A day out at the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery

Calling all gin-lovers! Have you ever considered a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery?  Set in the historic Laverstoke Mill in the heart of Hampshire, it’s easily one of the most beautiful and immersive gin experiences in England.  And yes, the famous botanical glasshouses are just as stunning in real life.

Even if gin’s not usually your thing, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour is well worth a visit.  It’s a unique blend of history, architecture, and nature, all in one scenic location.

But if, like me, you do love gin, this makes for a perfect day out and is definitely one of the best things to do in Hampshire.  I went on a date (with my hubby!) to see if it would live up to my high expectations.  And, it certainly did.

We loved it!  And in this post, I’ll tell you why it’s one of the best places to visit in Hampshire for adults.  I’ll share everything you need to plan your own trip, from what to expect from the tour, to nearby things to do and the best places to eat and stay.

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The distillery is located in a historic mill in the picturesque village of Laverstoke, near Whitchurch in Hampshire, UK.  It sits on the banks of the River Test, surrounded by rolling green countryside, yet it’s only just over an hour from London by train.  We drove from Surrey via the M3, an easy journey which only took 50 minutes on the M3.

There are several tour options to choose from, ranging from the basic Discovery Tour to the Ultimate VIP Gin experience.  We opted for the cheapest tour, which at £22 seemed fantastic value for money.

Check here for tickets and availability.

Your visit starts in the Turbine Bar where you can help yourself to one of three gins.  I chose the new Bombay Citron Pressé, which I’d highly recommend!  You’re then invited to enjoy your drink in the mini cinema with a short introduction video about the brand.

If (like my husband) you’ve pulled the short straw as designated driver, don’t worry.  You can have a soft drink and pick up a mini bottle of gin to take home and drink later in the comfort of your own home.

After the promotional video, the tour guide led us out to the courtyard for a brief history of the distillery.

Before becoming the home of Bombay Sapphire gin, Laverstoke Mill had a rich history dating back nearly 1,000 years. Originally owned by the Abbey of St Peter in Winchester, it later passed into royal hands before being acquired by French printer Henry Portal in 1719.

Portal turned it into a thriving family business, most famously producing banknote paper for the Bank of England.

As the mill expanded, cottages were built to house workers, and papermaking continued on site until 1963.  However, by 2005, the mill stood vacant, and after failed development proposals, it was finally purchased by Bombay Sapphire in 2010.

Next stop on the Bombay Sapphire tour is the iconic botanical glasshouses.  Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, these intertwining glass structures create the perfect environments for the ten exotic botanicals used in the gin.

One side offers a hot, humid climate ideal for the tropical spices, while the other has a dry, temperate space suited to Mediterranean plants.

Made from glass and steel, the design of the glasshouses is amazing.  It’s both visually striking and architecturally impressive.  And, even better, it’s entirely sustainable.  Heat from the distillation process is recycled to warm the air in glasshouses, creating the ideal conditions for the botanicals to thrive.

From the botanical glasshouse, you’ll head into the Botanical Dry Room, where you can see, touch, and smell the botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire gin its distinct flavours.

You’ll also learn that “London Gin” doesn’t need to be made in London – it’s actually a production method!

The final stop on the gin tour is the Dakin Still House, where you’ll learn about the gin’s distillation process.

As it’s a fully operational distillery, all electronic devices must be locked away in secure lockers before entry.

Inside, you’ll see the traditional copper pot stills in action.  These stills use a unique vapour infusion method, in which the botanicals are placed in perforated copper baskets.  As the spirit vapours rise, they absorb the flavours and aromas, creating Bombay Sapphire’s unique taste.

This is the final stop on the tour.  From here you can head to The Mill Bar, a cocktail bar overlooking the River Test, to sample some more gins.

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is open all-year round with opening days varying on the season.  It is always open Fridays to Sundays but has more availability in July and August.

You need to pre-book your place, as it can get busy.  If you are looking for a discount, there are usually some offers in the winter months.

The distillery tour lasts around 1.5 hours.

Afterwards, you can browse the shop or enjoy more gin in the Mill Bar.  We opted for lunch in the Mill Café, which is housed in one of the old workers’ cottages.

Bombay Sapphire, Laverstoke Mill, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7NR

The easiest way to travel is by car, as it’s just off the M3 and there is plenty of parking near the entrance.

However, if you want to make the most of the gin cocktails, it’s better to go by train.  The nearest stations are Overton or Whitchurch, from which you can take a taxi.  You can also get the 76 bus from Basingstoke or Andover, which stops right outside the distillery.

If, like us, you want to make a full day of it, there are plenty of great things to do in Hampshire nearby.  We chose to do the Whitchurch Mill Trail, a waymarked walk that follows the River Test, passing five historic mills in the area.  There are several route options to suit different walking abilities and timeframes.

It’s a beautiful and peaceful walk, rich in local history.  Keep an eye out for the Manor Cottages, the longest row of thatched cottages in England, and the charming whitewashed Church of St Nicholas in Freefolk.  Founded in 1265, the church is well worth a visit and even has its own resident knight.

If you don’t fancy a walk, you could visit the Whitchurch Silk Mill.  Just a few minutes away, this working 19th-century mill is the oldest silk mill in the UK.  It is still housed in its original building and offers visitors a glimpse into Hampshire’s textile heritage.

There are plenty of cosy country inns and B&Bs in and around Whitchurch and Overton.  The Watership Down Inn is a local favourite offering tasty food and a comfortable stay.  Or, you could try The White Hart pub in nearby Overton.

For a more luxurious option, check out the Oakley Hall Hotel, an award-winning 18th-century Georgian Manor House.

After the distillery café, the nearest place to eat is at the Whitchurch Silk Mill, where you can get light lunches.  If you want something more hearty, head to the Watership Down Hotel or The White Hart Inn.

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• A visit to The Vyne, Hampshire
• A visit to historic Odiham, Hampshire

Would you like to visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery?  Let us know in the comments below.

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