Holyrood Distillery

Holyrood Distillery is a contemporary gem located in the heart of Edinburgh's Southside, housed within a beautifully renovated 180-year-old railway building. Opened in 2019, it holds the distinction of being the first single malt whisky distillery to operate in the city center in almost a century. Unlike traditional distilleries, Holyrood prides itself on a flavor-first, experimental approach, using heritage malts and innovative yeasts to create unique spirits. The sleek, modern interior contrasts with its historic stone walls, offering a sophisticated space where visitors can see both whisky and gin being crafted. It serves as a bridge between Edinburgh’s rich brewing heritage and its modern identity as a world-class destination for spirit enthusiasts.

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Alles über Holyrood Distillery

Was Sie erwartet

The distillery is typically open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 to 18:00, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00. A standard signature tour costs approximately twenty-five pounds and lasts about one hour, including guided tastings of both gin and whisky. For those seeking a deeper dive, the Journey to Whisky tour is available for twenty-nine pounds. Younger visitors are welcome on the standard distillery tour, with discounted tickets for those aged five to seventeen and free entry for under-fives. The site features a vibrant bar with views of Salisbury Crags and a shop stocked with their Height of Arrows gin and specialty whiskies. Online booking is highly recommended as tours, especially the specialized tasting sessions, frequently sell out.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Holyrood is a fully working distillery, so expect a sensory experience filled with the scents of mashing and fermenting grain. Because it is an industrial environment, visitors are advised to wear sensible, closed-toe shoes; high heels or cycling cleats are often discouraged for safety on the metal walkways. The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts providing access to the production floors and the tasting rooms. While children are allowed on the general tours, all tasting experiences and the "Distillery After Dark" events are strictly for those aged eighteen and over. If you are an Edinburgh resident with an EH postcode, keep an eye out for local rewards programs which occasionally offer exclusive free tour slots on Thursday evenings.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The distillery is situated at 19 St Leonard’s Lane, just a pleasant fifteen-minute walk from the Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace. If you are traveling from Princes Street or Waverley Station, the most convenient public transport option is the Lothian Bus number 14, which stops on Rankeillor Street, just two minutes from the entrance. Other frequent services like the 2, 30, and 33 stop nearby on Clerk Street. For those using the city’s hop-on-hop-off tour buses, the National Museum of Scotland stop is about a ten-minute walk away. There is no public parking on-site, but blue badge holders can be dropped off in the courtyard. The nearest major car park is the NCP on Holyrood Road, though walking or taking the bus is much simpler.

Wissenswertes vor der Abreise

For a more intimate experience, aim for a morning tour around 11:30 or 12:00 on a weekday. The late afternoon is also a wonderful time to visit, as the natural light floods the bar area, offering great views of the nearby Holyrood Park. If you are visiting during the Edinburgh Fringe in August, the distillery often hosts special Single Malt Sessions involving live music and storytelling, though you should book weeks in advance during this peak period. Winter visitors will find the distillery a cozy refuge from the cold, especially during their festive "After Dark" sessions. Generally, avoiding Saturday afternoons will give you a quieter, more conversational environment with the guides who are passionate about sharing their distilling secrets.

Holyrood Distillery