Ariel view of The Lakes Distillery - Bassenthwaite Lake
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The Lakes Distillery

4.6
·671 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Ariel view of The Lakes Distillery - Bassenthwaite Lake

The Lakes Distillery

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(671 reviews)

"A 10/10 experience! The location, the tour, the spirits, the atmosphere, the staff and premises! Everything was 100% spot on!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 671 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tours & Tastings

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

The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery

Onsite Bistro

Enjoy delicious meals and snacks with gluten-free options in a beautiful setting.

Alpaca Encounters

Alpaca Encounters

Distillery Grounds

Meet and greet the charming resident alpacas that roam the distillery's scenic grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours at The Lakes Distillery are popular, especially during peak season. Booking your distillery tour online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider which tour best suits your interest, whether it's whisky, gin, or a general overview.

Embrace the Lake District Setting

The Lakes Distillery is nestled in the stunning Lake District National Park. Allow extra time to soak in the scenic beauty surrounding the distillery. Many visitors combine their visit with exploring the picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect day trip.

Best Times

When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Beautiful scenery, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We are delighted to unveil The Lakes Distillery’s first-ever permanent single malt whisky - Signature. Shaped by a decade of flavour exploration and the seven editions of our Whiskymaker’s Reserve series, Signature is the culmination of an extraordinary journey. Driven by an obsession to create the exceptional, it brings together the art of élevage, a deep understanding of wood maturation, and...
lakesdistillery
0 likes • 5.2K views

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Popular tours fill up fast! Book your distillery experience online in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Drive

Enjoy the beautiful Lake District scenery on your way. The drive itself is part of the experience. Instagram

Discover the seventh release of The Whiskymaker’s Reserve from the Lakes distillery, matured in ex-Pedro Ximenez and ex-oloroso sherry casks, as well as a selection of ex-red wine casks.
whiskyexchange
382 likes • 23.6K views
Sunny afternoon at The Lakes Distillery 🥃 ☀️ 🥗 #lakesdistillery #lakedistrict #lakedistrictnationalpark #lakedistrictuk #weekendbreak #lunchdate #boutiquehotel #hotelinterior #whiskeytour
tithebarnhotel
25 likes • 1.7K views

🍽️ Bistro Delights

Don't miss the bistro for lunch or snacks; they offer great gluten-free options too! Reddit

🦙 Meet the Alpacas

Take a moment to say hello to the friendly alpacas on the grounds – a unique photo op! TikTok

Trying no. 7 from The Lakes distillery. When I first uploaded this to my story, lots of people messaged to say this was one of their favourite releases from The Lakes distillery. I’m not sure if it was because the bottle was ice cold (it had just been delivered) but after a rich fruity flavour, I found it quite bitter and hot. I’m going to give it a little time to open up (and get to room tempera...
thewhiskyamateur
38 likes • 901 views

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. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Drive

Enjoy the beautiful Lake District scenery on your way. The drive itself is part of the experience. Instagram

🍽️ Bistro Delights

Don't miss the bistro for lunch or snacks; they offer great gluten-free options too! Reddit

🦙 Meet the Alpacas

Take a moment to say hello to the friendly alpacas on the grounds – a unique photo op! TikTok

🥃 Taste the Craft

Explore their range of whiskies, gins, and vodkas. The tasting sessions are highly recommended. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(671 reviews)

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

Scenic Lake District setting
Knowledgeable and friendly guides
Excellent distillery tours

What People Dislike

Whisky can be young

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near The Lakes Distillery, ranging from boutique hotels to guesthouses in the surrounding Lake District. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase a range of their whiskies, gins, and vodkas directly from the distillery shop after your tour or tasting. Reddit

🎫 🥃 Spirits & Tasting

The Lakes Distillery produces a variety of spirits, including single malt whisky, gin (like their popular pink grapefruit gin), and vodka. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+2

Their gin offerings often feature unique botanicals, such as the Pink Grapefruit Gin, which is a popular choice for its refreshing flavor profile. TikTokInstagram

Yes, tasting sessions are a key part of the experience, allowing you to sample their whiskies, gins, and vodkas. Reddit

You can find reviews for their whiskies on whisky enthusiast websites, blogs, and forums. Some social media posts also offer tasting notes. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

The bistro at The Lakes Distillery is known to offer a good selection of gluten-free choices, making it accommodating for various dietary needs. Reddit

The bistro serves a range of dishes, often focusing on locally sourced ingredients, suitable for lunch or lighter meals. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

The scenic Lake District setting, the distillery architecture, the resident alpacas, and the beautifully presented drinks are all great photo opportunities. Instagram

You can usually take photos of the distilling equipment from designated viewing areas during the tour. Your guide will advise on any restrictions. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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