
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Explore England's oldest working distillery, steeped in history since 1793. Discover gin-making secrets and enjoy cocktails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Plymouth Gin Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore England's oldest working distillery, steeped in history since 1793. Discover gin-making secrets and enjoy cocktails.
"An absolute must-do! Really enjoyed the distilling tour and tasting experience."

🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for popular tours like the Master Distiller's experience by booking in advance.
🍸 Stay for a Cocktail
The Refectory Bar is a must-visit for expertly made gin cocktails after your tour.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Refectory Bar
Inside the Distillery
Enjoy expertly crafted gin cocktails in a historic setting. A perfect way to end your distillery visit.

Distillery Tour
Blackfriars Distillery
Discover the rich history and gin-making process at England's oldest working distillery.

Master Distiller's Tour
Plymouth Gin Distillery
An upgraded experience including distilling your own gin. Highly recommended for enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Allow Time for the Bar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for popular tours like the Master Distiller's experience by booking in advance.
🍸 Stay for a Cocktail
The Refectory Bar is a must-visit for expertly made gin cocktails after your tour.
📚 Learn the History
The distillery is steeped in history, dating back to the 1400s. Soak it all in!
🥃 Consider Upgraded Tours
The Master Distiller's Tour offers a unique gin-making experience and is highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for popular tours like the Master Distiller's experience by booking in advance.
🍸 Stay for a Cocktail
The Refectory Bar is a must-visit for expertly made gin cocktails after your tour.
📚 Learn the History
The distillery is steeped in history, dating back to the 1400s. Soak it all in!
🥃 Consider Upgraded Tours
The Master Distiller's Tour offers a unique gin-making experience and is highly recommended.
🚶 Explore The Barbican
The distillery is located in the historic Barbican area, perfect for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Plymouth Gin Distillery for its rich history, engaging tours, and the quality of its gin. Guides like Pippa and Kirsty are frequently mentioned for their excellent delivery. The Refectory Bar is a highlight for its expertly crafted cocktails. However, one reviewer found a tour guide's delivery to be lacking energy, and the gift shop was described as underwhelming by the same visitor.
"Another distillery visited. I got my pin badge and a navy strength bottle of gin to go in my bar. Thank you very much. Some great details on the building. Lots of history. Amazingly strong cocktails. Hubby loved the whisky he had in the bar, he wishes he'd of taken the name. If we ever visit Plymough again, we will definitely drop in."
carey cox
"An absolute must-do!
Really enjoyed the distilling tour and tasting experience, Kirsty was an excellent guide and kept us entertained and engaged throughout. I will never view or taste gin in the same way, very enjoyable and excellent value for money. Highly recommend!"
Alichia van Zyl
"We had some time in Plymouth, so wanted to do the Distillery Tour, which was really good, an hour with the very entertaining Kirsty, talking us thru the history of Plymouth Gin and the Distillery, very educational learning about the botanicals, then finished off with a refreshing G&T in the bar, well worth the £15"
Neil Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Plymouth Gin Distillery, also known as Blackfriars Distillery, is located in the heart of Plymouth's historic Barbican area. It's easily accessible by public transport, with local buses stopping nearby. If you're driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can get busy.
Yes, there are several car parks close to the Plymouth Gin Distillery. The nearest include the Charles Cross car park and the Market car park. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially during peak times.
If you are staying in central Plymouth, walking to the distillery is a pleasant option, especially through the charming Barbican streets. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes from the city center.
The nearest train station is Plymouth Station. From the station, you can take a taxi or a local bus service directly to the Barbican area, which is a short walk from the distillery.
The distillery is housed in historic buildings, which can present some accessibility challenges. It's best to contact the distillery directly to discuss specific accessibility needs before booking your tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the type of tour. Standard tours are around £15, while the Master Distiller's Tour, which includes making your own gin, is more expensive but highly recommended. Booking online in advance is advised.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tours in advance, especially for popular options like the Master Distiller's Tour, as they can sell out. You can book directly through the Plymouth Gin Distillery website.
The distillery typically operates tours throughout the day, with varying times for different tour types. It's best to check the official Plymouth Gin Distillery website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and operating hours.
A standard tour usually includes a guided walk through the historic Blackfriars Distillery, learning about the history of Plymouth Gin, the botanicals used, and the distillation process. It often concludes with a complimentary gin and tonic.
While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day for some tours, it's not guaranteed, especially during busy periods. Booking in advance online is the safest way to ensure your entry.
🎫 🍸 Onsite Experience
Expect an immersive journey through over 200 years of gin-making history at England's oldest working distillery. You'll learn about the unique botanicals, the distillation process, and the heritage of Plymouth Gin. Some tours even allow you to distill your own gin!
Yes, the Refectory Bar is located within the distillery. It's a beautiful space where you can enjoy expertly crafted gin cocktails made with Plymouth Gin, often featuring unique recipes.
Absolutely! Most tours include a tasting, often a classic G&T. The Master Distiller's Tour offers a more in-depth tasting and gin-making experience.
This is an upgraded tour where you get hands-on experience distilling your own gin under the guidance of an expert. It's a more in-depth and personalized experience, highly recommended for gin enthusiasts.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase bottles of Plymouth Gin, including special editions, as well as branded merchandise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the primary focus is on gin tours and tastings, the Refectory Bar at the distillery serves expertly crafted gin cocktails. They may offer some light snacks, but it's not a full-service restaurant.
The distillery is located in the vibrant Barbican area, which is packed with fantastic restaurants, pubs, and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines. You'll find everything from fresh seafood to traditional pub fare.
The Refectory Bar is more focused on gin cocktails and the drinking experience. For a full meal, you'll find numerous excellent restaurants in the surrounding Barbican area.
The Barbican area offers a diverse culinary scene, so you'll easily find restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask when booking.
The Refectory Bar specializes in gin cocktails made with Plymouth Gin. You can expect classic gin drinks, as well as unique and seasonal creations developed by their expert bartenders.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Plymouth Gin Distillery, especially for personal use. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and staff, and avoid intrusive photography.
The historic architecture of the Blackfriars Distillery, the copper stills, the botanicals used in gin making, and the beautifully presented cocktails in the Refectory Bar all make for great photo opportunities.
During the gin-making process on the Master Distiller's Tour, you'll likely have opportunities to capture photos of the equipment and your own creation. Be sure to ask your guide for any specific restrictions.
Drones are generally not permitted inside historic buildings like distilleries due to safety and preservation concerns. Always check with the venue directly if you have specific photography equipment needs.
Visitors often share photos of the distillery's historic exterior and interior, the distillation equipment, the botanicals, and of course, the delicious gin cocktails they enjoy at the Refectory Bar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to note that the tasting portions of the tours are strictly for adults. If visiting with children, consider focusing on the historical narrative and the visual aspects of the distillery. The Refectory Bar is a beautiful space, but it's more suited for adults enjoying cocktails. For families looking for a more universally child-friendly activity in Plymouth, exploring the National Marine Aquarium or the historic Barbican waterfront might be more appropriate.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the Master Distiller's Tour is a fantastic experience, it comes at a higher price point. If budget is a primary concern, opting for the standard tour is still highly rewarding. After the tour, instead of indulging in multiple expensive cocktails at the Refectory Bar, consider purchasing a bottle of Plymouth Gin from the gift shop to enjoy later, or explore the many pubs and eateries in the surrounding Barbican area which offer a range of price points for food and drinks.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
Following the tour, a visit to the Refectory Bar for expertly crafted gin cocktails is a must. It’s an ideal setting for a relaxed evening, enjoying each other's company amidst the rich history of the distillery. Many visitors celebrate special occasions like birthdays here, finding the experience to be a delightful and engaging way to mark the event.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Plymouth Gin
The distillery's connection to the Pilgrim Fathers adds another layer to its historical significance. The building's origins date back to the 1400s, predating the distillery itself. This rich past is palpable as you walk through the historic rooms, imagining generations of distillers at work. The tour guides often share fascinating anecdotes about the gin's journey through history, from its use in classic cocktails to its enduring popularity.
Understanding this history enhances the tasting experience. Knowing that you're sampling a spirit with such a long and storied past adds a unique appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into every bottle. It's this blend of history, heritage, and quality that makes Plymouth Gin a truly special spirit.
Experiencing the Distillery Tours
For those seeking a more hands-on experience, the Master Distiller's Tour is a standout option. This premium tour allows participants to get involved in the distillation process, creating their own gin under expert supervision. Visitors rave about this immersive experience, often calling it the highlight of their visit and excellent value for money, despite the higher cost.
Regardless of the tour chosen, the experience is designed to be sensory and informative. You'll learn about the specific botanicals that give Plymouth Gin its distinctive flavour profile and have the opportunity to taste the gin, often concluding with a refreshing G&T in the atmospheric Refectory Bar. Some visitors have noted that tour guides can vary in their delivery, with one review mentioning a guide who was perceived as lacking energy, but the overall sentiment from most is overwhelmingly positive.
The Refectory Bar and Cocktails
Visitors frequently highlight the quality of the cocktails and the skill of the bartenders. The bar provides a perfect setting to relax and reflect on the distillery tour, enjoying the unique atmosphere of a working distillery. It's a popular spot for both pre-tour anticipation and post-tour enjoyment, with many guests recommending it as a must-visit. The bar also offers a selection of other spirits, including whisky, which has been enjoyed by visitors.
Beyond the drinks themselves, the Refectory Bar contributes to the overall heritage experience. It’s a place where the history of Plymouth Gin comes alive, allowing guests to taste the legacy in every sip. Whether you're a seasoned gin enthusiast or new to the spirit, the bar offers a delightful way to engage with the brand and its craftsmanship.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit