More cider is consumed in the UK than any other country in the world, and it’s a particularly popular tipple in the West Country. So, a trip to Cornwall isn’t complete without sampling some of the county’s finest scrumpy. Here we round up some of Cornwall’s finest cider farms – all of them worth a visit.
1. Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
©Thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk
Family-run Healey’s has been producing cyder for 25 years in a 150 year-old farm. Cyder is made differently to the more commonly known cider, and can mature with age – rather like a vintage wine. With seven varieties of apple making up the 3,000 trees on the 20 acre orchard, Healey’s is the biggest cyder producer in the UK. There’s a small museum and restaurant selling local produce on the farm; and in the shop, as well as cyder, you can buy Healey’s chutneys, jams, whiskey and brandy.
Notable ciders: Healey’s classic oak matured, sweet and dry scrumpy, Rattler
Admission: General admission is free, and a Distillery & Cellar tours cost £39 per adult. Concessions are available
Address: Healey’s Cyder Farm, Penhallow, Truro, Cornwall. TR4 9LW
Contact: www.healeyscyder.co.uk
info@healeyscyder.co.uk
01872 573356
2. Cornish Orchards, Westnorth Farm
©Cornishorchards.co.uk
Cornish Orchards is made on the Westnorth Farm, park of the duchy of Cornwall estate, which dates back to the 17th century. Full-flavoured, premium ciders are produced and bottled on site using traditional methods. Tours aren’t available, but passers-by are encouraged to stop for a free taster and a look around the shop which, along with a wide range of ciders, also sells a number of sparkling soft drinks, including Elderflower pressé, lemonade and cranberry and raspberry sparkle.
Notable ciders: Cornish Gold, Blush, Pear cider, Wassail mulled cider
Admission: Admission to the farm’s shop is free. Opening times vary throught the year. Visit website for more details.
Address: Westnorth Manor Farm, Duloe, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4PW
Contact: www.cornishorchards.co.uk
apples@cornishorchards.co.uk
01503 269007
3. Haye Farm Cider Farm
©hayefarmcider.com
It’s said that cider has been made on the Haye Farm since the 13th century, and many of the 800-year-old processes are still in use today. There are three orchards with around 40 varieties of apple growing, and a number of traditional Cornish varieties – including Bens Red and Colleget Pippin –, are being added as the orchards expand.
Notable ciders: Classic cider, Sparkling Lerryn Boathouse cider
Admission: Admission to the shop is free. Tours aren’t offered
Address: Haye Farm, St Veep, Lerryn, Lostwhihiel, Cornwall, PL22 0PB
Contact: www.hayefarmcider.com
tiscornish@hayefarmcider.com
01208 872250
4. Haywood Farm Cider
©andytitcomb.com
Nestled in the Allen Valley, this family-owned farm began producing cider in 2003 using century-old granite cider presses. During the summer the Sunday Cider Social is held, where live music and fine Cornish cider are celebrated. The event is child and dog-friendly and barbecued food is available. Along with the orchard, there are beehives on the farm and homemade honey can be bought from the shop.
Notable ciders: Haywood Farm cider can be bought in 10 and 20 litre bags
Admission: Tours are available but need to be pre-booked. Opening times vary throughout the year.
Address: Haywood Farm, St Mabyn, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3BU
Contact: www.haywoodfarmcider.co.uk
tom.haywoodfarm@hotmail.com
01208 840140
5. Polgoon Cider Orchard and Vineyard
©Facebook.com/polgoon
The Coulson family began producing artisan wine at Polgoon in 2006, enjoying early successes and receiving prestigious recognition. Subsequent harvests were hampered by poor weather and the family turned their skills to cider. Both the vineyard and orchard now produce excellent, award-winning drinks.
Notable ciders: Aval cider, scrumpy, pink raspberry cider, and blackcurrant cider
Admission: Orchard and vineyard tours and tastings cost £10 (children go free), and are held at 2pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from March to October. Booking is advisable for tours, but you can stop by the shop between 10am and 4:30pm on Mondays to Saturdays in January to February; between 10am and 5:30pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 10:30am to 4pm on Sundays between April and December.
Address: Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard, Rosehill, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8TE
Contact: www.polgoon.com
wine@polgoon.co.uk
01736 333946
Are you thinking about coming to visit Cornwall’s best cider farms? Plan your stay today and book your break in our Cornish holiday cottages.