Gin Distillery Tour at Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1h15
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
Overview
Step into Edinburgh’s first exclusive gin distillery in over 150 years with Summerhall Distillery’s Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour—a 75-minute journey blending history, craft, and tasting. Perfect your palate with a curated G&T, uncover unique botanicals, and savor small-batch excellence.
Pickering's Gin Jolly Tour
75 Min - Age 12+ - Gin&T + Tasting - Distillery Tour - Wednesday to Sunday
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey at Pickering's Gin distillery in Edinburgh, where you'll savor a refreshing G&T, uncover the brand's rich history, and explore unique gin creations. Conclude with a guided tasting of their exquisite small-batch gins and take home a miniature bottle, making this experience truly unforgettable.
About
Visit our hand-built distillery in the heart of Edinburgh and discover how we make our award-winning Pickering’s Gin. You’ll hear about the incredible story behind the brand, marvel at all our quirky ginventions, tour our production spaces, and learn the processes behind making our delicious small batch gin.
Highlights of your tour:
Kick off your tour with a perfect Pickering's G&T at The Royal Dick Pub at Summerhall.
Let us introduce you to our story as a modern and innovative producer of gin in Scotland, as we opened the first exclusive gin distillery in Edinburgh in over 150 years back in 2014 in the Old Veterinary College of the University.
Learn about how we developed our core range from a recipe written down in Bombay back in 1947.
Explore our quirky inventions and take home a miniature bottle of Pickering's Gin.
Wrap up your tour with a tutored tasting of our core range.
Restrictions
Under 12 may attend with a non-drinker ticket
Accessibility
This tour is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
As we are a working distillery, our tours take place in the room that we make every single drop of our award-winning gin. Upon joining a tour, you might even get a glimpse at our team in action depending on when you visit us.
During production, the distillery and its contents can become very hot and we ask all guests to avoid touching any of our precious equipment and listen carefully to the instructions given by our guides.
Due to health and safety regulations we cannot accept children under the age or 12, as well as babies and toddlers - even if are in carriers or pushchairs.
Additionally, we are unable to allow any pets in the distillery.
Our distillery is a small space and we cannot provide permanent seating on our tours. Should you or a member of your party have accessibility or mobility issues, please advise us in advance and we can take steps to ensure your visit is as accommodating and comfortable as possible.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Find Summerhall
The distillery is tucked inside the Old Veterinary College—give yourself extra time to navigate and arrive 10 minutes before your tour starts.
Age Restrictions Apply
Guests must be 12 or older; those aged 12–17 require a non-drinker ticket and must be accompanied by an adult.
Respect Distillery Safety
The tour takes place in active production areas. Avoid touching equipment and follow all guide instructions carefully.
Limited Group Size
Tours are capped at 16 participants—book early to secure your spot and ensure a personalized experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted in Newington neighborhood
- Peregrine falcons nesting on city buildings near the distillery
History
Summerhall Distillery operates within the Old Veterinary College, an Edinburgh institution from the 19th century repurposed to foster creative and craft industries.
Conservation
The distillery maintains sustainable production methods focused on small batch, reducing waste and supporting local botanicals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll navigate urban cobblestones and indoor spaces comfortably.
Weather-appropriate outerwear
Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly before and after your tour.
all specific
Valid ID
Required to verify age for alcohol tasting.
Notepad or phone for notes
Helpful for remembering tasting notes and interesting facts.