Bombay Sapphire Distillery: Gin Tour & Cocktail Experience

Summary

Gin & tonic in hand exploring the glasshouses at laverstoke mill

You’ll start your Bombay Sapphire gin tour mixing your own G&T at Laverstoke Mill’s Turbine Bar before diving into glasshouses full of botanicals with a local guide. Smell your way through the Botanical Dry Room, learn why vapour infusion matters, and hear stories about gin-making history—all with plenty of time to taste along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Gin hits different when you’re standing right where it’s made. I remember walking into the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill — there’s this low hum of chatter and the smell, like citrus and something herbal floating together. First stop was the Turbine Bar, and honestly, choosing which Bombay gin to pour for my own G&T felt weirdly important (I went classic, but I saw someone go for the Bramble — respect). The self-serve dispensers are kind of fun, even if I did spill a little tonic on my sleeve. No one seemed to mind; everyone was just happy to have a glass in hand.

Our guide, Sarah, had this way of making all the history bits feel like gossip from an old friend — she pointed out how Laverstoke Mill used to make banknote paper before gin took over. There was a quick cinema room thing (short film, not cheesy) that actually got me curious about what goes into Bombay Sapphire. When we stepped into those glasshouses, the air changed — warm and thick with plant smells. Sarah crushed a leaf between her fingers and passed it around. Juniper? Coriander? It’s strange how you can taste something just by smelling it.

The Botanical Dry Room was next — darker, almost silent except for people sniffing jars and comparing notes. I tried to describe one scent as “lemony but not lemon,” which made Li laugh (he works there; he said it’s lemongrass). The whole place is wheelchair accessible too; saw a couple navigating just fine. By the time we learned about vapour infusion and all that science-y stuff, my head was spinning a bit from both info and gin. There’s some uneven ground outside so wear decent shoes — I didn’t and kind of regretted it.

I still think about that first sip in the bar while sunlight came through those old windows. Not sure if it was the gin or just being somewhere that smells like stories. Anyway, if you care about what’s actually in your drink or just want an excuse to hang out in Hampshire for an afternoon — this Bombay Sapphire gin tour is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bombay Sapphire Distillery tour and tasting

• Choose gin at Turbine Bar
• Make a complimentary gin & tonic
• Watch immersive film in Cinema Room
• Explore distillery with guide
• Discover botanicals in Glasshouses
• Experience Botanical Dry Room
• Learn about vapour infusion process

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Bombay Sapphire distillery tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests make their own way to Laverstoke Mill near Winchester.

What is included in the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery experience?

The experience includes a guided distillery tour, complimentary cocktail on arrival, entry fees, taxes, and access to all areas including glasshouses and cinema room.

Can children join the Bombay Sapphire distillery tour?

Children under 18 can join if accompanied by an adult at all times; minimum drinking age is 18 years with ID required.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible; manual wheelchairs are available on request.

How long does the Bombay Sapphire Gin tour last?

The main guided experience typically lasts around 1–2 hours depending on group pace.

Are open-toed shoes allowed during the distillery visit?

No, open-toed shoes or high heels are not allowed for safety reasons inside the distillery.

Do I need cash at Laverstoke Mill?

No, the venue is cashless—only card or contactless payments are accepted throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for all parts of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill near Winchester, a welcome cocktail mixed by you at the Turbine Bar using self-serve dispensers (with three gins to choose from), guided tours through both botanical glasshouses and dry room with local staff sharing insights into history and production methods—plus all taxes and handling charges covered so you can focus on tasting rather than logistics.