Plymouth Gin Distillery
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Plymouth Gin Distillery

4.7
·392 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Plymouth Gin Distillery

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(392 reviews)

"An absolute must-do! Really enjoyed the distilling tour and tasting experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 392 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Refectory Bar

The Refectory Bar

Inside the Distillery

Enjoy expertly crafted gin cocktails in a historic setting. A perfect way to end your distillery visit.

Instagram
Distillery Tour

Distillery Tour

Blackfriars Distillery

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

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Master Distiller's Tour

Master Distiller's Tour

Plymouth Gin Distillery

An upgraded experience including distilling your own gin. Highly recommended for enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours, especially the Master Distiller's experience, are popular and can sell out. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

Allow Time for the Bar

The Refectory Bar at the distillery offers expertly crafted gin cocktails. Many visitors recommend staying after the tour to enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively bar atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#stitch with @lui_fern #bartender #gin #spiritstok #cocktails
@daveyfrancis
3.5K likes • 35.6K views

🎯 Book Tours Online

Secure your spot for popular tours like the Master Distiller's experience by booking in advance. InstagramReddit

🍸 Stay for a Cocktail

The Refectory Bar is a must-visit for expertly made gin cocktails after your tour. InstagramReddit

An Original Cocktail! Sagehen 1.5oz (45ml) Plymouth Gin .25oz (7.5ml) Yellow Chartreuse .75oz (20ml) Lemon Juice .5oz (15ml) sage infused Wildflower Honey Syrup 1/4 Honeycrisp or Fuji Apple 2 Fresh Sage Leaves Shake, Strain, Coupe #theeducatedbarfly #barfly #freepour #drink #drinks #cocktails #cocktail #gin #modern #original #riff #moderncocktails
@theeducatedbarfly
919 likes • 15.8K views
The Blackfriars distillery has been the home of Plymouth Gin for over 200 years, and The Refectory Bar is the heart of our home. Serving expertly crafted gin cocktails made with expertly crafted gin, one visit is never enough.
plymouthgin
55 likes • 787 views

📚 Learn the History

The distillery is steeped in history, dating back to the 1400s. Soak it all in! Instagram+1

🥃 Consider Upgraded Tours

The Master Distiller's Tour offers a unique gin-making experience and is highly recommended. InstagramReddit

Flavourful, jammy, but balanced drink, with a long refreshing finish, definitely one for those who enjoy a Spritz. This @plymouthgin recipe has been a popular and regular entry into the menu of the Refectory Bar for many years. The cocktail bar found within the iconic Plymouth Gin distillery in the Southwest of England. This recipe came about while sitting at a bar late one evening. Seb had fini...
candra_drinks
0 likes • 2.6K views

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. InstagramReddit

🍸 Stay for a Cocktail

The Refectory Bar is a must-visit for expertly made gin cocktails after your tour. InstagramReddit

📚 Learn the History

The distillery is steeped in history, dating back to the 1400s. Soak it all in! Instagram+1

🥃 Consider Upgraded Tours

The Master Distiller's Tour offers a unique gin-making experience and is highly recommended. InstagramReddit

🚶 Explore The Barbican

The distillery is located in the historic Barbican area, perfect for exploring. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(392 reviews)

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

Engaging and informative tours
Historic atmosphere
Excellent cocktails

What People Dislike

Inconsistent guide energy
Underwhelming gift shop

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🍸 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! Instagram+2

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase bottles of Plymouth Gin, including special editions, as well as branded merchandise. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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