12 best UK whisky festivals to try in 2025
If you’re a whisky super fan, then you need to get on down to some of the best whisky festivals near you for an unforgettable year.
What sounds better than trying out some new whiskies in the sun, surrounded by music and a community of whisky enthusiasts? That’s right—nothing!
The UK boasts a rich whisky heritage, with hundreds of people travelling down every year to join in the festivities. With the chance to sample rare drams, speak with industry experts, and immerse yourself in the culture, it’s an atmosphere unlike any other.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best whisky festivals happening from March onwards in 2025, so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
Psst, if you’re looking to try something new this year, check out our luxurious whisky tasting sets and subscriptions. There’s something for everyone and every occasion at the Whisky Tasting Company.
1. The Cambridge Whisky Fair
📅 Date: 28th March 2025
📍 Location: Westminster College, Cambridge
A returning favourite, the Cambridge whisky fair is a must-visit for any whisky enthusiast. We can see why this annual event is popular, with over 80 whiskies to sample and buy.
This festival will last between 5 and 9 p.m. and will be held in the historic Westminster College in Cambridge. Whether you’re a newcomer or a whisky aficionado, you’re bound to enjoy yourself and learn something new.
The venue's charm adds a magical touch, serving as the perfect backdrop for your whisky pictures. Tickets are priced at £25, which includes access to the fair, and plenty of food is available to buy.
Buy your tickets here
2. Whisky Live London
📅 Date: 28th – 29th March 2025
📍 Location: Fireworks Factory at Woolwich Works, London
This year's Whisky Live festival in London celebrates 25 years of the event, bringing whisky lovers together from across the globe.
You’ll have the chance to sample a diverse selection of whiskies from all over the world, including rare and limited edition whiskies. But that’s not all; you’ll have 3 hours of access to all of the exhibitions, live entertainment, tasting classes, unlimited whisky pourings, and more!
Tickets cost £51.02 to £102.77, and you can add a variety of masterclasses at an extra cost. Early booking is recommended!
Buy your tickets here
3. The Whisky Lounge: Newcastle Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 29th March 2025
📍 Location: Newcastle civic centre
Organised by The Whisky Lounge, the Newcastle Whisky Festival allows you to sample whiskies from across the world, including Scotland, Japan, India, the USA, and plenty more!
With a large variety of stands to choose from, you can taste a large selection of famous whiskies and learn more about their history and distillery methods. It’s your chance to sample as many whiskies as you can and learn more about your favourite pastime.
Plus, there’s plenty of masterclasses and exhibitions to immerse yourself in, so you won’t run out of things to do. You can either choose between the 12pm to 3:30pm session or the 5pm to 8:30pm session.
Buy your tickets here
4. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 30th April – 5th May 2025
📍 Location: Various venues across Speyside
The Spirit of Speyside Festival includes hundreds of events across various venues. These events feature everything from distillery tours to tastings, masterclasses, and more, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Over six days of fun, you can expect to sample a large selection of whiskies with food pairings, enjoy live music, and take in the local culture. Due to its popularity, tickets are selling out quickly, and many events have already been filled, so get yours now before it’s too late!
With so many events to choose from, there’s truly something for every taste.
Buy your tickets here
5. Campbeltown Malts Festival
📅 Date: 19th – 24th May 2025
📍 Location: Various venues across Campbeltown
Are you ready to come on down to the ‘Victorian Whisky Capital of the World’ for some fun whisky events?
This year, the Campbeltown Malts Festival is taking place in the region's distinguished distilleries, including Springbank, Kilkerran, and Cadenhead, for 6 days of activities.
You can expect to gain insight into traditional whisky-making processes with guided tours of Campbeltown's historic distilleries, enjoy whisky straight from the cask, partake in blending sessions, and much more!
Tickets range from £40 to £200, and only a few are left, so grab yours before they’re gone!
Buy your tickets here
6. Fèis Ìle (Islay Whisky Festival)
📅 Date: 23rd – 31st May 2025
📍 Location: Various locations across Isle of Islay
Join the 40th anniversary of the Islay Whisky Festival to celebrate its beautiful whisky culture with events that span across 10 days.
Better yet, the festival is completely free to enter! However, you must purchase a ticket to participate in any of the various events and activities. Tickets for many of the events range from £13 to £50, and there are tours, tastings, and concerts to choose from.
Beyond whisky, the festival celebrates Islay's rich cultural heritage with traditional music performances, Gaelic language sessions, and local craft exhibitions.
Buy your tickets here
7. Midlands Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 13th – 14th September 2025
📍 Location: The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham
A popular whisky event in the UK, this festival is renowned for its excellent selection of whiskies and masterclasses, attracting enthusiasts from across the country.
Sample over 300 whiskies, including rare and exclusive bottlings from both well-known and emerging distilleries. You can also expect to get access to a variety of masterclasses, converse with industry experts, and try out a range of whisky cocktails and tasty food pairings.
Plus, you’ll get access to limited-edition releases and the opportunity to purchase festival-exclusive bottlings. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Buy your tickets here
8. The Whisky Lounge: Liverpool Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 27th September 2025
📍 Location: The Lutyens Crypt, Liverpool
Do you have any plans for the 27th of September? Well, you do now! This year, The Whisky Lounge is bringing their festival to Liverpool, where you can sample Scotland’s finest home-grown whiskies.
This festival also offers the chance to taste whiskies from across the globe, speak to experts, and enjoy a range of masterclasses and exhibitors yet to be revealed. You’ll also receive a Glencairn tasting glass with your ticket!
The festival is divided into two sessions: the first from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM and the second from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Tickets range from £30 to £100, and there are various options to choose from.
Buy your tickets here
9. The Whisky Show London
📅 Date: 3rd – 5th October 2025
📍 Location: London
One of the UK’s biggest and most popular festivals, The Whisky Show London, is held at the iconic Old Billingsgate. It brings whisky enthusiasts and professionals together for tasting, networking, and learning.
With more than 1000 whiskies and spirits to sample and collect, this offers one of the largest selections in the UK. You can also enjoy free demonstrations and FAQ’s on the main stage and a hearty meal during the show. What’s better, this is all included with your ticket!!
Enjoy specially curated food pairings and whisky-inspired cocktails crafted by expert mixologists, as well as a Perfect Measure tasting glass as a memento. Tickets range from £85 to £285 for the full weekend.
Buy your tickets here
10. Edinburgh's Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 11th October 2025
📍 Location: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of Scotland’s finest whiskies in the heart of its capital. Here, you’ll be able to find whiskies from the best Scottish distilleries, alongside independent bottlers and whisky-related exhibitors.
The festival includes a range of fun masterclasses, live music, a chance to speak to well-known industry faces, paint whisky art, and much more! There are two sessions to choose from, and tickets are priced at £45.
Buy your tickets here
11. The Seven Hills Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 18th October 2025
📍 Location: The Steamworks, Sheffield
The Seven Hills Whisky Festival returns to Sheffield to celebrate whisky's craftsmanship and explore its heritage. You won’t just be able to sample whiskies from Scotland; you’ll be able to sample over 350 whiskies from various distilleries across the world (including old and rare gems!)
For our history lovers, you can participate in a range of masterclasses to learn more about its beginnings and learn advanced tasting techniques. Each ticket includes a free Glencairn whisky glass for tastings and as a keepsake, and you can fill your cravings with a variety of food vendors on site.
Do you want to learn more about whisky investment? Join one of the new investment talks to learn how you can turn your hobby into a successful business. Tickets range from £35 to £50.
Buy your tickets here
12. Manchester Whisky Festival
📅 Date: 21st – 22nd November 2025
📍 Location: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester
Get on down to Manchester for a day filled with masterclasses, exhibitions, and conversing with whisky connoisseurs.
The Manchester Whisky Festival is a prominent event in the North-West of England, where you’ll get to sample Scotland's finest, as well as luxurious bottles from India, Japan, and the USA.
You can add to your whisky collection at their retail shop and meet distillers and brand ambassadors to expand your knowledge. Each ticket includes entry to one session, a Glencairn tasting glass, and access to all whiskies sampled in the main hall. These range from £21 to £100.
Buy your tickets here
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