Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Conveniently located close to St Andrews, the home of golf, in the beautiful East Neuk of Fife, our whisky distillery sits in a charming 18th century converted farm steading and features whisky distillery tours, tastings, a shop and cafe with an outdoor seating area. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm, with tours running daily. In order to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff, we have implemented the following temporary changes: • Limited number of people on tours • One-way system, clear physical distancing signage, hand sanitising stations, masks provided • Contact details required on entry • Pre-booking required for tours • Bookings can be made on our website or by calling our Visitor Centre
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- sugarplum007Cotswolds, United Kingdom75 contributionsBrightened up a cold February dayEnjoyed this alot. Lots of information, fascinating and interesting tour, delivered with humour. Generous whisky tasting and option of driver package and soft drink for kids. Lovely location, beautiful old building. Bought a couple of bottles too!I hope you are enjoying your purchases, and it's great to read that you enjoyed your tour. Many thanks for posting. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 12, 2024
- Lucy HEdinburgh, United Kingdom1 contribution10/10 Distillery TourThis is definitely the best distillery tour I have been on! I took a group of university students and it was a great trip, with a nice balance of information and hands-on experience. The students especially enjoyed the opportunity to smell some of the notes you typically find in whisky and try to identify them. Our guide, Dan, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and made the entire tour so interesting and engaging. We were very lucky to have his expertise and I'd highly recommend this tour!Thank you so much for such a glowing review! Glad you enjoyed your time with us. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled on businessWritten February 14, 2024
- Julene A1 contributionGreat visitWe did the visit with James and although it was in English (we are Spanish), he explained everything very well and we understood him perfectly. Everything he told us was very interesting and in the tasting they were kind enough to include some chocolates, an exquisite combination. Highly recommended.Ah, glad to read that you enjoyed our special whisky and chocolate-pairing tour! Thank you for posting. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 14, 2024
- Laura PGlasgow, United Kingdom2 contributionsExcellent tourDistillery tour booked for my partners birthday. We were lucky enough to have a “private” tour as no one else was booked onto this. Neil was our tour guide, he was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, we had a great experience.Sounds great - so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for posting. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- Pete M2 contributionsAn excellent tourAn excellent tour. We were lucky enough to have two guides, James and Neil, and both were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and kind. They pitched the level of the tour perfectly. Would strongly recommend. (Not sure if it's relevant, but we have been to dozens of distilleries, and this tour was way above average)High praise indeed! Thank you so much for posting. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 19, 2024
- Caroline RLondon, United Kingdom27 contributionsGood trip from St AndrewsGreat tour and tasting. Our guide Neal was very knowledgeable and friendly. We got to the distillery by bus from St Andrews - dropped us at the end of the drive so we all could do the tasting (though they do provide little take away drams for drivers).Thank you for taking the time to post - a useful review for others! AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 20, 2024
- Les SEdinburgh, United Kingdom3 contributionsEntertaining, informative tour and tasting!We booked a tour of the distillery at the last minute whilst away for a few days holiday in the East Neuk with less than great weather! We were very glad that we did. Our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable and we all learned a lot about the history of Whisky and its production. The renovation of the farm and the resulting building is impressive - a really nice space. We also got to taste two types of Whisky and another spirit product and as I was driving I was given my "drams" to take away with me which was very thoughtful and appreciated. Good shop too, and no pressure to buy whatsoever although we did treat ourselves to a bottle. Would recommend to all.A distillery tour is a great poor-weather activity! Glad you enjoyed your time with us, and thank you for posting. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 22, 2024
- Hailey LScotland, United Kingdom1 contributionGreat tour for friends and familiesFun and informative tour of Kingsbarns. We took a Scotch-loving friend visiting from the US for a tour. Great introduction to the history of whisky, how one can appreciate the subtleties of its flavors, and how it is crafted and developed over years through both conscientious choices as well as by chance/serenditipity. Aesthetically the facility is beautifully appointed. Iain was our guide and was delightful and knowledgeable, and very generous in answering all of our questions (we're nerdy). We enjoyed it very much; would recommend!Really great to read your review; thank you. AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 27, 2024
- PeteQuinKingston upon Thames, United Kingdom6 contributionsGreat tour!A wonderful tour! We were lucky in that, because of the time of year that we went, and the time of day that we went (all very off-season), there was only two of us on the tour. Consequently we were spoiled by our guide and could ask dozens of questions. The guide(s) were very friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole tour a delight. The trip around the distillery was great, and the tasting at the far end was fantastic. The guide talked us through the different expressions and how each dram differed. It was great fun!This is great to read, thank you. I'm sure your tour guide enjoyed the tour as well! AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 27, 2024
- Margaret S1 contributionA beautiful distillery and lovely staffWe visited Kingsbarns Distillery this morning with a group of German school pupils and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Our tour guide was excellent and made the tour very interesting and accessible for our group. We were even treated to an Irn Bru tasting at the end! The distillery is very attractive and well thought out. There is a lovely shop and cafe. Above all, we were made very welcome and there was a wonderful personal touch. I'd highly recommend a visit to this beautiful distillery in a gorgeous setting. Many thanks to all the staff.Very kind of you to post - really glad your visitors had a good time - we enjoyed having you! AndreaWritten March 12, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,132 reviews
Excellent
935
Very good
145
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32
Poor
12
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8
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Tallent D
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
The distillery is fairly new but it has a rich history. It’s reachable by bus from St. Andrews. The guide was very knowledgable and answered questions in detail. I tasted 3 of their whisky during the tour all were tasted great. At the shop they also allowed me to taste other brands. They also have a restaurant offering freshly made pastries and a selection of cold and hot beverages. I recommend it for all whisky lovers or anyone who is keen on the distillery process.
Written September 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claireF1519RV
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Business
We were a large group of 30 people. From the tour guide to the people working in the cafe, all were very pleasant and even made the 2 children in the group feel very welcome. The guided tour is well worth doing as it provides an insight not only in to how Kingsbarns Whisky is made but also the history to the distillery. Well worth the visit!
Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noutie M
26 contributions
Jul 2023
Please note, you must book your visit on their site.
We arrived without reservation and we were able, with a little insistence, to have a quick explanation on the making of whiskey and gin and a tasting at the end of which we were able to buy products from the shop at reasonable prices. The welcome was very friendly. It's a small distillery in the countryside with a very nice café. They have an exceptional “marine” gin.
Thanks again to the gentleman who studied in France for all his explanations.
You can get there by bus from St Andrews by asking the driver to stop, then it's a 10 minute walk.
Afterwards you can take the bus again to eat a lobster or a crab in the port of Crail but be careful the quantities are limited to the catch of the day.
We arrived without reservation and we were able, with a little insistence, to have a quick explanation on the making of whiskey and gin and a tasting at the end of which we were able to buy products from the shop at reasonable prices. The welcome was very friendly. It's a small distillery in the countryside with a very nice café. They have an exceptional “marine” gin.
Thanks again to the gentleman who studied in France for all his explanations.
You can get there by bus from St Andrews by asking the driver to stop, then it's a 10 minute walk.
Afterwards you can take the bus again to eat a lobster or a crab in the port of Crail but be careful the quantities are limited to the catch of the day.

Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci pour votre avis très util - nous sommes contents que vous avez passé un bon moment ici.
Andrea
Written August 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
uin84
Cupar, UK16 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Very disappointed with the lack of acknowledgment from young staff member in so called cafe.
Advertised as a visitor attraction with cafe. However on our visit at 13:20 their was only two soups available or macaroni pies or a slice of sponge cake. For a visitor attraction the cafe is of horrendous offerings theirs no menus on tables only a board at the till which makes you feel pressured into last minute picking. No sandwiches or what one would expect for a lunch. Young staff member in cafe was dry rude with no interaction or minimal communication
Very disappointed would not recommend or be returning.
Advertised as a visitor attraction with cafe. However on our visit at 13:20 their was only two soups available or macaroni pies or a slice of sponge cake. For a visitor attraction the cafe is of horrendous offerings theirs no menus on tables only a board at the till which makes you feel pressured into last minute picking. No sandwiches or what one would expect for a lunch. Young staff member in cafe was dry rude with no interaction or minimal communication
Very disappointed would not recommend or be returning.
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry you had such a poor experience in our cafe, and that you did not receive our usual friendly service. We will make sure to bring your comments to the attention of the team. It sounds like you visited on a day where we had an unexpectedly busy morning. But we are currently reviewing our cafe offering and our menu will be expanding very soon. Thank you for your feedback about the menu being on the board; we will address this at the same time. Apologies again and thank you for your feedback, which we fully take on board. Andrea
Written April 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seahurst64
Orlando, FL32 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Excellent tour, displays and tasting experience! I left feeling educated about the process and warm inside from the tasting. The staff was welcoming, kind and very knowledgable. This was a very pleasing and comfortable setting entrenched in Scottish history. This was more than a distillery.
They have three very distinct whiskeys which they guide you to distinguish through the tasting experience. They also have a line of Gin. This was a beautiful and delightful distillery to visit.
They have three very distinct whiskeys which they guide you to distinguish through the tasting experience. They also have a line of Gin. This was a beautiful and delightful distillery to visit.
Written October 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dadou
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The distillery is new and small but the visit is definitely worth it. Friendly staff, friendly guide and very much appreciated little attention for people who can not drink (everything): you can take what you did not drink during the tasting in small jars that will be provided to you
We feel all the desire and energy of a distillery on a human scale that wants to make its place among the great
We feel all the desire and energy of a distillery on a human scale that wants to make its place among the great
Automatically translated
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci beaucoup d'avoir laissé cet avis; je suis ravis de le lire.
Andrea
Written July 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoffrey W
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Kingsbarns is one of several distilleries we have visited over the years and is arguably one of the best. There is a warm and friendly family atmosphere throughout - from the (excellent value for money, dog-friendly) cafe through the engaging, informative and relaxed tour to the well stocked and attractive shop. The displays on the tour are well presented, offering a wealth of accessible information for those who are new to the distilling world as well as the more seasoned aficionado. Warmth and comfort and an excellent guide made for a memorable and enjoyable 2 hour visit. Next time we'll be heading for the gin cottage. Kingsbarns Distillery is definitely not to be missed!
Written November 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such glowing review and I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us.
Andrea
Written December 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew J
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Booked the 10am tour... just the two of us plus our lovely German tour guide ronny. He spoke a bit fast but was very knowledgeable and this small distillery was well worth the trip. Amazing tasting afterwards with 2 drams and a new make spirit. Thoroughly enjoyed it and ronny was really personal and a great tour guide to chat to.
First time I've had a dram that tastes of bananas with parma violets on the nose... but it was proper tasty for a young malt like lindores abbey.
Followed the tour with a stop in the shop for a branded glencairn and a bottle of kingsbarns 6yr bourbon cask coming in at 60.2%. Bloody good stuff and I highly reccomend you visit. As being a new distillery with small capacity prices are higher but worth the premium for a family owned business.
First time I've had a dram that tastes of bananas with parma violets on the nose... but it was proper tasty for a young malt like lindores abbey.
Followed the tour with a stop in the shop for a branded glencairn and a bottle of kingsbarns 6yr bourbon cask coming in at 60.2%. Bloody good stuff and I highly reccomend you visit. As being a new distillery with small capacity prices are higher but worth the premium for a family owned business.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
High praise indeed; thank you!
Andrea
Written May 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma W
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Fantastic tour, when the golf courses had all closed due to the weather this was a brilliant, insightful and entertaining alternative use of our afternoon. George our guide was knowledgeable, personable and took time to answer any and all questions fired his way. He diligently talked us through the whiskey tasting, instilling his passion and knowledge of the distilling process and the whiskeys we were drinking as we went through.
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is great to read, thank you - what better way to spend a rainy afternoon!
Andrea
Written November 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry B
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
Booked our tour on the internet, very easy process. On arrival we were greeted by friendly staff. Our group turned out to be quite small, we had a very helpful guide who enriched the details our distilling with snippets of history and local knowledge. The tour included the newly built whisky distilling room and was followed by a tasting of the currently produced whiskies. There is a small shop where the whiskies and gins are available. Together with an excellent cafe, in fact we like the cafe so much there we returned for coffee several times as it was convenient to our favourite dog walking beach. Would definitely recommend.
Written March 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a really helpful review; thank you so much for taking the time to write.
Andrea
Written May 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Likely not as the tour takes you into the mash and still area and likely not considered sanitary to have a dog.
If you were to just do a tasting - which I recommend - you could probably have the dog with.
Written February 2, 2025
Hi
Visiting Scotland for the first time.
Can anyone recommend Some good distilleries and castles that we could visit in 1to 2 days.
Our group consist of 6 adults and one 15year old teenage .
Thanks
Written August 11, 2016
Hi,
I hope you enjoy your trip. Distillery choices depend on your spirits of choice. There are now many craft gin distilleries across the UK, but because you asked in the context of a Scotch whisky review, I will stick to those.
Distances & transport are the key deciding factors.
Speyside offers the highest concentration of well known single malt distilleries, and chose those you know and love (eg Glenfiddich). You will learn a great deal of new stuff & taste different varieties not generally available.
If peaty Islays are your preference (eg Ardbeg) then a trip to the island is in order. Otherwise, visit those you can include in your itinerary. Distances are very small compared with Oz, but roads much smaller & slower too.
My favourite distillery tour was Highland Park on Orkney before they opened a visitor centre. The tour was informal, led by distillery employees and ended with the most generous tasting session.
Enjoy your trip!
Written August 25, 2016
Does this attraction have wheelchair access?
Written July 8, 2016
Yes it does, it is mainly on 1 level but has a lift t (elevator) to the tasting room.
Written July 9, 2016
Is it possible to come by bus?
Written February 8, 2016
The Stagecoach service 95 (St Andrews to Leven or vice versa) passes the entrance to the distillery, then there is a short walk (200 yards or so, I would guess) down the track.
Written February 9, 2016
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