafted on-site. The gin, described as beautifully dry, and the ultra-smooth vodka, are clear evidence of their dedication to quality. Multiple reviews highlight how generous the tastings are—one guest appreciated “plenty of tasters,” which enhances the overall value.

What You’ll Learn and Experience

The highlight of this experience is the insider perspective you get from Paul. Reviewers mention how engaging and knowledgeable he is, making the hour feel quick and fully informative. Expect to learn about their unique production techniques, like how they ferment and distill spirits from scratch—an impressive feat when compared to distilleries that buy semi-finished alcohol and flavor it.

If you’re a fan of spirits, you’ll appreciate the chance to distinguish the flavor profiles of their handcrafted gin and vodka. Plus, because the distillery makes a variety of products—lager, IPA, cider, and even single malt whisky—it’s clear they have a passion for diverse craft beverages, not just spirits.

Authentic Local Flavor and Personal Touches

What really sets this tour apart, as several reviewers have pointed out, is how personal and welcoming it feels. Joanne describes it as “relaxing and informative,” while Stacey notes how Dennis and Paul “make it personal,” sharing both their pride and their struggles honestly. Guests leave feeling like they’ve truly connected with a local family rather than just a commercial operation.

You’ll also enjoy the scenic views, the friendly atmosphere, and the chance to ask questions about what it takes to run a small distillery in a rural setting. The fact that the owners live on-site means they’re often around, happy to chat beyond the tour, which adds to the genuine feel.

Practical Details and Value

At $33.67 per person, the tour offers exceptional value. For this price, you get a well-paced, hour-long guided experience, tastings, and insights you might struggle to find elsewhere in such an authentic setting. There’s no pressure to buy spirits afterward, but the opportunity to purchase locally-made spirits or return for more tastings is available.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors. Plus, since it’s family and dog-friendly, it’s suitable for a wide range of travelers—whether you’re traveling with kids or four-legged friends.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic craftsmanship and want to support small, local producers. If you love learning about how your spirits are made and enjoy scenic, relaxed outings, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also a good choice if you’re in the Lake District area and want a low-key, educational activity that combines scenic views, local culture, and tasty samples. Those interested in whisky might find it particularly interesting as they see the early stages of cask laying, although the whisky isn’t available to taste yet.

On the downside, if you’re looking for a large, multi-flavor tasting or a behind-the-scenes factory tour with extensive production details, this might feel a little limited. However, for genuine insight and quality spirits, it offers excellent value.

The Sum Up

The Grasmere Distillery tour offers a sincere, insightful look into small-scale spirit production in the heart of the Lake District. With its personal approach, scenic location, and high-quality tastings, it’s a memorable experience for those who enjoy discovering local craftsmanship. The fact that it’s family-run, genuine, and passionate makes it stand out from more commercialized options, offering real value for the price.

Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed experience with some fantastic tastings, this tour will leave you feeling more connected to the local culture and the craft behind your favorite spirits. Whether you’re a gin lover, a curious traveler, or someone who just appreciates honest, handcrafted drinks, this tour is worth the time.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or pets?
Yes, the tour is family and dog friendly, making it a relaxed outing for travelers with kids or furry friends.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about one hour, which is a good length for those wanting a concise but thorough experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Good Sport tap room and finishes back there, making it easy to combine with other local activities or a meal afterward.

Are there any additional costs?
The tour price includes tastings of dry gin and sugarbeet vodka. There’s no mention of mandatory purchases, but spirits can be bought afterward if desired.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for a variety of visitors.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.