Places to go Cider Tasting in Somerset
Discovering Somerset’s Ancient Apple Orchards
The West Country is renowned for producing some of the oldest and finest ciders in the world, and Somerset wears the cider-making crown.
Hidden behind dry-stone walls and blackberry hedges, the ancient apple orchards of Somerset have been blossoming for generations, the very essence of traditional farmhouse cider making.
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Join us as we seek out some of Somerset’s favourite cider farms…
The Somerset Cider Brandy Company & Burrow Hill Cider
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Explore the sun-dappled orchards and enjoy a guided tour of the farm, distillery, and barrel bond. The Somerset Cider Brandy Company has been brewing cider for 170 years in oat vats and barrels, the juice from its sun-ripened apples extracted from traditional presses. Tours last for an hour-and-a-half, leaving you plenty of time to while away an hour on Burrow Hill where you’ll be captivated by views of the glorious Somerset Levels, which reach as far as Glastonbury Tor on a clear day. There’s lots of cider making paraphernalia to pique your interest, and the chance to sample some of this age-old, local delicacy. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Sheppy’s Master of Cider
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Tucked away on the rolling pastures of Three Bridges Farm in the tranquil parish of Bradford-on-Tone, Sheppy’s has been crafting orchard cider for 200 years – a reputation built by six generations of the Sheppy family. Apples are grown across 55 leafy acres, all lovingly harvested and pressed under the expert eye of David Sheppy, Master of Cider. These sensational ciders are available for sampling at the tasting counter, or you might like to quench your thirst at the Apple Bay Bar. Harvest cider tours run during pressing season, a chance to peek behind the scenes of one of the oldest and most celebrated cider makers in the country. You can also stock up with some locally made treats at the House of Cider farm shop.
Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm
When you sign up for a tour of the Thatchers Mill on Myrtle Farm, you’ll be able to experience the cider making skills that have remained at the heart of this much-loved label for more than a century. Out in the orchards, you’ll learn all about the different apple varieties grown on the farm and how the Somerset soils and mild West Country climate combine to produce Thatchers’ classic bittersweet taste, matured in 150-year-old vats prior to bottling and casking. There are some stunning walks to be enjoyed close by, plus you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Thatchers Cider Shop and Railway Inn, set in the heart of the characterful village of Sandford and nestled beneath Somerset’s famous Mendip Hills.
Perry’s Somerset Cider
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Perry’s Somerset Cider lies within the scenic parish of Dowlish Wake, not far from the historic town of Ilminster. Established in 1920, this traditional apple farm grows, presses, ferments, matures, bottles and kegs its cider using ancient techniques. Its range of artisan ciders can be found stocked in bars and restaurants up and down the UK and are also available for tasting in the cidery. This handsome mill houses a small museum (located in the 16th century thatched barn), café and farm shop. Visitors love to walk through the hazy, blossoming orchards and sip a glass of homegrown cider.
Bere Cider Company
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Harvest season is a busy time down in the Bere orchards where bursting ripe apples are shaken from their branches, then washed and milled before pressing. This family enterprise spans four generations, having grown from a small cottage concern to a cider farm producing more than 1500 gallons of the sweet stuff every year! Jim’s Shack is the place to go to enjoy some homegrown cider, apple juice and perry, there’s also a farm shop selling local honeys, jams, pickles and chutneys. Take a trip to Woodpecker Lodge near the riverside town of Langport and experience the bright cider life.
Rich’s Cider
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Another of the county’s trailblazing cider growing families, the Mill House Farm experience includes cider tasting accompanied by a home-cooked meal in the cosy restaurant (which continues to attract rave reviews). This beautiful location lies close to the former market town of Highbridge, on the fringes of the Somerset Levels, the ideal place to wind down and relax after your day’s adventures. Come and enjoy a true taste of Somerset.
Wilkins Cider Farm
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The idyllic rural hamlet of Mudgley, near Wedmore, is the setting for the final of our award-winning micro-breweries. It’s where cider wizard Roger Wilkins plies his trade, serving up his champion blend as recognised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). Roger is a legend among apple pickers, master of the old ways and a seasoned cider artisan. Finish up your leisurely stroll across the Somerset meadows with a flagon of Wilkins Farmhouse Cider, fresh from the jug and bursting with zest.
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