Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare Distillery Gin Tour & Tasting

Summary

Stratford gin tour with tasting at working distillery

You’ll step into Stratford-upon-Avon’s only working distillery for a relaxed gin tour led by locals who know their herbs (and history). Smell fresh botanicals, see traditional distilling up close, taste three unique spirits plus a classic G&T, and enjoy a shop discount if you want to bring home your favorite bottle. It’s personal and lively — you might leave thinking about Tudor gardens too.

What’s the experience like?

"You know, the Tudors loved their herbs almost as much as their drama," our guide, Tom, grinned as he handed us a sprig of lemon balm. I honestly didn’t expect to start a gin tour sniffing leaves, but here we were in Stratford-upon-Avon, surrounded by copper stills and the faint smell of juniper and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. The place felt busy but not rushed — you could hear the hum of the equipment and someone laughing in the back. Tom had that way of explaining things that made you want to ask more questions, even if you thought you already knew how gin was made (I didn’t).

The actual distilling bit was more old-school than I’d guessed — lots of hands-on stuff, not just machines whirring away. At one point, Tom let us touch some dried angelica root (it’s rougher than it looks), and he told this story about how they try to keep everything as close to Tudor recipes as possible. I liked that — it felt like more than just another day trip in Stratford-upon-Avon; there was real care behind every bottle. And then came the tasting part. Three different spirits lined up in tiny glasses, each with its own story. The first sip surprised me — floral but not too much, kind of like walking past a garden after rain. We finished with a proper Gin & Tonic (they didn’t skimp on the pour), and I swear I can still taste the rosemary twist they added.

Afterwards we wandered through their little shop — there’s a 10% discount if you do the tour, which is dangerous if you’re easily tempted by bottles with pretty labels (guilty). Someone next to me tried out her best “cheers” in Shakespearean English — it sounded wrong but nobody cared; everyone was grinning anyway. On the way out, I caught a whiff of something herbal again and thought about how these flavors have been around since Shakespeare’s time. Weirdly comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Distillery tour and tasting experience

• Join tour at Shakespeare Distillery
• Learn how gin is made
• Discover gin history and ingredients
• Taste at least 3 spirits
• Enjoy a Gin & Tonic

Top questions

How long does the Shakespeare Distillery tour last?

The guided tour and tasting session typically lasts around 1 hour.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is recommended due to limited spaces per session.

What spirits are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste at least three Shakespeare Distillery spirits during the guided session.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the distillery.

Are service animals allowed on the tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

Does this day trip include a discount at the shop?

You receive a 10% discount on same-day purchases from the distillery shop after your tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes entry to Stratford-upon-Avon’s only working distillery with an expert-led guided tour, hands-on exploration of botanicals and equipment, a tutored tasting of three unique spirits followed by a full Gin & Tonic, plus 10% off any bottles or gifts purchased from their shop on the same day.