Spirit of the Downs Distillery

You won't find Spirit of the Downs tucked away in some converted barn miles from civilisation - it's proper Sussex gin, made right here near Haywards Heath. The distillery does exactly what it says on the tin: takes local botanicals from the South Downs and turns them into gin worth actually drinking, not just buying for the label.

The visit itself is straightforward. You can watch the copper stills at work, learn what makes their gin different from the hundred other craft distilleries doing the same thing, and inevitably end up in the tasting room. That's where it gets interesting - their house gin is solid, and they've got the seasonal stuff that actually tastes like something rather than just tasting expensive.

It's best for gin enthusiasts or anyone on a Sussex weekend who fancies something more substantial than a garden centre trip. Kids will find it dull within ten minutes, though teenagers might perk up if they're allowed to sniff the botanicals. Allow two hours maximum, including the shop.

The location works well if you're camping nearby - Sunset Tree and Blacklands Farm are both within half an hour. Downsview Park or Raylands Country Park would give you a slightly easier base if you're after somewhere more established. The distillery doesn't stand alone as a day trip unless you're combining it with a proper walk across the Downs or lunch in Haywards Heath itself. Worth the detour if gin's your thing; give it a miss otherwise.