If you’re a whiskey lover, there’s no better way to explore the UK than with a distillery-hopping adventure. From the rolling Highlands of Scotland to the historic streets of London, the UK is home to some of the world’s finest whiskey producers. Whether you’re into peaty single malts, smooth blends, or experimental craft spirits, this whiskey road trip has something for everyone.
Buckle up, grab a designated driver (or plan some cozy overnight stays), and let’s set off on the ultimate UK whiskey distillery tour! 🚗🥃
🇮🇪 The Journey Begins: Northern Ireland
1. Bushmills Distillery (Bushmills, County Antrim)
📍 Established: 1608 – officially the world’s oldest licensed distillery!
✅ Best for: Classic Irish whiskey with smooth, honeyed notes.
Where better to kick things off than at the legendary Bushmills? Nestled near the Giant’s Causeway, this historic distillery is known for its triple-distilled smooth whiskey. Take the tour, learn about the copper pot stills, and sample a few drams of their signature blends.
🚗 Drive to Scotland via the ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan – grab a dram for the ride (not if you’re driving, of course).
🏴 The Whiskey Heartland: Scotland
Welcome to the holy land of whiskey! Scotland has over 140 distilleries, so we’ve picked some must-visit spots from each region.
2. Lagavulin Distillery (Islay)
📍 Established: 1816
✅ Best for: Big, smoky, peaty whiskeys.
The Islay region is famous for its peated whiskey, and Lagavulin is king. Expect rich, smoky drams with maritime influences. While you’re here, pop into Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Bowmore, because, well… why not?
3. Macallan Distillery (Speyside)
📍 Established: 1824
✅ Best for: Rich, sherried single malts.
Speyside is home to some of the smoothest, most elegant single malts, and Macallan is a must-visit. Their ultra-modern distillery is a contrast to its centuries-old whiskey-making tradition. While you’re in Speyside, Glenfiddich and Balvenie are just around the corner.
4. Talisker Distillery (Isle of Skye)
📍 Established: 1830
✅ Best for: Spicy, maritime whiskey with a smoky touch.
Talisker’s location is pure magic—dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and a warm whiskey to keep you cozy. The distillery tour here is one of the best in Scotland.
5. Highland Park Distillery (Orkney Islands)
📍 Established: 1798
✅ Best for: Viking history and balanced whiskey with heather smoke.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head even further north to Orkney. Highland Park combines Viking heritage with incredible whiskey, making the journey well worth it.
🚗 Drive south towards England for the next leg of the tour!
🏴 The English Whiskey Revival
English whiskey is booming, and it would be rude not to stop at a few of the best!
6. The Lakes Distillery (Cumbria)
📍 Established: 2014
✅ Best for: New-wave English whiskey with a smooth, fruity profile.
Nestled in the Lake District, this distillery is making serious waves with its single malts and blends. Plus, the setting is absolutely stunning.
7. Cotswolds Distillery (Cotswolds)
📍 Established: 2014
✅ Best for: Small-batch English whiskey with floral and citrusy notes.
One of England’s best craft distilleries, producing beautifully balanced whiskeys with a fresh, floral character. Perfect for a relaxed countryside stop.
8. The English Whisky Co. (Norfolk)
📍 Established: 2006
✅ Best for: England’s first modern whiskey distillery.
If you want to taste history in the making, this is where it all started for English whiskey’s revival. They focus on both peated and unpeated styles, giving you plenty to try.
🚗 Time to finish the journey in London!
🇬🇧 The Grand Finale: London’s Urban Distilleries
London might not be known for whiskey, but some amazing distilleries have popped up in recent years.
9. Bimber Distillery (London)
📍 Established: 2015
✅ Best for: Small-batch, handcrafted single malts.
Bimber is making huge waves in the whiskey world, with some of the best-reviewed English single malts around. A great place to finish off the trip with a dram or two.
Final Thoughts: A Whiskey Tour to Remember!
From the windswept shores of Islay to the cobbled streets of London, this UK distillery tour is a dream for whiskey lovers. Whether you like your whiskey smoky, smooth, spicy, or sweet, there’s a perfect dram waiting for you on this journey.
Top Tips for Your Whiskey Adventure:
🥃 Pace yourself! Distillery tours often include tastings, so take it easy.
🚗 Plan overnight stays. Many distilleries are in remote areas, so book cozy inns or whiskey lodges.
🚆 Use public transport or join guided tours. If you don’t have a designated driver, opt for whiskey tour companies.
📅 Check distillery opening times. Some require advance booking, especially in peak season.