
The Lakes Distillery
Discover award-winning whisky, gin, and vodka at The Lakes Distillery, set amidst the stunning Lake District scenery with charming alpacas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

The Lakes Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover award-winning whisky, gin, and vodka at The Lakes Distillery, set amidst the stunning Lake District scenery with charming alpacas.
"A 10/10 experience! The location, the tour, the spirits, the atmosphere, the staff and premises! Everything was 100% spot on!"

🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Book your distillery experience online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🚗 Scenic Drive
Enjoy the beautiful Lake District scenery on your way. The drive itself is part of the experience.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 671 reviews
Address
Website
lakesdistillery.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tours & Tastings
Main Distillery Building
Discover the craft of whisky, gin, and vodka making with expert-led tours and insightful tastings.

The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery
Onsite Bistro
Enjoy delicious meals and snacks with gluten-free options in a beautiful setting.

Alpaca Encounters
Distillery Grounds
Meet and greet the charming resident alpacas that roam the distillery's scenic grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Lake District Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Book your distillery experience online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🚗 Scenic Drive
Enjoy the beautiful Lake District scenery on your way. The drive itself is part of the experience.
🍽️ Bistro Delights
Don't miss the bistro for lunch or snacks; they offer great gluten-free options too!
🦙 Meet the Alpacas
Take a moment to say hello to the friendly alpacas on the grounds – a unique photo op!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast! Book your distillery experience online in advance to guarantee your spot.
🚗 Scenic Drive
Enjoy the beautiful Lake District scenery on your way. The drive itself is part of the experience.
🍽️ Bistro Delights
Don't miss the bistro for lunch or snacks; they offer great gluten-free options too!
🦙 Meet the Alpacas
Take a moment to say hello to the friendly alpacas on the grounds – a unique photo op!
🥃 Taste the Craft
Explore their range of whiskies, gins, and vodkas. The tasting sessions are highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Lakes Distillery for its stunning location, engaging tours, and high-quality spirits. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, particularly guides like Janice, enhance the experience. The onsite bistro is also a hit for its good food and gluten-free options. Some find the whisky to be a bit young, but the overall experience is highly recommended.
"Came here for the distillery tour! We had a fantastic time. It was great to learn new stuff and the drink tasting was amazing. Stopped at the cafe for lunch. Some amazing choices for gluten free food as well as the regular food. Reasonably priced too!"
Megan Holland
"10/10 experience! The location, the tour, the spirits, the atmosphere, the staff and premises! Everything was 100% spot on! Would recommend to anyone who is a fan of gin, vodka, whiskey or just the alchemy behind it all! Our tour host Janice was outstanding. Wish I wasn't so far away, it would be a regular go to! A very well received distillery, set in the stunning Lake District 🫶"
Emily Wilson
"We visited The Lakes Distillery when in the Lake District this past weekend. What a great experience. The distillery is located in a beautiful location (very scenic). Our friends had a tasting and the gentleman that was helping us on Friday afternoon was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Great experience. We had drinks and snacks in the Bistro and they staff was very friendly. Great atmosphere. The Lakes Distillery is a must visit if you are in the Lake District and enjoy whiskey, vodka, or gin. We loved our visit and highly recommend."
Michael Mack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lakes Distillery is located in the Lake District. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
Public transport to The Lakes Distillery is limited. It's best to check local bus schedules for routes serving Bassenthwaite Lake. Many visitors opt for car travel or taxis.
From Windermere, driving is the most convenient option, taking approximately 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Penrith and then a taxi or local bus service to the distillery.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near The Lakes Distillery, ranging from boutique hotels to guesthouses in the surrounding Lake District.
Absolutely! The Lakes Distillery makes for an excellent day trip from many locations in the Lake District, especially if you combine it with exploring the national park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the type of experience. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for distillery tours and tasting sessions.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current operating hours for tours, tastings, and the bistro.
Distillery tours typically include a guided walk through the production areas, insights into the distilling process, and a tasting of their spirits like whisky, gin, or vodka.
Yes, you can purchase a range of their whiskies, gins, and vodkas directly from the distillery shop after your tour or tasting.
🎫 🥃 Spirits & Tasting
The Lakes Distillery produces a variety of spirits, including single malt whisky, gin (like their popular pink grapefruit gin), and vodka.
The Lakes Distillery is known for its single malt whiskies, including the Whiskymaker's Reserve series and their permanent Signature single malt. They use a combination of cask types for maturation.
Their gin offerings often feature unique botanicals, such as the Pink Grapefruit Gin, which is a popular choice for its refreshing flavor profile.
Yes, tasting sessions are a key part of the experience, allowing you to sample their whiskies, gins, and vodkas.
You can find reviews for their whiskies on whisky enthusiast websites, blogs, and forums. Some social media posts also offer tasting notes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Lakes Distillery features 'The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery,' offering a menu of delicious food, including options for lunch and snacks.
The bistro at The Lakes Distillery is known to offer a good selection of gluten-free choices, making it accommodating for various dietary needs.
The bistro serves a range of dishes, often focusing on locally sourced ingredients, suitable for lunch or lighter meals.
Typically, you can visit the bistro without booking a distillery tour, but it's always a good idea to check their policy or make a reservation, especially during busy periods.
While not explicitly mentioned as a regular offering, it's worth checking with The Lakes Distillery directly if they offer special afternoon tea experiences, as some distilleries do.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photos are allowed in public areas and during parts of the tour, but always check with your guide if specific areas or processes are restricted for photography.
The scenic Lake District setting, the distillery architecture, the resident alpacas, and the beautifully presented drinks are all great photo opportunities.
You can usually take photos of the distilling equipment from designated viewing areas during the tour. Your guide will advise on any restrictions.
Drone usage is typically restricted at most attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to contact The Lakes Distillery directly to inquire about their drone policy.
A versatile camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for the scenic views and a standard lens for distillery details and food shots.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit