Sheffield: Gin Distillery Tasting Visit with Guided Tour

Exploring Sheffield’s Gin Scene: A Closer Look at the Locksley Distilling Tour

If you’re curious about the art of gin-making or just want to enjoy a more intimate tasting experience in Sheffield, the Locksley Distilling tour offers a pretty compelling option. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, the feedback and details available paint a picture of a warm, engaging experience that’s perfect for those who love discovering local craftsmanship.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s a chance to visit a small-batch, quality-focused distillery that cares deeply about every step of the process. Second, the guided tasting gives you a chance to sample a growing range of gins and learn about their botanical ingredients. The only potential downside? It lasts about an hour and a half, so if you’re looking for a big, sprawling tour, this might feel a bit cozy.

This tour would suit anyone with a curiosity for spirits, especially those who appreciate artisan craftsmanship, but it’s also ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, informative experience with a friendly guide in a historic setting. If you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, you’ll find it a personable, engaging activity that adds a delightful layer to your Sheffield visit.

Key Points

• Authentic small-batch distillery with a focus on quality and craftsmanship
• Insightful guided tour that reveals the gin-making process and history
• Tastings of a variety of gins with expert commentary
• Historic setting in the Portland Works, a Grade 2 listed building from 1879
• Limited group size (up to 10 people), making for a personalized experience
• Affordable price point at around $24.25 per person for 1.5 hours

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Sheffield Gin Tour Experience

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Getting to Know Locksley Distilling

This tour takes you straight into the heart of Sheffield’s craft scene, at Locksley Distilling, located in the iconic Portland Works. This building isn’t just any old industrial site; it’s a Grade 2 listed space that dates back to 1879 and has a fascinating history rooted in stainless steel manufacturing. Since 2015, it’s been home to this passionate distillery that focuses exclusively on small-batch gin.

What’s nice here is the connection to local history—it’s not just about drinking gin, but understanding the environment and the craftsmanship that go into each bottle. The owners and team clearly love sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the whole experience more than just a tasting.

The Tour and Its Atmosphere

Once you meet your guide outside the gate on Randall Street, you’ll be let into this historic setting. The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, which is just enough time to get a solid overview without feeling rushed. The space itself feels intimate—perfect for small groups, which means you’ll get individual attention and plenty of chances to ask questions.

During the tour, you’ll get to see how their products are made, from botanical selection to distillation techniques. The emphasis on keeping everything in-house is evident, and you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship involved. It’s a behind-the-scenes look that isn’t overly technical but gives enough context for even the casual drinker to appreciate the process.

What You’ll See and Learn

The tour starts with a walk around Locksley’s premises, where the guides will explain the history of the distillery and how it’s evolved over its years of operation. You’ll hear about the company’s ethos—dedication to artisan quality and a focus on botanical choices—and how those choices influence the flavor of each gin.

The guides are clearly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. As one reviewer noted, “We were taken around by Jake, who was very enthusiastic and informative,” which helps the experience feel lively rather than dry. Expect to get a detailed insight into how each bottle is created, the choice of botanicals, and the importance of traditional methods.

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Tasting and Sampling

The highlight for many is the guided tasting session. Here, you’ll sample a selection of their gins, each with their own story. The experience includes a Locksley G&T, which is served sunshine in a glass, setting the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable session.

Reviews from attendees rave about the number and quality of samples—one person mentioned “plenty of samples to try,” and that it wasn’t a stuffy, overly technical tour. Instead, it’s designed for the casual enthusiast or someone new to gin, making it accessible and fun.

The Personal Touch and Atmosphere

A recurring theme in reviews is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The team at Locksley Distilling takes pride in their Yorkshire hospitality. One reviewer said, “Very interesting and lots of samples absolutely delicious,” capturing the warm, friendly vibe you can expect.

This is not a large commercial operation aiming for mass production but a dedicated local business passionate about sharing their craft. It’s a tour that feels genuine, with opportunities to meet the owners, learn their story, and perhaps pick up a bottle to take home.

Price and Value

At about $24.25 per person for 1.5 hours, this tour offers good value, especially considering it includes tastings and a guided behind-the-scenes look. You’re paying not only for the drinks but also for the knowledge and the experience of being in a historic setting.

Practicalities

The meeting point is straightforward—wait outside the gate on Randall Street and your guide will come to let you in. The tour is conducted in English and limited to 10 participants, which guarantees a more personalized experience.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those under 18, it’s ideal for adults interested in spirits, local craftsmanship, or historical settings. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as you’ll be exploring an old industrial building.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later—perfect if your plans are still in flux. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind when making travel plans.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This gin tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate artisan products and want a closer look at small-scale distilling. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy friendly, relaxed settings over large, commercial tours. If you’re visiting Sheffield and want a sense of local craftsmanship, this activity fits the bill.

It’s also a good pick if you’re after a memorable, story-rich experience that combines history, taste, and a bit of Yorkshire hospitality. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just curious about how spirits are made, you’ll find value here.

Final Thoughts

The Sheffield Gin Distillery Tour at Locksley Distilling offers a well-balanced mix of history, craftsmanship, and fun tastings. The small-group approach ensures you’ll get plenty of personal attention and insights that you might not find elsewhere. The setting in Portland Works adds a historic flavor that elevates the experience beyond just sipping gin.

While it won’t take up a whole afternoon, those 1.5 hours are likely to leave you with a new appreciation for gin and the local artisans behind it. It’s a relaxed, friendly outing that would suit curious travelers, spirit lovers, or anyone wanting to add a unique touch to their Sheffield visit.

If you’re after a genuine, authentic experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember—it’s best for those over 18, and booking in advance guarantees your spot in this intimate setting.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this activity is only suitable for participants over 18 years old due to the nature of alcohol tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to learn, see, and sample without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and warm clothing. The distillery is in an older building, so dress appropriately.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation process also allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes a guided tour, tastings of several gins, and a Locksley G&T served sunshine in a glass, along with a warm Yorkshire welcome.

This Sheffield gin tour is a fantastic way to get an authentic taste of local craftsmanship, meet passionate distillers, and discover the story behind each bottle—all in a historic setting. Whether you’re a dedicated spirit lover or just looking for a memorable local experience, it’s worth considering for your Sheffield trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: