Shannon
06 September 2019
Looking for a fun day out in Devon? We’d recommend taking a tour of one of the fine breweries and distilleries in the area on your holidays. With plenty of options to choose from for gin fanatics, beer connoisseurs and cider lovers, you’ll get to know the processes involved in creating your favourite beverages, have a little taste test and find out what inspired them all.
These are our top recommendations…
The Gin School offers a fantastic peek into the past at Salcombe Distilling Co., allowing you to learn the art of distilling, as well as creating your own bottle with a unique taste. All the gins created by this fine distillery have been inspired by the citrus cargo that was formerly bought through the port of Salcombe by Fruiters, and you’ll get to know all about their history on your visit. For something extra special, book an experience day, where you can explore the gorgeous coastline from a luxury motor cruise, taste test a number of gins, take part in water sports, dine at the distillery AND make your own gin.
Browse our cottages nearby in Salcombe.
Having produced the much-loved original Plymouth Gin recipe since 1793, this is the oldest working distillery in England. With a selection of five fantastic gins now available, Plymouth Gin has become a household name. Take your pick from one of three tours, ranging from an insight into the history on a 40-minute introduction to The Master Distiller’s Tour where you’ll get the full experience, including a blind tasting session, a chance to distil your own gin and take a bottle of it home! Don’t miss the chance to visit The Refectory Bar and Cocktail Lounge too.
Browse our cottages nearby in Plymouth.
Devon Distillery offers a local twist on Italian favourites Grappa and Limoncello to bring you Dappa and Devoncello, two delicious after-dinner treats, as well as a gin. Their exciting range makes a visit all the more exciting, especially at the Devon Gin School where you’ll get the chance to make your own spirit and learn all about the art of distilling. With some exciting projects currently in development, we can’t wait to see what amazing creation Devon Distillery come up with next!
Browse our cottages nearby in Totnes.
Head to the South Devon countryside to see Salcombe Brewery’s unique brewhouse, situated on the site of a decommissioned water reservoir: a perfect environment for storing their ales. Tours take place on a weekly basis during peak season, and once a month in low season, giving you the chance to explore the brewhouse and learn all about the taste and skill behind each bottle. For something extra special, book a brew day where you can craft your own beer with Sam and Chris. Lunch is a traditional pint and a pasty, something the company touts as ‘a champion way to spend the day’...and we wholeheartedly agree.
Browse our cottages nearby in Salcombe.
As the first single malt whisky distillery in the South West, a visit here is incredibly unique. Book a tour to see the distillation process, the craft of whisky production and the heritage of Dartmoor and its unique geology.
Browse our cottages nearby on Dartmoor.
Creating craft ciders in the heart of Devon, Sandford Orchards celebrates the best of the West Country with its wide array of ciders. To make the most of their incredible beverages, come and tour the cider works to see how the Devon apples go through the transformation process to create a crisp, delicious cider. During your experience, you’ll not only get to see the orchard in all its glory but make the most of a cider tasting session at the end too!
Browse our cottages nearby in Exeter.
Although not all of our favourite distilleries or breweries offer tours, you can still sample their goods at a number of local establishments. So, with that in mind we’d recommend keeping your eyes peeled for the following on your next holiday to Devon:
Wicked Wolf, produced in Exmoor’s first distillery this has become a firm favourite among gin connoisseurs.
Atlantic Spirit, created at one of Devon’s top attractions, The BIG Sheep, this spirit is created from locally sourced ingredients and a passion for gin.
Hattiers Premium Rum, an award-winning rum combining fine aged rums from the Caribbean and Central America with a splash of Devon soul.
Wondering what else you could get up to on your Devon holidays? Take a look at our ultimate Devon bucket list or the best local attractions for some extra inspiration!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.