Dunnet Bay Distillery
Discover award-winning Scottish gin at Dunnet Bay Distillery, a must-visit on the NC500 for its engaging tours and unique botanical experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Relaxed atmosphere, good for tastings
Dunnet Bay Distillery
Best Time
Relaxed atmosphere, good for tastings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover award-winning Scottish gin at Dunnet Bay Distillery, a must-visit on the NC500 for its engaging tours and unique botanical experiences.
"A must-see visit on the NC500 and its a brilliant small business with a social conscience."
🎯 Book Premium Tour
Highly recommended for a full experience with welcome drink & goody bag!
🚗 Plan Safe Travel
Designated driver or nearby accommodation is a must for tastings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Premium Tour Experience
Distillery
An immersive journey with a welcome drink, insightful tour, and exceptional tasting session. Includes a goody bag!
Botanical Touch & Smell Station
Tour Area
Engage your senses by touching and smelling the actual botanicals used in their spirits.
The Distillery Shop
Shop
Discover a wide range of spirits, including unique candles that smell amazing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Plan for a Designated Driver or Nearby Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Premium Tour
Highly recommended for a full experience with welcome drink & goody bag!
🚗 Plan Safe Travel
Designated driver or nearby accommodation is a must for tastings.
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss touching and smelling the botanicals used in the gin.
🛍️ Explore the Shop
Great variety of spirits and unique, fragrant candles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Premium Tour
Highly recommended for a full experience with welcome drink & goody bag!
🚗 Plan Safe Travel
Designated driver or nearby accommodation is a must for tastings.
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss touching and smelling the botanicals used in the gin.
🛍️ Explore the Shop
Great variety of spirits and unique, fragrant candles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dunnet Bay Distillery for its informative and engaging tours, particularly the premium experience which includes a welcome drink and goody bag. The opportunity to interact with botanicals and the friendly, knowledgeable staff are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects. The quality of the spirits and the charming shop add to the overall positive impression.
"Had a fantastic visit at Dunnet Bay Distillery, doing the express tour while undertaking the NC500. The tour was informative, and the samples were fantastic 😅 It was great to have the opportunity to touch and smell the (used) botanicals, and this offered something we've not experienced on distillery tours previously. The distillery is small so we didn't move around from where we were (may be different on the longer tour). The lovely lady in the shop was happy to provide a taster of one of the items I purchased when requested, and offered a taster of another as well! Lovely place, friendly staff, tasty product."
Eleanor Hunt
"Not only do they make fabulous gins (and other spirits) but the tour is wonderful. We did the express tour a year ago and the premium tour this week and they were both brilliant. If you can plan to have a driver or nearby accommodation, do not hesitate to book the Premium Tour. A lovely welcome drink, really interesting tour and excellent tasting experience. The takeaway goody bag is very impressive too."
Clare Long
"I was privileged to have a 1 on 1 tour today with Joanne. Highly informative about the history and story behind the distillery. Highly reccomended - a must see visit on the NC500 and its a brilliant small business with a social conscience."
Simon Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunnet Bay Distillery is located in the scenic north of Scotland, often visited by those on the NC500 route. It's accessible by car, and many visitors combine their trip with other attractions in the Northern Highlands. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, Dunnet Bay Distillery is a popular stop for travelers undertaking the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, offering a delightful break with its award-winning spirits.
The distillery is situated near Dunnet village, with Thurso being the nearest larger town, offering accommodation and amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the type of tour. The express tour offers a great introduction, while the premium tour provides a more in-depth experience with a welcome drink and goody bag. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and booking details.
Yes, booking your distillery tour in advance is highly recommended, especially for the premium tour, as they can fill up quickly. This is particularly important if you're traveling during peak season or as part of a larger road trip like the NC500.
Tours typically include an informative session about the distillery's history, the gin-making process, and a tasting of their spirits. The premium tour often includes a welcome drink and a goody bag.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the distillery's official website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and shop hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a warm welcome, an engaging talk about the distillery's story and the craft of gin making, opportunities to see the production process, and a guided tasting session. You might even see the wax-dipping process for sealing bottles!
Absolutely! A tasting of their award-winning gins and other spirits is a core part of the distillery experience. You'll get to sample their delicious products.
Yes, you can purchase their full range of spirits directly from the distillery shop. It's a great place to pick up a souvenir or a bottle to enjoy later.
Beyond their spirits, the distillery shop also features a selection of other items, including beautifully scented candles.
Yes, they offer an express tour which is perfect for those on a tighter schedule, like travelers on the NC500, providing a great taste of the distillery experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on spirits, some tours may include light refreshments or a welcome drink. It's not a full-service restaurant, so plan your meals accordingly.
The distillery shop often offers tastings, and depending on availability and their setup, you might be able to sample spirits without a formal tour. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photos are allowed and encouraged, especially of the beautiful surroundings and the distillery's charming shop. However, always be mindful of other visitors and staff.
Capture the picturesque setting of the distillery, the unique bottle designs, the botanicals, and the friendly staff. The tasting room and shop also offer great visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check with the distillery beforehand regarding their policy on children attending tours, especially if you plan on doing a more extensive tasting. Ensuring a designated driver is crucial if children are present, so everyone can travel safely.
🚗 NC500 Travelers
Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment, and consider planning your itinerary to allow for a relaxed visit, perhaps with a nearby overnight stay, so you can fully enjoy the tasting experience without rushing. The express tour is ideal for those on a tighter schedule.
🍸 Gin Enthusiasts
The tasting sessions are expertly guided, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of their spirits. Don't hesitate to ask questions – the staff are knowledgeable and eager to share their expertise. Purchasing bottles directly from the distillery is also a great way to take a piece of this craft home with you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Spirits
This dedication extends to their community involvement and social conscience, adding another layer of appreciation for their craft. Learning about their inspiration and the meticulous process behind each bottle truly enhances the enjoyment of their products.
The founders' personal touch and the narrative of their business are frequently highlighted as a key reason for the distillery's charm and success, making it a memorable stop for many.
Experiencing the Gin Tasting
Beyond just tasting, the distillery offers a unique sensory experience. Visitors can often touch and smell the actual botanicals that give their spirits their distinctive character, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft.
If you develop a particular fondness for a specific bottle during your tasting, the staff are known for their accommodating nature and may offer an additional taste, making the experience even more special.
The Premium Tour vs. Express Tour
The Express Tour is a fantastic option for visitors with limited time, such as those traveling the NC500. It still provides a valuable insight into the distillery's operations and a taste of their spirits, ensuring you don't miss out on the core experience.
Both tours offer a chance to learn about the founders' story and the meticulous gin-making process, but the premium option allows for a more leisurely and detailed engagement with the distillery's offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit