Autumn in Somerset is a beautiful time of year, with the morning mists, fresh crisp air, and the way the sunshine takes on a certain softness. With autumn comes the apple harvest, a big part of Somerset life – when the cider making begins. There are cider farms dotted about the county, where cider is still made to traditional methods, places you can visit to see how it’s done and sample it straight from the barrel. It’s one of those things that makes an autumn weekend in the country so perfect.
Cider, or scrumpy has been made in Somerset for centuries. Most farms would once have had their own apple orchards and made cider to age-old traditions. It was often part of a farm labourer’s wages in the 19th century – not only cheap, it provided sustenance in the field.
Farmhouse cider is still made in Somerset, on family run farms that have done it for generations, still only producing small batch craft ciders. The orchards billow with blossom in the springtime, from late summer through to autumn the fruit ripens on the bough. Visiting a cider farm is such a lovely thing to do on a perfect autumn weekend in the country. If you’re local, you’ll know where to go, if you’re down in the West Country on a multi-generational family holiday or short break with friends, check out our favourite Somerset cider farms.
What Are the Best Cider Farms to Visit in Somerset?
You have to trust us on this one - we all live in these parts and some of us were born and bred here. It’s not easy picking out the best cider farms to visit in Somerset, but we’ve narrowed it down to 7 of our favourites.
Sheppy’s Cider Farm, near Taunton
With 200 years of cider making heritage, apples are still grown in the family orchards, pressed, fermented and bottled on site. Tours include a stroll through the orchards, a visit to the press house, the vat house and their small rural life museum, rounded off with a guided tasting. The farm shop, deli, café and restaurant showcase the best of local produce. Kids will love the play area.
Perry’s Cider, near Ilminster
In a picturesque village, this third-generation cider farm first started producing cider in 1920. They have their own orchards and the whole cider making process is done on site. Try it in the taproom, have lunch in the café, see the small museum of cider making equipment housed in a 16th century barn.
Burrow Hill Cider Farm, Kingsbury Episcopi
Tucked away in the winding lanes, with views over rolling countryside, this is bucolic. Cider, perry and famous cider brandy are produced to time honoured methods and can be sampled in the tasting room. Wander through the orchards, see the apple presses working, go to Cider Bus Saturdays from April to October for a happy atmosphere with live music and street food.
Harry’s Cider, near Langport
Apples grown on this family farm are used to make craft ciders and single variety apple juice. Tours include an orchard walk, a talk and sampling. They have a taproom and shop, and a café serving light lunches, coffee and cake.
Bere Cider Company, near Langport
Known locally as ‘Jim’s Cider Shack’, farmhouse cider has been made here for four generations. Try before you buy, fill your baskets in the farm shop with the likes of local apple juice, cider vinegar, pickles and jams, stop for breakfast, lunch or cake in the café.
Rich’s Cider Farm, near Weston-Super-Mare
This traditional working farm has been producing cider and apple juice for over 6 decades. Onsite are a farm shop full of local delights, a restaurant where they serve a good carvery, and a play area. They run tours on Saturdays throughout the year where you can see the orchards and the enormous oak vats, and have a guided tasting in the bar.
Wilkins Cider Farm, near Glastonbury
Set in a remote hilltop hamlet, scrumpy has been made here since 1917. The apples are grown in their orchards; 3 huge barrels of cider stand in an age-old barn where you can sample it and put the world to rights. You’d be in good company – past visitors have included the Rolling Stones, Joe Strummer and Johnny Rotten. See apples being pressed in the autumn, buy farmhouse cheese and pickled eggs.
Can I Buy Cider to Take Home?
Yes, you can buy cider to take home. Some cider farms fill a container straight from the barrel, others offer bottles or bag-in-box options.
Do the Cider Farms do Tours and Tastings?
Yes, most of the farms do tours and tastings, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Can You See the Cider Being Made?
You’ll be able to see stages of the cider making process on a guided tour, like the apple presses working, the distillery and the vats.
Are Somerset Cider Farms Dog-Friendly and Family-Friendly?
Most Somerset cider farms are dog friendly and family friendly - some even have play areas for children and children’s menus in the café. Note that dogs may not be allowed in all areas or on tours.
If you need somewhere very special to stay in Somerset, Sleeps12 have fantastic large group holiday houses with swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, games rooms, movie rooms, cosy BBQ lodges and children’s play areas. And it being Somerset, you’ll never be far from a cider farm.