Holyrood Distillery (19 St Leonard’s Lane, EH8 9SH) opened in 2019 in a former railway goods shed dating from the 1830s, south of the Royal Mile. It was founded by Rob and Kelly Carpenter with David Robertson, a former master distiller at The Macallan, and it makes single malt whisky and Height of Arrows gin.
Journey to Whisky, the main guided tour, lasts about an hour and starts from £30 plus a booking fee, with a tasting included. Its setting makes it one of the easiest working distilleries to reach without leaving the city.
Location & Getting There
Holyrood Distillery sits on St Leonard’s Lane, about a 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile and close to Holyrood Park, so it slots in neatly before or after a climb up Arthur’s Seat. Bus 14 stops nearby. There is no public parking at the distillery, so most visitors arrive on foot or by bus.
Tours & Tastings
The core experience is a one-hour guided distillery tour. Journey to Whisky takes you past the stills and through the process of making whisky, with a tasting at the end. Distillery After Dark is a longer evening session (1.5 hours, £35), and the daily Tasting Flight in the bar (from £22, about an hour, four spirits, no tour) suits anyone who just wants to taste. All whisky tours and tastings are 18+, so bring proof of age; confirm current times when booking.
Who It Suits
This is a strong pick for visitors who want a genuine working distillery without a day trip out of Edinburgh, and for whisky fans curious about a modern, experimental producer rather than a centuries-old brand. Mixed groups are welcome, though the tour is pitched at adults. If you would rather see a larger, glossier attraction, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street tour or the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile are better fits.
Practical Tips
- Book ahead online, especially for weekends.
- Bring photo ID; anyone tasting must prove they are 18 or over.
- Allow extra time for the shop and bar.
- Combine it with a walk up Arthur’s Seat or through Holyrood Park nearby.
- Use the St Leonard’s Lane entrance – this is the distillery, not Holyrood Palace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Holyrood Distillery tour?
Journey to Whisky, the standard guided tour, lasts about one hour and includes a tasting. Distillery After Dark runs for about 1.5 hours. Allow extra time to browse the shop and bar afterwards.
Is Holyrood Distillery walkable from the city centre?
Yes. It is on St Leonard’s Lane, about a 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile, and bus 14 stops nearby. There is no public parking.
