Northern & Central, England – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip Around Northern & Central England
Region and Route Overview
England’s whisky revival is well underway, with a cluster of ambitious new-wave distilleries emerging across the Peak District, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire. This 5-day road trip connects seven standout producers known for their innovation, sustainability, and regional character — from forest-floor-matured single malts to grain-to-glass operations. Along the way, you’ll enjoy countryside walks, historic towns, and hearty northern hospitality, all while sticking to a modest budget.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: White Peak Distillery → Bakewell
Distillery to Visit
- White Peak Distillery
Overview: Founded 2016, located in a former wire works by the River Derwent.
Known for: Wire Works Whisky – fruity, lightly peated.
Tour: Distillery Tour & Tasting (£20).
Website: whitepeakdistillery.co.uk
Contact: +44 1773 856918
Accommodation
The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell (£85/night)Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Manners, BakewellDish: Derbyshire lamb shank with whisky mint glaze (£18).
Website
Scenic Stop
Chatsworth Estate — grand stately home with gardens and walks.Driving Details
Ambergate → Bakewell: ~25 mins (12 mi).Open Day 1 in Google Maps
Day 2: Whittaker’s & Cooper King Distilleries → York
Distilleries to Visit
- Whittaker’s Distillery
Overview: Founded 2015, family-run, small whisky releases.
Known for: Yorkshire grain whisky.
Tour: Distillery Tour + Tastings (£15).
Website: whittakersgin.com
Contact: +44 1423 781715 - Cooper King Distillery
Overview: Founded 2018, carbon-negative, self-built.
Known for: Sustainable spirits.
Tour: Behind the Scenes Tour (£20).
Website: cooperkingdistillery.co.uk
Contact: +44 1347 878781
Accommodation
Hedley House Hotel, York (£90/night)Website
Dinner Recommendation
Skosh, YorkDish: Whisky-glazed pork belly small plate (£10).
Website
Scenic Stop
York Minster & City Walls — medieval city heritage.Driving Details
Bakewell → Whittaker’s: ~1 hr 45 mins (60 mi).Whittaker’s → Cooper King → York: ~1 hr (30 mi).
Open Day 2 in Google Maps
Day 3: Ellers Farm → Forest Distillery (via North York Moors)
Distilleries to Visit
- Ellers Farm Distillery
Overview: Founded 2021, B Corp, sustainable ethos.
Known for: Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, whisky in development.
Tour: Sustainability & Spirits Tour (£15).
Website: ellersfarmdistillery.com
Contact: +44 1904 202888 - Forest Distillery
Overview: Founded 2014, England’s highest altitude distillery.
Known for: Forest Gin and small-batch single malts.
Tour: Distillery Tour + Tasting (£25).
Website: theforestdistillery.com
Contact: +44 1260 253245
Accommodation
The Cat & Fiddle Inn, Macclesfield Forest (£85/night)Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Sutton Hall Pub, MacclesfieldDish: Whisky-glazed trout fillet (£16).
Website
Scenic Stop
North York Moors National Park — dramatic moorland detour.Driving Details
York → Ellers Farm: ~25 mins (12 mi).Ellers Farm → Macclesfield Forest: ~2.5 hrs (90 mi).
Open Day 3 in Google Maps
Day 4: Weetwood Distillery → Lancaster
Distillery to Visit
- Weetwood Distillery
Overview: Founded 2021, linked to Weetwood Ales.
Known for: Small-batch local whisky in development.
Tour: Brewery & Distillery Experience (£15).
Website: weetwoodales.co.uk
Contact: +44 1829 751963
Accommodation
Toll House Inn, Lancaster (£85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Borough, Lancaster
Dish: Whisky peppercorn chicken schnitzel (£17).
Website
Scenic Stop
Forest of Bowland — Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Driving Details
Macclesfield → Weetwood: ~1 hr (40 mi).
Weetwood → Lancaster: ~1 hr 15 mins (50 mi).
Day 5: Lancaster Spirits Co → Return
Distillery to Visit
- Lancaster Spirits Co
Overview: Founded 2022, building on a brewing legacy.
Tour: Spirit Tasting Flight (£12).
Website: lancasterspirits.co.uk
Contact: +44 1524 848537
Scenic Stop
Lake District (Windermere) — optional 30-min detour.
Driving Details
Lancaster → Manchester: ~1 hr (55 mi).
Lancaster → Birmingham: ~2 hrs 15 mins (110 mi).
Lancaster → London: ~4 hrs (230 mi).
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
- Distillery Tours (7): ~£120
- Accommodation (5 nights): ~£425
- Meals (10 main meals): ~£130
- Fuel (~450 miles): ~£80
- Other (scenic sites, parking): ~£20
Tips and Notes
- Best Time: May–September for weather and daylight.
- Driving: Narrow rural roads in the Peaks & Yorkshire.
- Booking: Some distilleries require advance reservations.
- Responsible Tasting: Nominate a driver or use spittoons.
- Packing: Walking boots and waterproofs are recommended.
This 5-day English whisky trail captures the essence of a modern spirits movement born from tradition but defined by innovation. Cheers to England’s whisky revolution!
These travel guides are designed to give you a start point or framework to create your own trip, allowing you to use as much or as little as you wish. We recommend doing your own research, particularly checking opening times and costs, as well as personalising your visits to best suit your tastes.
Our UK Whisky Bars Map & List may come in useful!
