The Lakes Distillery occupies a handsome set of restored Victorian farm buildings at the foot of Skiddaw, close to Bassenthwaite Lake, between Keswick and Cockermouth. It was set up in the 2010s with the aim of making English single malt whisky in the Lake District, and it also produces gin, vodka and liqueurs, so you can taste something distinctively local whatever your preference. The site has a visitor centre and shop, a bistro with views over the fells and the lake, and an exhibition that explains how whisky is made, from malted barley and pure water to fermentation, distillation and years of maturation in oak casks. The main attraction is the guided tour, which takes you through the production areas, past the copper pot stills and the cask stores, and finishes with a tasting. Several tour formats are offered, from a standard distillery tour and tasting to longer, more in-depth experiences, and a gin-focused tasting for those who prefer juniper to malt. The link goes to the distillery's own tour page, where you can check formats, times and age rules before you book.
Why go
A distillery visit is a good wet-weather and winter plan, because most of it takes place indoors, and the setting is one of the best in the country. The big windows of the bistro and visitor areas look out to the fells, and the walk from the car park gives a fine view of Skiddaw. Even if you do not drink spirits, the process is interesting, and the guides make it accessible with stories about the water source, the barley and the stills.
What the tour covers
You learn how the spirit is made, what shapes its flavour and why maturation is so important. Whisky takes years, and a young distillery spends its first years building up stocks, so the tour tells a story about patience and craft. The tasting at the end lets you compare styles and learn how to nose and sip properly.
Gin tastings take a different, more playful approach, with botanicals to smell and cocktails to try. Check whether children may join a tour, since tastings are for adults only and policies vary by experience.
Eating and shopping
The bistro serves lunches and afternoon dishes with local ingredients, and is a good reason to arrive hungry. The shop sells the distillery's spirits, as well as bottles you cannot easily buy elsewhere, and gifts with a Lakeland theme. If you are driving, remember that you should not drink and drive, so assign a driver, book a taxi or buy bottles to take home instead of sampling.
Combining it with the day
The distillery sits on the northern edge of the park, so it combines naturally with Keswick, Derwentwater and Castlerigg Stone Circle, or with a walk on the lower slopes of Skiddaw or along the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. Allow about two hours for the tour and tasting, with extra time for lunch. Book tours in advance, especially at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas, when it is popular with groups, and check the opening days for the quieter months.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of a working distillery, through the stills and cask stores, ending with a tasting, plus a bistro, shop and exhibition.
Best time
A cold or wet day, when the indoor tour and the bistro are the best things to do; book ahead at weekends and before Christmas.
How long
About two hours for the tour and tasting, longer with lunch.
Tips
Book in advance, arrange a driver or taxi if you plan to taste, and check age rules for children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, friends and anyone who likes food, drink and a good story.
- Families
- Tastings are for adults, so families should check what is available for children before booking; the bistro and views suit all ages.
- Couples
- A tasting, a long lunch in the bistro and a walk on the lakeshore.
- Pair with
- Keswick, Derwentwater and Castlerigg Stone Circle, or a short walk on Skiddaw.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Where is The Lakes Distillery?+
Near Bassenthwaite Lake at the foot of Skiddaw, between Keswick and Cockermouth, in restored Victorian farm buildings.
What does the tour include?+
A guided walk through the production areas, the stills and the cask stores, finishing with a tasting. Several tour formats are offered, including a gin tasting.
Do I need to book?+
It is wise, especially at weekends and in the weeks before Christmas, when tours can sell out. Check the tour page for formats and times.
Can children come?+
The distillery and bistro are open to visitors of all ages, but tastings are for adults and tour policies vary, so check before booking.
Is there somewhere to eat?+
Yes, the bistro serves lunches and light meals with views over the fells, and there is a shop for bottles and gifts.
