Visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire — tour the glasshouses, taste award-winning gin, and explore the craft of distillation.

A World of Gin and Glass in Hampshire

Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill blends centuries of heritage with modern innovation. Once a Victorian paper mill, this beautifully restored site is now a state-of-the-art gin distillery powered by sustainability and creativity.

Visitors can explore tropical glasshouses, learn about the botanicals behind Bombay Sapphire’s signature flavour, and even craft their own gin cocktails in hands-on workshops.

From Paper Mill to Gin Paradise

Laverstoke Mill dates back over 1,000 years and once produced the paper used for British banknotes. In 2014, the site was transformed into the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, an eco-friendly facility where design, craftsmanship, and sustainability meet.

Architect Thomas Heatherwick designed the striking glasshouses — twin, curving structures that rise from the River Test and house the distillery’s aromatic botanicals.

Every element of the experience, from the architecture to the gin’s delicate scent, celebrates innovation rooted in tradition.

Explore the Distillery Experience

The guided Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour invites visitors to step inside the world of gin production.

Highlights Include

The Glasshouses: Two spectacular domes — one tropical, one Mediterranean — where botanicals like juniper, lemongrass, and cubeb berries are grown.

The Botanical Dry Room: Smell and touch the ten exotic ingredients that give Bombay Sapphire its signature flavour.

The Still House: Watch the Carterhead stills in action and learn how vapour infusion preserves the botanicals’ aromas.

The Turbine Bar: Enjoy a complimentary gin cocktail, mixed to your personal flavour profile.

Tours run daily and take around 90 minutes, with optional cocktail masterclasses available.

Find full details on Bombay Sapphire Distillery’s official website

Cocktail Masterclasses & Tastings

Learn the art of mixology in a Gin Cocktail Masterclass, led by professional bartenders.

Shake, stir, and garnish your own Bombay Sapphire cocktails.

Discover how botanicals influence flavour balance.

Enjoy tasting flights of gin, tonic, and creative infusions.

There’s also a Gin Workshop Experience, where you can blend your own botanicals and take home a personalised bottle.

Sustainability at the Heart

The Laverstoke Mill site was designed with the environment in mind:

Powered by hydroelectric turbines from the River Test.

Features rainwater harvesting and natural lighting.

Certified as the first distillery to receive BREEAM Outstanding for sustainability.

Visitors can see these eco-innovations in action, proving that great spirits can also be green.

Food & Drink

After your tour, relax in the Mill Café or Courtyard Bar overlooking the river. Enjoy light lunches, seasonal dishes, or afternoon tea paired with a G&T. Local produce from Hampshire and artisan cakes make it an ideal stop for food lovers.

Events & Private Experiences

The distillery hosts special events throughout the year, from gin-tasting evenings and seasonal cocktail classes to corporate and private hire experiences. Each event offers a unique way to enjoy the site after hours — often with live music and exclusive cocktails.

Visiting the Bombay Sapphire Distillery
How to Get There
Location: Laverstoke Mill, near Whitchurch, Hampshire
Train: Whitchurch or Overton stations, followed by a taxi or local bus
Car: Free on-site parking available
Bus: Route 76 stops outside the distillery
Opening Hours & Admission
Open Friday to Sunday, bank holidays, and selected weekdays during school holidays.
Advance booking is recommended, and tickets must be purchased before visiting.
Facilities
Café and cocktail bar
Distillery shop
Free parking
Accessible visitor centre
Guided tours and tasting experiences

Nearby Attractions
Highclere Castle — Historic country house and filming location
Winchester Cathedral — One of Europe’s largest medieval cathedrals
The Vyne — Historic Tudor mansion and gardens
Whitchurch Silk Mill — Britain’s oldest working silk mill

Together, these attractions form part of the Hampshire Heritage and Food & Drink Trail.

Why Visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery?

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery offers:

Award-winning guided tours
Working copper stills
Iconic botanical glasshouses
Expert gin tastings and cocktail experiences

Whether you enjoy craft spirits, historic buildings, or learning about traditional distilling, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery provides one of England’s finest visitor experiences.
It’s not just a distillery — it’s a unique blend of history, architecture, botanicals, and world-famous gin.

See our guide to The Cotswolds Distillery for another award-winning English spirits experience.