Ditch the Crowds at These Hidden-Gem UK Distilleries

As a Brit born and raised in London, I’ve always been fascinated by the UK’s rich history—and the underrated destinations that most tourists never think to visit. Made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK has a wide array of lesser-known distilleries that are beloved by locals, and often have a good story to tell. Here are a few of my favorite hidden gems across the UK.

In a remote location in Northumberland, Ad Gefrin takes the crown as England’s northernmost distillery and the county’s first (legal) whisky distillery in 200 years. A neighbor to Ad Gefrin, Northumberland Dark Sky Park is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe, and nods to this can be found in designs around the distillery, like the hanging lights in the Bistro. 

What’s unique about Ad Gefrin is the synonymous blend of history and spirits. The Anglo-Saxon museum upstairs showcases the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, contemporary craft and produce of the region, while the tasting room leads you through samples of whisky, gin, and liqueurs produced on-site. Ad Gefrin is home to the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky and works with five local farmers to source Northumberland’s finest barley.

Where to Stay: Ever watched The Holiday and dreamed of that quintessential cottage getaway? Well, The Tempus Hotel is that. Located in the heart of Charlton Hall Estate and spanning acres of pristine countryside, each of the 41 bedrooms and suites are designed in a whimsical palette inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Its Orangery restaurant serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a playful yet elegant setting.

Venture to Northeast England to find vast moors, charming towns… and a sustainable distillery with England’s first single-malt whisky produced using net zero energy. Once a scientist and an architect respectively, founders Abbie and Chris left the rat race for a move to the land down under. After learning from Bill Lark, the godfather of Tasmanian whisky, the duo returned to the UK in 2016 to open an independent distillery.

Surrounded by nature and boasting a team passionate about sustainability, Cooper King’s signature gin botanicals are sourced locally to support English growers, cut down on food miles, and showcase the rich bounty of Yorkshire. You might even catch a subtle note of raw honey in the Dry Gin—harvested straight from their own on-site beehives. 

Where to Stay: Sticking with the theme, your first glimpse of Grantley Hall feels as though you’re pulling up to Downton Abbey. A hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales, the restored 17th-century manor boasts five restaurants (including Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin), three elegant bars, and a world-class spa. With its riverside setting, formal gardens, and rich interiors, it’s a perfect blend of historic charm and refined modern indulgence.

You may have heard of Bushmills, but did you know it’s the world’s oldest licensed whiskey, established in 1608? Located along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline with the River Bush at its doorstep, the surrounding nature makes for the perfect trio of ingredients—barley, fresh-water, and an industrious spirit.

Back in the 1500’s, the village of Bushmills was an appealing hub for bootleggers intrigued by the pure waters of the nearby river and fresh barley. A storied past that spans from licensure in 1608 to weathering prohibition, the distillery is now home to one of the trailblazing women in the industry: master blender Alex Thomas.

Where to Stay: On Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline, you’ll find the newly opened Portrush Adelphi. A boutique feel, each of  the 34 rooms mimic the surrounding land and sea. Golden sand beaches in town offer an array of activities, followed by a cozy evening in the Red Sail Room bar/restaurant. 

A charming town along the Scottish East Coast, St. Andrews boasts miles of greenery and ocean views. A Georgian farmstead in Fife’s East Neuk transformed to a hub for Scottish whisky, Kingsbarns produces memorable spirits including Lowland Single Malts, Darnley’s Gin, and Wemyss Malts. 

Originally an agricultural settlement, the distillery’s first Single Malt, Dream to Dram,’ pays homage to the area’s history while remaining true to its lowland home. Doing its part for sustainability, spent mash grain from distilling is used to feed local cattle, while water under the distillery filters naturally back through reed beds nearby. 

Where to Stay: Occupying an 1800’s building with sweeping views of the beach and Old Course, Rusacks St. Andrews is steeped in history and golf legacy. Traditionally Scottish in design, the warm interiors make you feel right at home. 

Tucked beneath the hotel, One Under Bar channels the spirit of St Andrews with hearty fare and a warm, traditional pub feel. Above, The Bridge and 18 offer refined dining and sweeping views of the course.

While Glenmorangie is a familiar name, few people have actually traveled to this remote distillery in the Scottish highlands. Founded in 1843 by William and Anne Matheson, the distillery was named after their love for the land: “Glenmorangie” literally translates to “valley of tranquility” in Gaelic. What makes Glenmorangie stand out are its ties to the locals, many of whom work at the distillery. Today, there are as many as 24 “distillers of Tain,” dedicated to keeping the community and traditions alive. 

Where to Stay: Sat on acres of golf terrain and windswept heaths, Dornoch Station immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where the land meets the sea. After a day on the course, unwind at a traditional highland bar in the dark, inviting interiors of Bar Ross.  or sample the menu at the Golden Gorse- alive with foraged flavors from the surrounding areas.

On an unassuming side-street in London’s North Acton neighborhood lies a hidden gem with a bold mission. Founded in 2015 by a third-generation Polish moonshiner, Bimber Distillery has reached a global audience across 30 international markets. (“Bimber” is the Polish word for moonshine.)

Using locally grown barley, the grain is traditionally floor-malted at Warminster Maltings—England’s oldest maltster, dating back to 1855. After the barley arrives at the distillery, it’s mashed using only two waters, unlike most distilleries which use three or four. At its core, Bimber is about sharing great whisky made with care. 

Where to Stay: Tucked away on a quiet street in Notting Hill, Portobello Hotel is famed for its bohemian vibes and eclectic charm, bringing the spirit of the West End and Portobello Road Market to life in every detail.

The brainchild of co-founder William Lowe, Cambridge Distillery uses global flavors to evoke the tastes of the English countryside, Scandinavia, and the far East to create the world’s first gin made exclusively with Japanese botanicals. A single batch of Watenshi only comprises six bottles and costs around $4,000.

Cambridge Distillery’s truffle gin is was unlike anything I’ve tried before: I was smelling one thing and tasting something different altogether. If you want to take a deep dive into their unique flavors, they offer immersive classes at their gin laboratory in the city center. There are multiple options available from mixing to making to tasting.

Where to Stay: Hotel Du Vin in Cambridge is ideal if you want to be in the heart of it all. Alluring nooks, exposed brick, and restored fireplaces provide a mix of history and elegance. From the hotel, it’s just a 13-minute walk to the gin lab, so you won’t need to worry about getting home.