Gin, botanicals & Dorset charm: My Conker gin tour experience

Discover the Conker Gin Experience in Dorset

As someone who grew up in Dorset, I love discovering local businesses that celebrate the area’s character. Over the years, I’ve been on several gin tours, but the Conker Gin tour felt completely different—more personal, more intimate, and truly connected to Dorset itself.

Located just a 30-minute bus ride from Bournemouth Square by Morebus, Conker Spirit may be classified as a London gin, but it’s deeply rooted in local traditions and community. Founded in 2014, Conker Spirit has made a name for itself by crafting premium small-batch spirits with a focus on botanicals and sustainability. This gin distillery near me is perfect for visitors seeking authentic gin experiences near Bournemouth.

A Personal Gin Tasting Journey

From the moment I arrived, the team made me feel welcome, guiding us through the gin-making process, the Dorset-inspired botanicals, and the story behind Conker Gin. The team is passionate about representing the local area, sourcing gin ingredients from the Dorset coast and countryside.

The tour is a compact, two-hour experience that manages to pack in an impressive amount of knowledge, history, and—of course—gin tasting.

Exploring Dorset-Inspired Gin Ingredients

The first part of the tour delves into the fascinating process of gin making, focusing on the botanicals that go into each bottle of Conker Gin. The team at Conker is dedicated to using the finest local ingredients, giving their gin a distinctly Dorset flavour profile. We learned about the carefully selected botanicals, including:

• Juniper berries – The backbone of any gin, providing its signature piney and resinous character.

• Samphire – Sourced from the UK, adding a fresh, slightly salty edge that reflects the region’s maritime heritage.

• Citrus fruits – Bringing a zesty, vibrant kick to the gin’s flavour profile.

• Gorse flowers – This was a real highlight! Conker uses handpicked gorse flowers grown in the local Southbourne area, adding delicate coconut and vanilla-like notes to their gin. What’s even better is that if you sign up to their newsletter, you get the chance to join the team in picking these flowers when they are in season. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the process and contribute to the making of a truly local spirit.

Gin Tasting Highlights

Of course, the real highlight of the tour was the gin tasting session. We sampled six different types of gin, experiencing each in three stages: neat, with ice, and finally with tonic. This method really allowed us to appreciate the changing characteristics of the gin as it evolved.

My personal favourite was the Classic Conker Gin, which had a wonderfully smooth, citrus-forward profile that felt refreshingly Dorset. The Raspberry Gin was another standout—a fruity, vibrant take on the original that felt perfect for a summer’s day. We also tried:

• Black Cherry Gin – Deep and rich, with a natural sweetness.

• Navy Gin – Bold and powerful, with a high proof that packs a punch.

• Port Barreled Gin – Aged in port casks, giving it a warm and complex finish.

• Bowser – A non-alcoholic botanical spirit that still captures the essence of gin, perfect for designated drivers.

We also tried their coffee liqueur, made with fair-trade coffee and partnered with local Dorset roasters—a fantastic addition for gin cocktails like Espresso Martinis.

The Experience Beyond Tasting

One thing I really appreciated was that, after the tour, we had the option to stay in the tasting room, which is open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a relaxed space to enjoy another gin (or two!) and soak in the atmosphere.

And if you’re feeling peckish, just outside is an amazing pizza van that serves, hands down, the best pizza in Dorset. For around £11, I wasn’t expecting the food to be a highlight, but it honestly was—wood-fired, fresh, and the perfect pairing with a Conker Gin cocktail.

At £30 per person, the Conker Gin tour is incredible value for money, especially considering the quality of the gin, the personal touch of the experience, and the option to make a full evening out of it. If you’re interested, you can book your tour here.

If you love gin, great local experiences, or simply want to taste a true Dorset spirit, the Conker Gin tour is a must. It’s the perfect mix of learning, tasting, and socialising—all while supporting an independent distillery. With the option to stay and enjoy the tasting room (plus incredible pizza!), it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Cheers to great gin and unforgettable Dorset moments!

Getting to Conker Gin Distillery

The Conker Gin tour is conveniently located just a short distance from Bournemouth, making it an easy destination for visitors exploring Dorset experiences. Here are the best ways to get there:

Driving: If you plan to drive, reaching the distillery is straightforward. Conker Gin is located at Unit 2, 163 Stourvale Road, Bournemouth BH6 5HQ, in the Southbourne area. The roads around Southbourne are narrow in places, so take your time and plan ahead. There is some parking available on-site, but arriving early is recommended, especially for weekend tours. Driving also allows you to explore the local area before or after your gin tasting, giving you a full Dorset experience.

Taxi: For a stress-free journey, booking a taxi is a great option. CWRC Taxis offer reliable and convenient rides directly to Conker Gin. This is perfect if you want to fully enjoy your gin tasting and gin cocktails without worrying about driving.

Bus: Public transport is available via the Morebus 1C route, which runs regularly from Bournemouth Square to Southbourne. The bus stops close to the distillery, with just a short walk to the entrance. Taking the bus is an affordable option and gives you a chance to enjoy the scenic Dorset coastline on your way to your gin experience.

Whichever option you choose, planning your journey in advance ensures you can relax and fully enjoy your gin experience in Dorset.