Silent Pool Gin Distillery Tour, Surrey Hills
A summer afternoon of gin, history, and countryside views — discover why a visit to Silent Pool Distillers is far more than just a tasting.
There are few places as picturesque for a gin tour as Silent Pool Distillers. Tucked into the Surrey Hills, with the shimmering waters of Silent Pool, Albury vineyard and the incredible Mandira's Kitchen, it’s the kind of setting that immediately makes you want to stay awhile.
We last visited in summer 2025, and before the tour began we happily settled ourselves in the new covered glasshouse terrace bar. With a sample in hand and sunshine pouring through the windows, it would be very easy to while away an entire afternoon there. The bar is beautifully designed — stylish yet relaxed — and the views across to the pool make it feel luxurious in both summer and cosy in winter.
On this visit, we weren’t able to walk down to the pool itself due to annual maintenance, which usually forms part of the tour. However, that didn’t take away from the storytelling. We still heard the haunting fable of the Silent Pool and learned about its historical significance to the gin and also Agatha Christie! As a self-confessed history nerd, I particularly loved the wider context woven throughout the tour — from the story of gin in Britain to how distilling evolved over centuries. It’s not just about what’s in your glass; it’s about how it got there.
The tour takes you through the botanical foundations of their gins, exploring how different ingredients - from the familiar to the unexpected or unique are selected. Before understanding their unique four stage distilling process to create superbly balanced gins, all explained with the watchful eye of copper still Juliette. Whilst learning about the process we sampled some of the Silent Pool gin range, and it’s impressive how their range continues to expand while maintaining that signature elegance.
Learning about distillation, botanicals and enjoying some samples!
A highlight is stepping into the working distillery and bottling areas. Cameras aren’t allowed, which actually makes you more present in the moment — taking in the gleaming copper Ophelia still, the careful bottling process, and the careful craftsmanship behind each bottle.
The tour ends in the beautifully styled and well stocked shop — not just with gin but glassware, gifts, and seasonal specials, it’s dangerously tempting. Your ticket includes a discount amount to spend, and I can confirm I made full use of mine. Plus I definitely needed a pin badge to add to my collection as a souvenir of a fantastic experience.
The combination of setting, storytelling, tasting, and craftsmanship makes this more than just a gin tour — it’s a leisurely, immersive afternoon that blends history, flavour, and a little countryside magic.
If you’re visiting, I’d highly recommend allowing extra time to sit in the tasting bar beforehand or afterwards. Plus I'd absolutely recommend popping in to Mandira's Kitchen next door for a delicious chai and thali lunch, or some takeaway options for later!
Purchases from the Silent Pool tour and Mandira's Kitchen!
Notes:
- Take a jacket & wear sensible shoes as elements of the tour are outside and continue in all weathers. (open toe shoes and heels are not permitted)
- No children under 18 (including babes in arms) and dogs (including assistance animals) are permitted on the tour.
Cost: £25 per person. Gift vouchers available.
Time: approximately 1.5 hours.
Booking essential - Tours are available on Thursday - Sundays throughout the year, as well as on selected Bank Holidays.
Transport: Nearest train station is Guildford, which is 20 minutes away by taxi. There is a limited parking off the A25, with no parking at the distillery itself. The car park to the distillery is a short walk uphill (you can enter your reg for free parking).
Website: Silent Pool
Date: September 2025
