THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join Conker founder Rupert Holloway in Bournemouth for a two-hour distillery tour and tasting that reveals the secrets of Dorset’s first gin distillery. Taste award-winning gins, explore unique botanicals, and learn the art of distillation in an unforgettable journey.
Join Conker founder Rupert Holloway in Bournemouth for a two-hour distillery tour and tasting that reveals the secrets of Dorset’s first gin distillery. Taste award-winning gins, explore unique botanicals, and learn the art of distillation in an unforgettable journey.
Book with The Conker Distillery & Tap Room
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Conker Distillery & Tap Room · Bournemouth, England
Located in the vibrant coastal town of Bournemouth, England, the Conker Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting offers an immersive experience that unfolds the story behind Dorset’s first dedicated gin distillery. Hosted by Conker’s founder Rupert Holloway, this two-hour journey invites guests to explore the heart of craft spirit production while savoring unique flavor profiles distilled straight from local tradition. Bournemouth, known for its sandy beaches and coastal charm, serves as the perfect backdrop for this spirited exploration of Dorset's botanical heritage and artisanal craft.
The tour begins at Unit 2, 163 Stourvale Rd, where visitors are welcomed with a refreshing Conker Gin & Tonic, setting the stage for an intimate session directly from the visionary behind these award-winning spirits. Rupert Holloway shares the fascinating development of the distillery, from its inception as a small local project into a celebrated producer renowned for its Dorset Dry Gin and Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs.
A highlight of the experience is the detailed look into the ten botanicals that give the Dorset Dry Gin its distinctive flavor — ingredients sourced thoughtfully to reflect the region’s natural flora. Guests can observe “Big Bertha,” the pot still responsible for the magic of distillation, learning the meticulous science and artistry behind each batch crafted by the distillers. The hands-on approach and genuine storytelling elevate this beyond a simple tasting, making it a celebration of craft heritage.
Tastings include the full suite of Conker’s Dorset Gins, the Bowser LEAF alcohol-free spirit, and their innovative Conker Coffee Liqueurs, which link Dorset’s distillation with sustainable coffee farms. Whether you’re a seasoned spirit enthusiast or new to the world of craft gin, this guided tastings unfolds layers of flavor and process rarely revealed elsewhere.
Post-tour, visitors can linger at the Conker Tap Room, enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and street food from 4 pm to 10 pm, rounding out an afternoon rich with local culture and conviviality.
Conker’s location near Bournemouth makes it easily accessible for travelers staying in or around this lively city, offering them a rare opportunity to connect with the region’s evolving spirit scene. The distillery’s commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and education positions it as a standout destination for anyone looking to engage meaningfully with Dorset’s outdoor and culinary landscapes.
For those who appreciate authenticity and quality, this distillery tour is an engaging way to taste and learn about Dorset’s signature spirits while enjoying the charm of southern England's coastal setting.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical exertion needed; suitable for all fitness levels.
Children are not permitted on the distillery tour and tasting for safety and age restrictions but are welcome in the Tap Room if supervised by an adult.
Yes, the distillery has level access and is wheelchair accessible.
There is plenty of free roadside parking available on residential streets near the distillery.
Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the distillery; pets cannot be brought into the building.
The entire experience lasts approximately two hours.
Guests sample all four Dorset gins, the Bowser LEAF alcohol-free spirit, and Conker Coffee Liqueurs while learning about the botanicals and distillation process.
Dorset Dry Gin reflects the long lineage of English gin production, while Conker Distillery is Dorset’s first dedicated gin distillery, marking a milestone in the region’s craft beverage history.
Conker emphasizes sustainable sourcing in their botanicals and utilizes coffee from sustainable farms, minimizing environmental impact and supporting ethical production.
The Conker Distillery & Tap Room, located in Bournemouth, England, is a small-batch craft distillery specialising in Dorset Dry Gin and Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs. Founded by Rupert Holloway, the distillery combines local botanicals and traditional distillation techniques to produce a concise range of spirits served in an on-site tap room. Visitors can book a Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting led by the founder at the Distiller’s Table, a two-hour experience that covers the Conker story, an introduction to botanicals, a close-up view of the distillation process, and tasting of multiple expressions. The tap room offers a relaxed setting to sample spirits directly from the source. The business focuses on education and transparency, giving guests insight into ingredient sourcing, recipe development, and production steps. Tours are limited in size to maintain an intimate, educational atmosphere and to allow time for questions and hands-on demonstration. The Conker Distillery & Tap Room operates as a producer and public tasting venue, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking a focused, founder-led experience in Dorset. Its combination of guided tasting, direct access to the distillation process, and a concentrated product range provides clear value for guests who want to learn about contemporary craft distilling in Bournemouth. Reservations are recommended for the Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting to ensure availability and a personalised visit. The Conker team prioritises sustainable practices where possible and collaborates with local suppliers to source botanicals. Group bookings and special events can be accommodated by prior arrangement. Please enquire early.
Book with The Conker Distillery & Tap Room