A Genuine Taste of the Lake District’s Spirits: The Grasmere Distillery Tour
If you’re after a hands-on, authentic experience of how spirits are crafted in the heart of the Lake District, the Grasmere Distillery tour offers just that. Located in Cumbria, this family-owned operation invites you to step inside their working distillery, learn about their small-batch production, and sample some unique drinks from gin to vodka and even single malt whisky. For around $33.67 per person, the hour-long tour provides a window into a real craft business run by people who care deeply about quality and tradition.
What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the chance to meet the distillers themselves, including founder Paul Abbott, who shares his passion and stories with warmth and honesty. Second, the tasting session, which features their dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, offers a genuine taste of local craftsmanship that you won’t find in big-brand bottles. These are spirits made from raw ingredients, often from scratch, in a way that’s increasingly rare in today’s mass-produced world.
A potential caveat? The tour lasts just an hour, so if you’re eager to learn every detail of distillation, you might find it a little brisk. But for most visitors, this brevity is balanced by the engaging personalities and the quality of the tastings. It’s especially well suited for those who appreciate authentic, family-run businesses and want a memorable, relaxed experience rather than a commercialized show.
This tour is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy local craftsmanship, want to support small businesses, and love tasting spirits in a scenic setting. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply looking for a fun, authentic activity in the Lake District, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Authentic Craftsmanship: A family-run distillery making spirits from scratch, including gin, vodka, and whisky.
- Personal Interaction: Meet and chat with distiller Paul Abbott and his team.
- Tastings Included: Sample their dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, straight from the source.
- Scenic Setting: Located near Grasmere lake, with scenic views and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
- Family and Dog Friendly: An inclusive experience for all ages and even furry friends.
- Value for Money: An engaging hour-long tour with tastings at a reasonable price, offering a genuine look at small-scale distilling.
The Journey Through the Distillery: What to Expect
The tour begins at The Good Sport, a welcoming tap room that serves as the starting point for your visit. From here, you’ll walk down to the distillery itself, located in a series of old hay barns near Grasmere lake—an atmospheric setting that lends a rustic charm to the experience. The founder, Paul Abbott, leads the tour, sharing insights into the family business’s history, challenges, and successes.
The Distillery Buildings and Production Process
Once inside, you’ll see the craft distillery in action—fermentation tanks, stills, and barrels—highlighting the traditional methods still used in small-scale, hand-crafted spirit production. Unlike larger distillers that buy semi-finished alcohol, Grasmere Distillery makes everything from raw ingredients, which makes their spirits more authentic and full of character.
Learning About the Spirits
Paul explains how they ferment and distill their products, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients. You’ll learn that most of the spirits—except for the whisky, which is still maturing—are not available outside the valley, making this a chance to taste something truly local.
Tasting the Spirits
The highlight for many visitors is the tasting session. You’ll be offered samples of their dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, crafted specifically for their distillery. The gin, noted for its dry profile, is a favorite among guests, praised for its smoothness and depth. The vodka is described as ultra-smooth, perfect for sipping or mixing.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting the Makers
Throughout the tour, Paul and his team share their passion for spirits and the journey of establishing their business. The reviews highlight how personal and welcoming the guides are, making the experience feel more like a visit to friends’ rural workshop than a commercial tour. As one visitor put it, “Paul and Dennis were so welcoming and the tour was so personal and informative.”
Additional Offerings and Atmosphere
After the tour, many visitors stay at The Good Sport pub, which is also owned by Paul, for more drinks and local fare. The pub offers home-produced alcohol and discounts for locals and workers, adding an extra layer of community charm.
The Practicalities: What Travelers Need to Know
The tour lasts about one hour and is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most guests. It begins at The Good Sport, and the same location is the end point, so you don’t need to worry about transportation once the tour concludes.
Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with cancelation available up to 24 hours in advance—a good choice if your plans are still fluid. The group size is generally intimate, which helps ensure personalized attention.
While lunch or dinner isn’t included, you can enjoy food at the pub afterward, and the tasting sessions are ample for a small, satisfying sample of local spirits. Smoking indoors is not permitted, aligning with health regulations.
Authenticity and Value: Why This Tour Stands Out
In a landscape dominated by large distillers owned by big corporations or semi-finished spirit sellers, this family business stands apart. They make their spirits from raw ingredients, paying attention to quality and tradition. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, describing the tour as “relaxing, informative, and personal,” with one reviewer noting, “We could have stayed listening to Paul all day.”
The price point offers good value considering the quality and authenticity of the experience. It’s a chance to support small-scale, local craftsmanship and take home a genuine product—something you can’t find in supermarkets.
The scenic setting near Grasmere Lake adds to the charm, making this more than just a tasting—it’s a glimpse into the life of a small, passionate business in the Lake District. The inclusive nature of the experience—family and dog friendly—means it’s accessible and welcoming to all.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for travelers who are interested in authentic, locally-made spirits, whether you’re a gin lover or just curious about small-scale distilling. It suits those who appreciate a personal touch, engaging stories, and scenic rural settings. If you enjoy learning about craftsmanship and supporting family-run businesses, you’ll find plenty to love here.
It’s also perfect for those wanting a relaxed activity that combines learning, tasting, and beautiful views. But if you’re looking for a lengthy or highly technical experience, keep in mind the tour is about an hour long and designed to be engaging yet accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, offering enough time to see the distillery and enjoy tastings without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Good Sport, our tap room, and finishes back there, so transportation isn’t an issue.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and also dog-friendly, making it suitable for most visitors.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
What spirits are tasted during the tour?
You’ll sample dry gin and sugarbeet vodka, crafted on-site from raw ingredients.
Can I book the tour in advance?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Is food available after the tour?
While lunch or dinner isn’t included, you can enjoy food and drinks at The Good Sport pub afterward.
What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs around $33.67 per person, offering good value for an authentic, personalized experience.
Are there any restrictions?
Indoor smoking is not allowed during the tour, aligning with standard health regulations.
Final Thoughts
For anyone curious about small-batch distilling or wanting a taste of authentic, locally crafted spirits in the Lake District, the Grasmere Distillery tour offers a warm, engaging, and genuinely educational experience. It’s the kind of activity that combines scenic rural charm with hands-on learning and genuine hospitality—perfect for those who value storytelling, craftsmanship, and community.
You’ll leave not only with a better understanding of how small distilleries operate but also with the satisfaction of supporting a passionate family business. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a lover of local culture, or just looking for a memorable activity in Cumbria, this tour is well worth the modest price and time investment.
In short, the Grasmere Distillery tour is a genuine, personable look at craft spirit-making that’s perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, scenic beauty, and a taste of local pride. It’s a relaxing and rewarding experience that adds a flavorful chapter to your Lake District adventure.
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