Craft cider is making a huge splash on the global stage and Devon, situated in the Southwest of England, is renowned as one of the world’s premier cider regions. The region’s distinguished climate, coupled with its rich soil and apple varieties make it the ideal location for cider production. A Devon holiday provides the opportunity to not only experience these unique cider flavours but also to immerse oneself in the stunning landscapes of this picturesque county. If your idea of an ideal holiday includes staying in quaint cottages, enjoying the rustic charm of farm life, and sipping on the finest cider, then this guide is a must-read. We will take you on a detailed tour of the best holiday rentals in Devon ideal for cider tasting experiences.
The Ideal Cider Tasting Tour: Somerset Cider Brandy Company and Burrow Hill Cider
Start your cider tasting tour at Somerset Cider Brandy Company and Burrow Hill Cider. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, just a stone’s throw away from Devon, this family-run business offers a truly unique cider-tasting experience.
Guests are treated to a tour of the vineyard, apple pressing house, and distillery. The tour culminates in a cider tasting session where you can sample their range of single variety ciders, cider brandies, and apple aperitifs. The company prides itself on its sustainable farming practices and traditional cider-making methods, which lend their products an unparalleled authenticity.
Close to the farm, you’ll find the Pomeroy Cottage, a charming holiday rental featuring two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cosy lounge area. The rural setting of the cottage and its close proximity to the cider farm make it an ideal base for your cider tasting holiday.
Experience Devon’s Cider Heritage: Sandford Orchards
Delve deeper into Devon’s cider heritage at Sandford Orchards, a renowned cider producer in the region. Here, cider is not merely a beverage, but a testament to the rich heritage of Devon.
The Sandford Orchards tour provides an exclusive glimpse into the cider-making process. You’ll get to wander amidst the apple orchards, watch the cider-making process in action and, of course, sample some of their award-winning ciders.
For your accommodation needs, consider the Bramley Cottage, a traditional Devon longhouse with two spacious bedrooms. Located a mere five-minute drive from Sandford Orchards, the cottage offers a great blend of comfort and convenience for your cider tasting adventure.
A Family Cider Adventure: Hunt’s Cider
For a family-friendly cider experience, you can’t beat Hunt’s Cider. The Hunt family has been making cider in Devon since 1805, and their farm is a must-visit destination for cider enthusiasts of all ages.
The tour provides an in-depth look at the cider-making process, from apple picking in the orchard to the final bottling. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste a variety of their ciders, from traditional scrumpy to sparkling cider. This is a fantastic day out for the whole family.
Situated nearby is the delightful Linhay Cottage, perfect for families. Boasting three bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, and a large garden for the kids to explore, this cottage is the perfect home away from home during your cider tasting holiday.
Luxury Cider Tasting: Kenton Park Estate
For those seeking a touch of luxury on their cider tasting holiday, the Kenton Park Estate offers the perfect blend of elegance and indulgence. This vineyard and cider orchard is well known for its exceptional ciders and stunning setting.
Guests of the estate can indulge in a premium tour and cider tasting experience, then retire to the comfort of the Lavender House. This opulent holiday rental boasts four bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a private garden, providing a sumptuous retreat after a day of cider tasting.
Uncover a Cider Secret: Green Valley Cyder
Green Valley Cyder is a hidden gem in the Devon cider scene. The cellar door offers an impressive array of ciders, from traditional dry ciders to innovative flavoured varieties.
The nearby Pear Tree Cottage is a delightful three-bedroom holiday rental that offers a tranquil retreat for your cider holiday. Its location, just a short drive from Green Valley Cyder, ensures you are well-positioned to make the most of your cider tasting experience.
In summary, Devon offers a wealth of opportunities to sip and savor the best British ciders while soaking in the stunning landscapes and living the farm life. Whether you are a cider connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Devon has something to offer everyone. So why not book your next holiday in one of these delightful cottages and embark on a cider tasting adventure in the heart of cider country?
The Ultimate Cider Experience: Ashridge Cider
For an ultimate cider experience, look no further than Ashridge Cider. Located in the heart of Devon, Ashridge Cider is famous for its artisan and organic ciders, including their award-winning sparkling ciders. The Ashridge Cider tour is a fascinating journey through the cider-making process – from the apple orchards to the cider press and bottling plant.
The interactive tour also includes a visit to the tasting room, where you can sample an array of Ashridge’s exquisite ciders. You can also learn about the history of Ashridge Cider and how they’ve managed to blend traditional cider-making methods with innovative techniques to create their renowned ciders.
Just a short distance from Ashridge is the Honeybee Cottage, an enchanting holiday rental that serves as the perfect base for your cider tasting tour. This quaint cottage features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy living room with a fireplace. Its rural location and proximity to Ashridge make it an ideal choice for those seeking to embrace the beauty and tranquillity of Devon’s countryside.
A Cider Lover’s Paradise: Tricky’s Cider
Tricky’s Cider is a paradise for all cider lovers. This family-run cider farm, located in the lush Taw Valley of Devon, has been producing traditional Devon ciders for over a century. Their ciders are made from locally sourced apples and using age-old techniques, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavour that is distinctively Devon.
The tour at Tricky’s Cider offers a comprehensive look at the farm’s cider-making process, from the apple orchard to the press house and fermentation vats. After the tour, visitors are invited to their cider bar to sample the many varieties of cider and apple juice on offer.
For accommodation, consider the Old Dairy Cottage, a charming holiday rental located a short drive from Tricky’s Cider. This two-bedroom cottage offers a comfortable and convenient base for your cider tasting holiday, with a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals and a cosy living area to relax in after a day of cider tasting.
Devon is a cider lover’s dream. With its rich apple-growing heritage, traditional cider-making methods, and a plethora of cider producers offering unique cider tasting experiences, there’s no better place to indulge in this delightful beverage. Whether you prefer traditional scrumpy, sparkling cider, or innovative flavoured varieties, Devon’s cider scene has something to satisfy every palate.
From Somerset Cider Brandy Company and Burrow Hill Cider to Sandford Orchards, Hunt’s Cider, Kenton Park Estate, Green Valley Cyder, Ashridge Cider and Tricky’s Cider, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cider tasting experiences. And with a range of holiday rentals located within easy reach of these cider farms, you can immerse yourself in the full cider experience – sampling the finest ciders, learning about the cider-making process, and soaking in the stunning Devon countryside.
So why wait? Pack your bags, book one of these charming cottages, and embark on a cider tasting holiday in Devon – the heart of cider country.
