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Tobermory Whisky Festival 2026

A celebration of whisky inspired by Mull.

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A Celebration of Spirit, Story and Island

On 20 June 2026, Tobermory Distillery opens its doors for the return of Tobermory Whisky Festival, a day dedicated to flavour, craft and the island that shapes every drop we make. More than one of the UK’s most distinctive whisky events, this is an invitation to experience whisky where it is born - beside the sea, beneath the coloured houses of Tobermory Bay.

From rare drams to behind-the-scenes access, from expert-led masterclasses to moments on the water, this is a whisky festival rooted in place and driven by people. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or newly curious, the day offers a range of whisky tasting events and immersive experiences designed to deepen your appreciation of Tobermory and Ledaig.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TOBERMORY WHISKY FESTIVAL

Across the day, a series of bookable experiences will allow you to curate your own festival journey. Spaces are limited for each session - explore what's on offer below.

BEHIND THE STILLS

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Masterclass with Blender and Head of Supply Chain
£60
5
75
Together, they guide you through a carefully curated tasting that showcases both festival exclusives and rare drams.
Masterclass with Distillery Manager and Visitor Centre Manager
£60
5
75
Together, Murray and Olivier offer a behind-the-scenes perspective few ever experience, paired with exceptional drams selected especially for the festival.
Vintage Tasting
£250
4
90
A rare chance to sample four historic drams representing decades of patience and craftsmanship, including the remarkable Tobermory 42 and Ledaig 42 Dùsgadh.
Warehouse 1 Experience
£50
4
75
This intimate experience offers rare access to our historic dunnage warehouse and the opportunity to taste whisky drawn straight from the cask.
Distillery Manager Tour
£75
4
60
Led by Murray Kerr, this in-depth tour focuses on the technical side of whisky-making and first-hand knowledge from his experience as Distillery Manager.
Production Tour
£15
2
60
An immersive tour through every stage of production - from copper stills to oak casks where our whisky matures - all shaped by Mull’s coastal setting.
Whisky and Waves
£20
2
45
Aboard a beautifully restored longliner fishing boat, you’ll cruise around the Bay, taking in the colourful views of the harbour and surrounding coastline.

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

DISTILLERY ADDRESS

Tobermory Distillery,

Tobermory
Isle of Mull
PA75 6NR

OPENING TIMES

  • Monday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Thursday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Friday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Saturday 11:00 - 16:00
  • Sunday 11:00 - 16:00

WHERE WE ARE

Nestled on the picturesque Isle of Mull, Tobermory Distillery is located in the colourful harbour town of Tobermory; just a scenic ferry ride from the west coast of Scotland, it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

HOW TO GET TO US?

BY ROAD AND FERRY

The most direct route to Mull is by ferry from Oban, which drops you at Craignure. The journey takes 45 minutes and vehicle reservations are recommended.  For more information and to book your tickets, visit: https://www.calmac.co.uk/.

 

Once on the island, the drive from Craignure to Tobermory takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

On arriving on the Isle of Mull, there is a regular bus service to Tobermory from Craignure ferry terminal. Please note that the bus does not meet every ferry, so check the bus times in advance.

 

The bus service is operated by West Coast Motors and stops right outside the distillery. 

BY TAXI

If you arrive on Mull without a car, there are a few taxi companies which can help you get around the island. These can be booked in advance (advised), or upon arrival (subject to availability).

GETTING TO TE FESTIVAL FAQs

Is there public transport from the ferry terminal to the distillery?

Yes. West Coast Motors operates a regular bus service from Craignure ferry terminal to Tobermory, timed to connect with CalMac ferry arrivals. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and runs through the scenic heart of Mull. Once in Tobermory, the distillery is just a short walk from the town centre on the main harbourfront. Taxis on Mull are limited — if you need one, we recommend booking well in advance. The bus terminal is directly outside the visitor centre doors

Do I need to book the ferry in advance for the festival?

Yes — we strongly advise booking your ferry crossing well in advance, especially if you are travelling with a car. June is one of the busiest months on the Isle of Mull, and the Oban to Craignure route in particular is heavily in demand. Foot passengers generally have more flexibility, but booking ahead is still recommended. Visit calmac.co.uk to check timetables and secure your crossing. Fishnish-Lochaline, Tobermory-Kilchoan – are turn up and go ferries and they operate on a first come, first served basis

How do I get to the Tobermory Whisky Festival on the Isle of Mull?

The Isle of Mull is served by three CalMac ferry routes. The most popular is the Oban to Craignure crossing (approximately 45 minutes), which connects to a regular bus service to Tobermory. If you are travelling from the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the Kilchoan to Tobermory ferry (approximately 25–35 minutes) drops you directly in Tobermory — perfect for festival day. For those coming from Fort William or Inverness, the Lochaline to Fishnish route (approximately 15 minutes) is a convenient and cost-effective option. All CalMac routes are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne; visit calmac.co.uk for timetables and to book in advance.

BOOKING INFORMATION

RESERVATION PROCESS

You can pre-book your distillery experiences here, where you will be forwarded to our reservation site to confirm your chosen experience and quantity.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, whilst on the premises. Anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 may be asked to present a valid photo ID or passport as proof of age.

GROUP SIZES

Our production tours and tastings accommodate 12 visitors, with a selection of spaces reserved for walk-in bookings. However, spaces are limited, so we recommend booking your distillery experience ahead of arrival.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We cannot issue any refunds for cancellations. If you cannot make the tour time chosen, please contact the distillery as soon as possible. Changes are at the discretion of the distillery and are subject to availability.

AMENITIES AND FACILITIES

FACILITY INFORMATION

Parking
Cashless

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

gift shop

FESTIVAL ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS & INNS

For hotel accommodation during the Tobermory Whisky Festival, Tobermory is the most convenient place to stay, with a variety of hotels within easy walking distance of the distillery and festival activities. Popular choices include Western Isles Hotel, Park Lodge Hotel, The Mishnish and Tobermory Hotel, all of which provide a comfortable base for exploring the festival and the wider island. As June is one of the busiest months on Mull, accommodation books up quickly, so we strongly recommend securing your stay as early as possible.

B&Bs & GUESTHOUSES

The Whisky Rooms offers one of the closest stays on the island, situated right next door to Tobermory Distillery. Originally part of the old distillery layout, this charming guesthouse gives whisky lovers a unique chance to stay at the heart of the action. Managed by Isle of Mull Cottages, guests at The Whisky Rooms are welcomed with miniature bottles of Tobermory whisky, purchased directly from the distillery. Due to its prime location and popularity during the summer and festival season, availability is extremely limited, so early booking is recommended.

SELF-CATERING COTTAGES

Visitors planning a stay near Tobermory Distillery will find a wide selection of self catering cottages in and around Tobermory, making them an ideal choice for families, groups and whisky enthusiasts attending the Tobermory Whisky Festival. Staying in Tobermory provides the easiest access to the distillery, harbour and local restaurants, with many cottages located within walking distance of the town centre. Popular providers such as Isle of Mull Cottages offer everything from cosy harbour-side apartments to larger countryside cottages with sea views. Many self catering properties on Mull operate on weekly bookings with fixed changeover days, although some may offer shorter weekend stays during festival season. As accommodation around Tobermory Distillery is in very high demand throughout the summer, early booking is strongly recommended.

GLAMPING & CAMPING

For glamping and camping near Tobermory Distillery, staying close to Tobermory offers an affordable and scenic way to enjoy the Tobermory Whisky Festival. Tobermory Campsite is one of the closest options, located just a short walk from the town centre and distillery along the B8073. The campsite is ideal for tents, campervans and motorhomes, with easy access to festival events, local pubs and the harbour. For a more comfortable outdoor stay, there are also glamping pods and shepherd’s huts available across the north of Mull, offering a blend of island scenery and modern comforts within a short drive of Tobermory. As camping and glamping accommodation on Mull fills quickly during the summer and whisky festival period, visitors are advised to book as early as possible.

ACCOMMODATION FAQs

Where should I stay for the Tobermory Whisky Festival?

Tobermory itself is the most convenient base for the festival, with a range of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering cottages within walking distance of the distillery. Popular options include Western Isles Hotel, Isle of Mull Cottages, Park Lodge Hotel, The Mish Nish and Tobermory Hotel . For those who enjoy glamping or camping, Tobermory Campsite is just a short walk from the town centre on the B8073 road. We recommend booking accommodation as early as possible, June is peak season on Mull and places fill up very quickly.

How far in advance should I book accommodation for the Tobermory Whisky Festival?

We recommend booking accommodation as soon as your plans are confirmed — ideally several months in advance. The Isle of Mull is one of Scotland's most popular summer destinations, and Tobermory in particular fills up quickly between March and October. Don't forget to book your CalMac ferry at the same time, especially if you're travelling with a vehicle.

Are there budget accommodation options for the Tobermory Whisky Festival?

Yes. For budget-conscious visitors, Tobermory Campsite offers excellent facilities at a great price, including hook-ups for campervans, shepherd's huts for glamping, and a lovely setting just outside the town. Self-catering cottages can also offer excellent value, particularly for groups of two or more who can share costs. The youth hostel is also operating over the summer

ABOUT TE FESTIVAL FAQs

What is the Tobermory Whisky Festival?

The Tobermory Whisky Festival is an annual celebration of whisky hosted by Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, taking place on 20th June. Established in 1798, Tobermory is one of Scotland's oldest and most characterful distilleries, producing two distinct single malts. There is the the fruity, unpeated Tobermory and the bold, smoky Ledaig. The festival is a chance to go behind the scenes, taste exclusive expressions, attend masterclasses, and celebrate the spirit of Mull in one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.

Is the Tobermory Whisky Festival suitable for people new to whisky?

Absolutely. Whether you're a seasoned whisky collector or simply curious to learn more, the Tobermory Whisky Festival is a welcoming and approachable event for all levels of whisky knowledge. Our programme is designed to be both educational and fun. Absolutely no need to be an expert, just turn up and enjoy. We will take care of the rest. Our Visitor Centre team are passionate about sharing the story behind every dram, and the warm, informal atmosphere of Tobermory makes it a wonderful introduction to the world of Scotch whisky.

When and where is Tobermory Whisky Festival 2026 taking place?

Tobermory Whisky Festival 2026 will take place on the 20th June 2026 at Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull. The festival brings together a range of whisky events and experiences throughout the day, all hosted at the distillery and around Tobermory Bay.

Do I need a general admission ticket to attend the whisky festival?

There is no single general admission ticket. Instead, guests book individual experiences such as masterclasses, whisky tasting events, tours, or boat trips. You can curate your own festival schedule by selecting and booking the events that interest you most.

How quickly do festival events sell out?

As Tobermory Whisky Festival is an intimate island event, spaces for masterclasses, warehouse tastings and tours are limited. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as many sessions are expected to sell out in advance.

Can I visit the Tobermory Distillery outside of the festival?

Yes! The Tobermory Distillery Visitor Centre is fully operational and open to visitors year-round. From still to glass, you can experience behind-the-scenes tours and immersive tastings, discover the hand-filled distillery exclusive whiskies available only from the Visitor Centre, and explore the story of two of Scotland's most distinctive single malts. Tobermory and Ledaig are as different as the landscapes that inspired them and tasting both is an experience not to be missed.
PARKING FAQs

 Is there parking near Tobermory Distillery on festival day?

Tobermory town centre has limited parking, and we strongly recommend visitors plan their journey in advance. The main public car park in Tobermory is located on the harbourfront (Ledaig Car Park), which is adjacent to the distillery. Given the opularity of thefestival, we encourage visitors to rrive early or consider leaving their carat their accommodation and walking or cycling into town.

Is there parking at the ferry terminals for the Isle of Mull?

Yes. If you're travelling via the Kilchoan to Tobermory ferry on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, there is ample parking available at the Kilchoan ferry terminal with public toilet facilities. For the Oban to Craignure route, parking is available in Oban town and at the ferry terminal area. The Lochaline to Fishnish route also has roadside parking available.

Is there motorhome or campervan parking near the festival?

Tobermory Campsite, located just outside of town on the B8073 road towards Dervaig, welcomes campervans and motorhomes and offers electric hook-up points. The site is within easy walking distance of the distillery and the town centre.

FAMILY- FRIENDLY FAQs

Is the Tobermory Whisky Festival suitable for families and children?

The Tobermory Whisky Festival is primarily a celebration of whisky for adults, but Families of all ages can go on the boat trips, and visit our distillery courtyard which will have live music and local artists playing throughout the day. Tobermory itself is also a wonderfully family-friendly destination. The town has plenty to keep younger visitors entertained — from the award-winning Fisherman's Pier chip van to Isle of Mull Ice Cream on the harbourfront. Tobermory is also famously the setting for the beloved children's TV series Balamory, making it a magical destination for families with young children.

Is Tobermory a good place to bring children for a holiday around the festival?

Absolutely. Tobermory is one of Scotland's most family-friendly destinations. Children will love exploring the colourful harbourfront made famous by the TV series Balamory, and spotting wildlife — from otters on the shoreline to white-tailed eagles overhead. Calgary Bay, around 40 minutes from Tobermory, is one of Scotland's most beautiful beaches and perfect for a family day out. The island as a whole is safe, walkable and full of adventure for all ages.

Are dogs welcome at the Tobermory Whisky Festival and in Tobermory?

Tobermory and the Isle of Mull are exceptionally dog-friendly. Many of the town's pubs and restaurants — including Macgochan's on the harbour and the Mishnish — welcome dogs. Dogs are allowed in the visitor centre and in the courtyard, however, not on tastings or in production areas. Mull has incredible walking trails for dogs and their owners to enjoy before and after the festival.

Are there activities for non-whisky drinkers attending the festival?

Yes! The festival is a wonderful celebration of the Isle of Mull as much as the whisky itself, and there is plenty to enjoy for those who aren't whisky drinkers. Tours and boat trips are still super interesting for those not drinking. The distillery also produces Tobermory Gin, which will be served as part of the day's programme. The town itself is full of independent shops, galleries, cafés and coastal walks to enjoy throughout the day.