IT ONLY opened a few months ago, but a multi-million-pound tourist attraction has already been named as one of the world’s top new destinations to visit this year.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, in Laverstoke, is at number 18 on a list of 26 attractions compiled by prestigious travel guide company Lonely Planet, which has profiled the ‘World’s Hottest New Experiences for 2015’.

The list, which also includes exploring the inside of an ice cap in Iceland, star-gazing in Australia’s outback and zip-lining over lush valleys in Taiwan, was put together by Lonely Planet’s destination gurus, who scoured the globe to find the most ‘awesome attractions’ for its new Travel ebook, which can be downloaded on its website for free.

Referring to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, which opened last October, James Smart, Lonely Planet’s destination editor, wrote in the guide: “Gin, viewed as a demon drink in the eighteenth century, has smartened up its act.

“Bombay Sapphire’s swish new distillery at Laverstoke Mill, in Hampshire, gives fans the chance to tour greenhouses and check out the techniques of botanical infusion.”

Will Brix, estate manager for Bombay Sapphire Distillery, said: “We are delighted to have been featured by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s hottest experiences for 2015.

“This recognises the hard work behind the extraordinary transformation of Laverstoke Mill from historic paper mill into state-of-the-art gin distillery and visitor experience, and the feedback we’ve had has been so positive.

“Into 2015, our cocktail masterclasses are selling out in advance, and we have just launched a range of exciting scheduled VIP events that people can book on our website. We look forward to welcoming many more people to Laverstoke Mill this year.”