Gin School · York city centre · Make your own gin
Gin School in York at York Distillery
Make your own gin under the expert guidance of our specially-trained Gin Tutors at the York Distillery Gin School, in the heart of York. These are the people who make York Gin — an award-winning, internationally recognised gin distilled right here in the city. You will be introduced to the wonderful world of botanicals, gaining an understanding of how flavours interact, contrast and balance. We'll then teach you to use your personal mini copper gin still, and we make sure the gin you create perfectly suits your own unique tastes. By the end of your session you will have your own unique bottle of gin to take home. Winner of a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026. Located on Skeldergate, a short walk from Clifford’s Tower and York city centre.
Duration
2.5 hours
Price
£95 solo / £120 for two sharing
What you make
One bottle per still
Frequency
Weekends and selected weekdays
Location
Skeldergate, YO1 6DS
Nearest landmark
5 min walk from Clifford's Tower
What's included
Everything in your Gin School session
- A welcome G&T on arrival. A full York Gin London Dry with Fever-Tree Light Tonic, our gold award-winning gin. Prefer lemonade? No problem.
- A mini gin tasting. Explore different botanicals and discover the flavours you love before you start creating your own distillation.
- An introduction to botanicals. Learn how flavours interact, contrast and balance, guided by our specially-trained Gin Tutors, the people who make York Gin.
- Hands-on distillation on your own mini copper still. You will distil your own gin, with our tutors making sure the spirit you create matches your preferences and the flavours you enjoy.
- Seasonal and locally harvested botanicals. Depending on the time of year, you may pick plants directly from our garden or pots or work with seasonal botanicals.
- Your own unique bottle of gin to take home. One bottle per still. Your recipe is kept on record, so you can order your own personal gin again whenever you like.
- Gin history, myths and legends. Learn about gin's fascinating journey through time alongside the distillation process.
- A second G&T during the session. Another perfectly served York Gin G&T to enjoy as you work.
- A small selection of nibbles. All vegan and some gluten-free. York Distillery is a nut-free venue.
- 10% off York Gin products on the day. Take home more of what you love with an exclusive discount, redeemable during your visit.
- Expert tuition from our Gin Tutors. Our tutors are trained to the standard of the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), the world's leading spirits education qualification. You are in very good hands.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Gin School last?
Each session lasts around two and a half hours, though we allow three (3) hours for space.
How much does the Gin School cost?
A single ticket is £95 per person. Two people can share one still for £120 total, producing one bottle of gin between them. Guests of Middleton's Hotel receive a discount on Gin School sessions.
How many people can attend a Gin School session?
Standard sessions accommodate up to 16 people across 8 stills. For larger groups of up to 24 people, we offer bespoke group bookings with gin decanted into individual smaller bottles. Please contact us to discuss group availability.
Can two people share a still?
Yes. Up to two people can share one still for £120 total. You will produce one bottle of gin between you, created together.
Do I get to take my gin home?
Yes. You leave with your own unique bottle of gin, distilled by you during the session. You can also add an engraved bottle as an optional upgrade choose this option when booking, ideally with at least a week's notice.
Can I order my gin again in the future?
Yes. We keep every recipe on record, so you can order a bottle of your own personal gin whenever you like in the future.
Do I need to know anything about gin beforehand?
Not at all. The Gin School is designed for all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned gin enthusiasts. Our tutors guide you through everything from scratch.
Can I buy the Gin School as a gift?
Yes. Gift vouchers for Gin School sessions are available via our gift certificates page.
Is the Gin School strictly for over 18s?
Yes, the Gin School is strictly for guests aged 18 and over.
Can non-drinkers attend the Gin School?
Yes. We offer a non-drinker ticket so everyone in your group can take part in the session. Please select this option when booking.
Are dogs allowed at the Gin School?
Yes, we are dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at York Distillery.
What are the nibbles? Any dietary information?
York Distillery is a nut-free venue. The nibbles served during the session are all vegan and some are gluten-free. If you have any other dietary requirements, please advise us when booking (we do ask).
Is there parking at York Distillery?
On-site parking is available for guests of Middleton's Hotel, who also receive a discount on Gin School sessions. If you have accessibility requirements and need to park on site, please mention when booking and we will do our best to help. For everyone else, the nearest public car parks are Nunnery Lane and St George's Field, both around five minutes on foot. As we are right in the heart of York, we would always suggest walking or using public transport where possible.
Is York Distillery affected by flooding?
We are close to the River Ouse, and York has flooded since mediaeval times, it is part of the city's character. York Distillery itself does not flood, and if there were ever any concern about a session going ahead, we would contact you in advance. Please do not let this put you off booking. York and its residents are very used to it.
Is the Gin School accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately our venue has steps and is not fully accessible for all visitors. If you have a vehicle and specific accessibility requirements, parking at Middleton's Hotel can usually be arranged. Please contact us before booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Where is York Distillery? How do I find you?
We are located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS. The visitor entrance is on Skeldergate itself, a short walk from Clifford's Tower and York city centre.
The experience
York Distillery Gin School
York Distillery Gin School sessions are fascinating, hands-on and some of the best things to do in York. Whether you are visiting the city, celebrating a special occasion or simply wondering about how gin is made, come and spend a couple of hours with our specially-trained Gin Tutors — the people who make York Gin.
You will work with real botanicals, distil your own spirit on a personal mini copper still and leave with your own unique bottle of gin. The feedback we receive is consistently brilliant and guests regularly tell us it was one of the highlights of their visit to York.
What our guests say
Reviews from Google and TripAdvisor
★★★★★
"Truly one-of-a-kind experience. If you're considering between the tasting and gin making, trust me, it is worth the extra. Our tutor guided us through every step, from choosing and composing the botanicals to actual distillation and bottling. I was doubtful at first because half of the ingredients on the shelves were something I'd never heard of — turns out you don't have to worry a thing. In the end, I got my own very unique gin. I can't wait to share it with my friends."
★★★★★
"Fantastic experience, best distillery tour I have ever done — and I've done a lot of them. From beginning to end, enjoyable and informative. It was worth every penny. The bottle of gin I made will take pride of place amongst the others I bought. York Gin is very high quality and now I understand why."
Finding us
How to find York Distillery
York Distillery is located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, in its own building next to the hotel gym. The entrance for visitors is on Skeldergate itself. We are right in the heart of York, a short walk from Clifford's Tower, the River Ouse and the city centre, which makes us easy to reach on foot from most parts of the city.
Address
Skeldergate
York
YO1 6DS
Nearest landmark
Clifford's Tower, 5 min walk
Getting here
We are very central. Walking is recommended from most of York.
Parking
Middleton's Hotel guests can park on site and receive a discount. Public car parks at St George's Field and Nunnery Lane are both around 5 min walk.
Check availability
Choose your date and book online
Sessions run weekends and selected weekdays. Can't find a date that works? Enquire about a different date or time.
Book your placeNot sure of dates? Why not buy a gift voucher?
About York Distillery
Award-winning gin, made right here in York
York Distillery has been crafting award-winning, sustainable gin in the City of York since 2018. Our distillery sits in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, in its own dedicated building just a short walk from the city centre and Clifford's Tower. When you come for a tasting, you can see the stills in which some of our gins are made.
Our gins have been recognised at international spirits competitions including the New York Spirits Competition, where our London Dry took gold. We take sustainability seriously too, working to reduce our environmental impact at every stage of production.
York Distillery Gin School
A hidden gem in the heart of York
Tucked away in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, York Distillery is not the kind of place you stumble across by accident. The entrance is discreet, the room is beautiful and the experience is one of the best things you can do in York.
You will make your gin in the same space where York Gin is produced, watching your spirit come through the still. Our speakeasy-style room is a genuinely lovely place to spend a couple of hours, and our tutors know their stuff.
More experiences and Gift Vouchers at York Distillery