Discover the best cider farms in Somerset with Georgie Duckworth, author of Wild Swimming Walks, Bristol & Bath. Enjoy a ramble and refreshing swim, then relax with a proper taste of the countryside.
Somerset is one of those rare places that truly captures the spirit of the British countryside. Its patchwork pastures and chocolate-box villages feel as though they’ve scarcely changed in centuries. With a gentle, soporific charm, it invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature… and what better way to do so than with a pint of cider in a blossoming orchard at one of its many rustic cider farms?
Somerset Cider Farms
Cider weaves through Somerset’s heritage. Many farms have been pressing apples for centuries. Simple, rustic barns hold giant wooden barrels, ancient apple presses, and the unmistakable scent of fermenting fruit. These are places where you’re likely to be served directly by the farmer and enjoy your pint beside a cow contentedly chewing cud in the neighbouring field. Authentic and unpolished, these cider farms offer a true glimpse of British rural life.
In autumn and early winter, enjoy the rush of harvest. Apples are picked, presses run full tilt, and the countryside is filled with the smells and sounds of cider in the making. In spring, the orchards burst into clouds of white and pink blossom. Walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers are drawn to the early sunshine. By summer, the trees are lush and full. A pint of farmhouse cider tastes even better after a sun-soaked walk or a wild swim in a nearby river.
Wassail
The cider year traditionally ends with a wassail. This centuries-old orchard ceremony is filled with fire, music, dancing and plenty of cider (of course). But no matter when you visit, Somerset’s cider farms offer unforgettable experiences.
Here are some of the very best cider farms and orchards to explore across Somerset…
1. Burrow Hill Cider Farm, Kingbury Episcopi
One of Somerset’s oldest and most cherished cider farms, Burrow Hill is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional cider and a taste of the quintessential British countryside.
Cider has been made here for centuries with records showing that priests once tended the orchards, crafting cider as part of the local tradition. Today, the family-run farm combines these historic methods with modern craftsmanship, producing award-winning ciders, perries and cider brandies.
Visitors can tour the orchards, see the apple presses in action, sample the full range of ciders and brandies in the tasting room, and soak up the timeless charm of Somerset’s rolling countryside.
Combine a visit to Burrow Hill with a wild swimming walk around quirky Langport town and a visit to the Muchelney Abbey ruins for a perfect day out. Walk #28 in Wild Swimming Walks, Bristol and Bath
2. Jim’s Cider Shack, Bere, Aller
Jim’s Cider Shack sit’s at the heart of this rustic farm. Cider has been made here for four generations. It’s known more formally as the Bere Cider Company, but local’s know it simply as ‘Jims’.
If you head into the tasting room, where wooden barrels of cider sit in rows, you’ll likely meet Jim himself. He’s always ready to pour a taste of his ciders. Single-variety offerings like Dabinett and Yarlington, sit alongside his award-winning Gold Rush. The taste of the latter is earthy, refreshing and utterly delicious.
There’s also a cosy café which serves homemade cakes, hearty lunches, and hot drinks. It’s the perfect place to relax after a walk in the surrounding orchards or after a swim in the nearby River Parrett. With its blend of rustic charm, historic cider-making, and scenic countryside, Jim’s Cider Shack offers an authentic taste of Somerset life.
3. Wilkins Cider Farm, Mudgley
4. Barley Wood Orchard, Wrington
Barley Wood Orchard is a gem in the Somerset cider scene. The beautiful circular cider barn, built in the traditional style, feels timeless. Peek inside to see the century-old square press and wooden barrels filled with cider from apples grown in the surrounding orchards.
Each January, the orchard comes alive for the Wassail. This is a perfect way to see of any winter gloom with plenty of music, fire and traditional rituals. It’s a joyful, community-filled celebration.
In summer, the barn and orchards open for gentle, relaxing evenings. Sit beneath the blossoming apple trees, sip a mug of cider, enjoy live music, and breathe in the sweet scent of sun-warmed apples.
Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, Barley Wood offers a true taste of Somerset cider culture – rustic, vibrant, and utterly enchanting.
Did you know, there’s a secret waterfall near Barley Wood Orchard that only locals know about? Perfect for a relaxing dip on a hot summer’s day. Find out more in walk #20, Fifty Shades of Green in Wild Swimming Walks, Bristol and Bath.
5. Dick Willows Cider Farm, Bath
Open only on select weekends, visiting Dick Willows feels almost like stepping into a mini festival. There’s great food to match the cider – simple and delicious, all from locally sourced ingredients – and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Groups of friends gather in the sunshine, parents relax while the kids run wild, couples sway in the hammocks. It’s summer’s dream.
Sitting on the edge of Bath, Dick Willows is great for city-folk and country lovers alike. Combine a trip here with a gentle stroll along the Bath canal, and a swim in the River Avon at Warleigh Weir for the perfect summer’s day out. Find the walking itinerary and other secret swim spots in walk #11, Wild Swimming Walks Bristol and Bath.
Experience the best of the countryside with Georgie Duckworth’s, 'Wild Swimming Walks, Bristol & Bath': secret swims, scenic walks, and a pint of cider to toast a day well spent.