Hidden away in Hampshire’s countryside, alongside the idyllic River Test, is the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. This gem for gin lovers, only an hour by train from central London, is the perfect day trip this summer. Located at the historic grade III listed Laverstoke Mill, the distillery is the home to the iconic Bombay Sapphire gin. Opened to guests in 2014, for over a decade the distillery has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe for guided tours, gin masterclasses, and exclusive events. This summer you can join them, as the distillery is offering Gin Cocktail Masterclasses starting from just £43.
Consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur? You can learn from the best by signing up for a gin cocktail masterclass. In this interactive cocktail mixology session, you will learn the tricks of the bar trade from a gin expert and create and enjoy a selection of cocktails. You’ll also have a fully guided Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour too, making it the perfect mix of education and indulgence.
The guided tour of the distillery is a truly immersive experience. Kicking off with a trip to the Turbine Bar where you’ll make your own complimentary Bombay Sapphire & tonic using the self-serve gin dispensers, before heading to the Cinema Room to be introduced to the world of Bombay Sapphire in preparation for your tour. The Glasshouses were designed by award-winning British designer and architect Thomas Heatherwick and feature living specimens of the ten iconic exotic botanicals used in Bombay Sapphire, including juniper, coriander, cassia and lemon peel. From there, you will discover the Botanical Dry Room; a sensory experience to uncover your individual flavour preferences, and you’ll learn about the rare vapour infusion distillation process which makes Bombay Sapphire gin so exquisite, with an opportunity to view the stills where every drop of Bombay Sapphire is produced.
After your experience, take time to relax at The Mill Café, where freshly prepared dishes are crafted using the finest locally sourced ingredients. It’s the ideal place to unwind and recharge in a beautiful riverside setting. For the ultimate spot to sit and sip one of the world’s most iconic gins, head to The Mill Bar. Open to guests taking part in tours or masterclasses, as well as those simply stopping by for a drink, this striking multi-level space features a mezzanine and terrace overlooking the scenic River Test. Enjoy your cocktail indoors or outside by the water.
Complete your visit by browsing The Gin Shop where you can purchase a wide selection of Bombay Sapphire gins, including exclusive bottlings, limited editions and cocktail accessories – perfect to recreate some fabulous cocktails at home. You can even opt for a personalised bottle of Bombay Sapphire, engraved with a message of your choice, a great gift for the gin lover in your life. The blend of heritage, architecture, sensory exploration, and mixology makes a trip to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery a truly memorable outing.
This summer don’t miss the chance to explore one of the UK’s most unique and inspiring distillery experiences. The distillery is open Friday to Sunday every week, with additional weekday tours during holidays. And don’t forget to sign up for exclusive events, including cinema nights, hosted at the distillery too. Book your visit to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery here.
Enjoy Bombay Sapphire® responsibly. ©2025 Bombay Sapphire and its trade dress are trademarks.