So, you’ve decided to set off on a cider-loving expedition across the UK. I mean, why not? Who doesn’t fancy sipping crisp cider while making friends with the locals? You’re in for a treat with a few laughs thrown in for good measure. Let me take you through a few of my favourite cider breweries, along with a couple of cheeky stories, questionable decisions, and some truly delightful drinks.
Before I get too carried away, let’s talk about the cider. There’s a vibrant community of cider makers scattered across the UK—from the rolling hills of Herefordshire to the orchards of Somerset. They craft some fine brews that hit all the right notes. So grab a glass, and let’s get into it!
First up on my little adventure is Herefordshire, often called the heartland of cider production. I kid you not, there are more cider apples here than you can shake a stick at! If you venture toward the charming village of Bromsberrow, you’ll find Once Upon a Tree. This family-run place left me enchanted with their vintage ciders.
Here’s the kicker: I fell in love with their ‘Elderflower Cider.’ Imagine biting into a freshly picked apple on a sunny day—now add elderflower. Maybe it was just the sun going to my head, but it was like a floral hug for my taste buds. Plus, their rustic barn setting had a vibe that screamed ‘Instagram worthy’. Sorry, not sorry for the 500 photos.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for the sheep roaming around. I swear I had a conversation with one named Larry. He was quite judgmental about my taste in cider, though.
Next, I found myself in the stunning Peak District. If you ever thought cider had to come from the countryside, think again! Peak Cider is smashing that myth. With a vibrant mix of traditional and innovative ciders, they won me over with a delightful ‘Spiced Apple Cider.’
Picture this: you sip this cider in the gorgeous, rustic tasting room, and then the breeze carries the smell of nearby fields. Before I knew it, I was creeping through their orchard, munching on apples that were only slightly less crisp than the cider. Just don’t be like me and bite into one of those windfall apples; they’re a tad less appetising, trust me!
To make your visit more interesting, try to catch their weekend events. They often have live music and food trucks, so you can sip and savour some local grub while you’re at it!
Ah, Somerset! The crème de la crème of cider country. If you haven’t visited Thatchers Cider in Sandford, then my friend, you haven’t really lived. There’s a chance you might be greeted by a cheeky staff member who claims that the Cider Barn is just an excuse for them to drink on the job. Not that I was complaining; their ‘Haze’ cider had just the right balance of sweetness and zestiness.
I took the tour, of course—because, let’s be honest, what’s a trip without a good guided tour? Our guide, a very enthusiastic chap named Dave, displayed an alarming amount of knowledge about apples and cider-making. I mean, who knew there were so many apple varieties? I thought I was just getting cider; turns out, I was learning about ‘Bramley’ versus ‘Bittersharp.’
Scored some free tasting samples! Just make sure to pace yourself. I ended up not knowing how I got back to the B&B. You might even find some funky things to check out in the area, like the nearby Cheddar Gorge—great for a hike… or a post-cider nap.
Not to be outdone, I ventured over to Kent, a county that boasts some legendary cider makers. One not to bypass is Biddenden Vineyards. They dabble in winemaking too, but their cider is what got me swaying. Their ‘Cider with a Kick’ was like an unexpected punch in the face—refreshing but, oh boy, did that come out of nowhere!
After a few rounds, that cheeky cider snuck up on me. I had a minor incident—let’s just say I challenged a bee to a staring contest while trying to grab a snack at their shop. Spoiler alert: I lost. But look at the bright side, I found a lovely local cheese that pairs excellently with their apple cider, so it wasn’t all bad!
Check out the Sissinghurst Castle Garden nearby; it’s a traditional English garden that looks like it should be on a postcard. Perfect for a breather if you’ve just sampled a few too many.
So, what about those of you who’ve had your fill of travel but still want cider in your life? The good news is that you can explore the artisanal cider scene at home. Local markets and even shops like Waitrose often showcase fantastic local ciders. Or you can easily join a subscription box service like Cider Box to keep the party going from your living room.
Well, there you have it, my friend—the wonderful, wild world of cider across Britain. From the sun-kissed orchards of Herefordshire to the charming barns of Somerset and the innovative brews of Kent, discover the unique flavours and stories behind each bottle. A cider adventure filled with laughter, local colour, and perhaps a few too many tasting samples—it’s the perfect recipe for a memorable outing!
Have you ever had a funny experience while trying cider or visited a quirky brewery? And what’s your go-to cider flavour? Let me know in the comments below! 🥂
