📌 Loanhead, Midlothian
★★★
In 2012, an area of derelict land next to Old Pentland Road near Loanhead was purchased by Hamish and Liberty Martin, with the aim of creating a peaceful herb garden. Gin was the natural progression, using botanicals grown on site, and the first range of drinks was released in 2017. The secret’s now well and truly out – and it turns out to be one of the most accessible distilleries in Scotland, located fewer than 5 miles from Edinburgh city centre. Extensive herb and flower beds, lawns and greenhouses mean the tour is just as much a garden visit as a distillery one; this extra dimension sets the Secret Garden Distillery apart from its rivals, but you should pick a day with decent weather. As for the tasting part: 6 different gins catering to a wide range of palates should leave no-one feeling short-changed!
🌍 Location
📌 32A Old Pentland Road, 1 mi west of Loanhead
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 261664
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.884949,-3.183202
🚌 Bus stops on Seafield Moor Road (A703) at Burnside turnoff (0.5 mi)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Wednesday to Sunday, probably April to late November – booking essential
🎫 £25+ depending on tour type
