Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting (Gin & Rum)

If you’re on the hunt for a unique experience in Stratford-upon-Avon that combines craftsmanship with a good dose of fun, the Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t personally taken this particular tour, I’ve read plenty of reviews and gathered the details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What immediately draws us in is the fact that it’s the only working distillery in Stratford, which makes it a rare peek behind the scenes of artisan spirit-making right in the heart of Shakespeare country. Two things that stand out are the knowledgeable guides who clearly love their craft, and the delicious range of spirits sampled during the tasting. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the experience lasts just over an hour, so if you’re someone who loves a deep dive or multiple tastings, you might want to plan for additional activities afterward.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate well-made spirits, enjoy learning about small-batch production, or simply want something memorable to do while exploring Stratford. It’s also suitable for groups looking for a relaxed activity that combines education with taste testing. Just keep in mind that to participate in the tasting, you need to be 18 or over, and children under 8 are not permitted.

Key Points

• Authentic craft experience at Stratford’s only working distillery
• Knowledgeable guides that make the process engaging and approachable
• Tastings of award-winning gin and rum with options for non-drinkers
• Affordable price point with good value for the quality and experience
• Includes a 10% discount at the gift shop
• Accessible and family-friendly for children over 8 (except during tasting)

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting?

The Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a guided exploration into the art of spirit-making, with a focus on gin and rum. Located near Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s a chance to see firsthand how small-batch, artisan spirits are created from start to finish. The experience lasts roughly 75 minutes, so it’s a manageable activity whether you’re on a tight schedule or just want a taste of local craftsmanship.

The tour is led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who walk you through each step of the production process. This isn’t a gimmicky or overly commercialized session — it’s genuine, hands-on, and designed to give you insight into what makes these spirits special. You’ll meet the team, see the equipment, and learn about the careful steps involved in distilling gin and rum.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Out: You’ll meet your guide at the distillery, which is fully accessible and comfortably set on the ground floor. The tour begins with a brief introduction to the distillery’s history and ethos, emphasizing their focus on small-batch, handcrafted spirits.

Production Process: Next, you’ll explore the distillery itself — observing the copper stills and the meticulous process of distilling gin and rum. Guides share stories about how each spirit is made, bottled, labeled, sealed, and distributed, all by hand. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the passion and care that goes into every bottle.

Mingle with the Makers: The staff seem genuinely enthusiastic about their craft, and the reviews praise their ability to make the process both educational and engaging. You might find yourself asking questions about the different botanicals or the flavor profiles, and they’ll be happy to share.

Tasting Session: The highlight is a tutored tasting of three award-winning spirits. The guides help you appreciate the nuances of each one, describing their character and how they’re best enjoyed. Afterward, you select your preferred spirit to enjoy with tonic or mixer — or opt for a soft drink if you prefer not to imbibe.

Special Offer: At the end, you’ll receive a 10% discount to use in the gift shop, where you can pick up bottles or souvenirs to remember your visit.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For a modest price of around $26.27 per person, you get:

• Entrance to the distillery
• Guided tour
• Tasting of three spirits
• Your choice of gin & tonic or rum & mixer
• 10% discount at the gift shop
• Soft drinks for designated drivers and children (8-17 years old)
• A miniature (5cl) for designated drivers instead of the final drink

What’s not included are food and hot drinks, which you can purchase separately from the onsite coffee lounge, or additional spirits you might want to sample.

How It Compares Price-Wise

Given that the experience lasts just over an hour and includes multiple tastings, the value is quite good. You’re paying for knowledge, hands-on insight, and a chance to sample some high-quality spirits. It’s not a huge amount of money for a quality, memorable activity that offers both education and sensory pleasure. Plus, the 10% discount at the shop is a nice bonus for anyone wanting to take home a bottle.

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The Atmosphere and Experience

From reviews, we know that the guides are friendly and well-informed — definitely a highlight of the tour. The tone is relaxed, making it a perfect activity whether you’re with friends, your partner, or even a small family (with children over 8, as minors are not permitted on the tasting part). The distillery itself is described as charming, with a welcoming vibe that makes learning about spirits feel less intimidating and more fun.

The tasting is described as “great,” with spirits that are “delicious,” and the guides are praised for their enthusiasm. One reviewer noted the informative tour that kept their interest all the way through, and another highlighted how passionate and friendly the staff are.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with all activities taking place on ground level. There’s free parking, and the distillery is centrally located, making it easy to incorporate into your day in Stratford. Be sure to arrive 5-15 minutes early to check in and settle in.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is perfect for spirit lovers, curious travelers, or those interested in craftsmanship and small-batch production. It’s especially suited for adults over 18, with a casual, friendly atmosphere. If you’re traveling with a group that includes children over 8, they can enjoy soft drinks while the adults indulge.

It’s not ideal if you’re after a lengthy distillery experience or multiple tastings, but for a quick, engaging look into the world of gin and rum, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In our view, the Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a genuinely enjoyable and informative experience at a fair price. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how small-batch spirits are made, some lovely samples, and the chance to pick up a souvenir or two.

This tour is especially appealing if you’ve got a soft spot for gin and rum, or if you’re keen to see a local business thriving in Stratford. The guides’ enthusiasm and the quality of the spirits make it stand out, and the relaxed vibe means you won’t feel pressured or rushed.

If you’re in Stratford and looking for a fun, educational activity that doesn’t take up your whole day, this is a solid choice. It balances learning, tasting, and a bit of shopping, all wrapped in a warm, welcoming environment.

FAQ

Can I participate if I’m under 18?
No, you must be 18 or over to take part in the tasting. However, children aged 8-17 can enjoy soft drinks during the tour, and the tour itself is fully accessible.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the entire tour is on ground floor and fully accessible, with no steps or uneven surfaces.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes — just enough time for a good overview without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided tour, tasting of three spirits, your choice of mixer or tonic, and a 10% discount at the gift shop.

Can I buy additional drinks?
Yes, additional spirits or cocktails can be purchased in the cocktail lounge, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is it a family-friendly activity?
While children over 8 can enjoy soft drinks, the tasting is only for adults. The tour itself is suitable for families with kids over 8, but the main tasting is restricted.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card) for age verification. Arriving 5-15 minutes early ensures a smooth start.

How flexible are the booking options?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations are flexible with a pay-later option.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site, making it convenient to visit.

All in all, the Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting seems like a genuinely enjoyable way to spend a short but meaningful part of your Stratford visit. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for something different, it offers a little bit of craft, culture, and fun — with friendly guides and quality drinks to boot.

You can check availability for your dates here: