Set in Stone: Becoming Part of Whitby’s Story

High on the headland, where the sea air mingles with heather and salt, a new chapter of Whitby’s story is taking shape.

We’re thrilled to share that construction of the new Abbey Lands Distillery is now officially underway. If you’re local to Whitby, you’ll already see the progress taking shape on the Abbey Barn build. For those a little further afield, we’ll be sharing updates as the site evolves — from the first walls rising to the laying of our Spirits Walkway — through our newsletters and social media.

The build is on schedule, and excitement is building with it. Along the newly created access track, you can already trace the planned route  for the Spirits Walkway (Shown in orange below) — a path of cast-iron panels engraved with the names of those who’ve helped bring this dream to life.

We’re delighted to say that installation of the walkway will begin in the coming weeks, with new panels being laid each month from the new year. Each name tells its own story: a family who’ve loved this coastline for generations, a couple marking a moment, a friend remembered. Together, they’ll form a lasting connection between people and place.

Whitby has always been a town of names — carved into benches, painted on boats, and etched into stone that’s weathered centuries. The Spirits Walkway continues that tradition, rooted in craftsmanship, community, and memory.

As the path winds towards the distillery, it will pass through a garden planted with our favourite botanicals — a living reminder of the land and sea that inspire everything we make. And at its heart, the walkway celebrates the people who’ve made it all possible: those who believed Whitby’s spirit was worth bottling and sharing with the world.

Before the full walkway is complete, we’ll be installing a preview panel at the Abbey Barns for visitors to see. You can also visit our current distillery on Botany Way, where two display panels show exactly how your name will appear once installed.

We truly can’t wait to welcome you to the site and see your names in place — each one a small but lasting part of Whitby’s story.

If you’d like to set your name in history or dedicate a place for someone special, you can find out more below.

Learn more