Herefordshire Cider and Orchards

Herefordshire is England’s cider heartland – a county of rolling hills, ancient orchards, and cider-making traditions that stretch back centuries. While Somerset might get more attention, Herefordshire produces some of Britain’s finest ciders, often from traditional varieties that don’t grow elsewhere. From farmyard tastings to artisan producers, from orchard walks to cider festivals, Herefordshire offers a cider experience that’s genuinely authentic and rooted in the landscape.

Why Herefordshire?

The Geography

Herefordshire has ideal cider apple growing conditions:

• Climate – Relatively mild with good rainfall, suitable for traditional cider apples
• Soil – Varied soils (clay, loam, sandstone) create different terroirs
• Landscape – Rolling hills with sheltered valleys perfect for orchards

The Apple Varieties

Herefordshire is famous for traditional cider apple varieties that don’t grow well elsewhere:

Dabinett – A bittersweet variety, the backbone of many traditional ciders. Complex, tannic, with depth.

Yarlington Mill – Another bittersweet, used for blending. Good balance of sweetness and acidity.

Michelin – Bittersharp, adds acidity to blends.

Foxwhelp – Traditional Herefordshire bittersweet, producing rich, full-bodied ciders.

These traditional varieties give Herefordshire ciders distinctive character that’s different from other regions.

The Producers

Weston’s Cider

Herefordshire’s cider giant, but still rooted in tradition. Founded 1880, Weston’s has grown from a farmyard producer to a major operation while maintaining quality.

The Cider Mill – Their visitor centre in Much Marcle offers tours, tastings, and a chance to see cider-making in action.

What to try:

• Traditional – Their benchmark still cider, bittersweet and balanced.
• Vintage – Aged in oak barrels, with complex, woody notes.
• Perries – Still perry from perry pears (different from cider).

Practical: Tours and tastings need booking in advance. The mill shop sells their full range.

Bulmers

While Bulmers (makers of Strongbow) is now part of a multinational corporation, they started in Herefordshire in 1887. The Bulmers Experience in Hereford city offers tours and tastings.

What to try: Their traditional and premium ciders, which show the company’s roots better than mass-market Strongbow.

Practical: Tours need advance booking. The visitor centre is in Hereford city centre.

The Artisans

Herefordshire has numerous smaller producers making excellent cider:

Brooks – Small producer near Ledbury, making traditional still ciders and perries.

Godwins – Family-run producer in Bromyard, making authentic farmhouse cider.

Gwatkin – Traditional cider maker in Herefordshire, known for well-balanced blends.

Many others – Drive around the countryside and you’ll see signs at farm gates selling homemade cider. These hidden gems are often the most authentic.

The Orchard Experience

Cider Farms

Several cider farms offer visits where you can see orchards, production, and taste fresh from the farm:

Weston’s (Much Marcle) – The most developed cider farm experience.

Various small farms – Some open their orchards to visitors. Ask locally or look for signs.

Orchard Walking

Herefordshire has ancient orchards that are beautiful to walk through:

Marcle Ridge – Walking routes through orchards and woodland with views across the county.

Various public footpaths – Cross through working orchards. Be respectful – don’t damage trees.

The Cider Season

Spring – Blossom time, beautiful in orchards, but no cider yet.

Autumn – Harvest time, when apples are pressed. Many farms press in autumn – great time to see production in action.

Winter – Cider fermentation, still cider at its best.

Planning Your Visit

Getting Around

Car is essential – producers are spread out across rural countryside.

Cycling is possible but roads can be hilly and busy.

Walking – Some producers are accessible via footpaths, but not most.

Best Time

Autumn (September-November): Harvest season, production in full swing, atmospheric weather.

Spring (March-May): Blossom in orchards, but limited cider availability.

Summer (June-August): Good weather for exploring, but less activity in orchards.

Winter (December-February): Cider production, but some producers close or reduce hours.

Duration

Day trip – Visit 2-3 producers, include lunch at a cider farm.

Weekend – 4-5 producers, orchard walks, cider farm accommodation.

Cider week – Serious cider exploration across the county.

Cider Tasting

What to Look For

Still vs Sparkling – Traditional Herefordshire cider is still (no carbonation). Sparkling is newer.

Clarity – Traditional ciders are often cloudy (unfiltered). Clear doesn’t mean better.

Flavor profile – Balance is key. Too sweet without acidity is cloying. Too tannic without fruit is harsh.

Finish – Good cider has a pleasant aftertaste that lingers.

Tasting Order

Start with lighter, fruitier ciders, move to more complex, tannic ciders. Finish with any barrel-aged or stronger ciders.

Food Pairing

Traditional: Pork, game, strong cheese. Modern options: Fish, spicy food, anything that needs cut-through acidity.

The Perry Tradition

Herefordshire also produces perry – cider made from perry pears rather than apples. Perry pears are different from eating pears – inedible when raw, they produce beautiful, complex perries.

What to taste: Perry is often more acidic and elegant than cider. Weston’s and other producers make excellent perries.

Cider Festivals

Ledbury Cider Festival

Annual event (usually summer) celebrating Herefordshire cider with producers, tastings, and music.

Other Festivals

Various towns host smaller cider events. Check local listings – autumn is peak festival season.

Accommodation

Cider Farm B&Bs

Several cider farms offer accommodation. This gives you on-site access to the orchards and often exclusive tastings.

What to expect: Farmhouse rooms, often with cider included in breakfast. Some allow you to watch production.

Country Pubs

Traditional Herefordshire pubs often have rooms and serve local ciders. Staying in a pub gives you direct access to cider.

Towns

Hereford – Cathedral city with good accommodation, excellent base for exploring the county.

Ledbury – Market town with character, good base for the eastern cider producers.

Bromyard – In cider heartland, good for smaller producers.

Beyond Cider

Hereford City

Hereford Cathedral is magnificent – one of England’s finest medieval cathedrals. The Mappa Mundi (medieval map of the world) and Chained Library are unique.

Black and White Villages

Herefordshire’s black-and-white timber-framed villages (like Pembridge) are incredibly picturesque. Worth combining with cider visits.

The Welsh Borders

Herefordshire borders Wales, with the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons within easy driving distance.

Practical Tips

For Serious Cider Lovers

Ask about varieties – Which apples are used? Traditional varieties indicate serious producers.

Visit multiple producers – Compare styles and understand the range.

Look for traditional methods – Wild yeast fermentation, barrel aging, no additives.

For Beginners

Start with Weston’s – Their visitor centre is the best introduction.

Don’t overdo it – Cider can be strong. Taste in moderation.

Ask questions – Producers are passionate and will explain their methods.

Buying to Take Home

Most producers sell direct from the farm. Ask about shelf life and storage.

Traditional ciders travel well and keep better than mass-market ciders.

The Herefordshire Experience

What makes Herefordshire special is the connection between landscape and product. The orchards are part of the hills, the apples grow in the soil, the cider reflects the terroir. This isn’t industrial production but agricultural tradition.

Walking through ancient orchards, tasting cider from apples grown yards away, understanding the craft – this is authentic countryside experience. The producers here aren’t just making a drink – they’re maintaining a tradition that goes back generations.

Final Thoughts

Herefordshire’s cider scene is less famous than Somerset’s but equally excellent. The traditional apple varieties, the ancient orchards, the family producers – all of this creates ciders with distinctive character and quality.

Whether you’re a serious cider enthusiast or just someone who appreciates authentic countryside experiences, Herefordshire delivers. The combination of excellent ciders, beautiful orchards, and rural atmosphere makes for a memorable visit.

Come for the cider, stay for the orchards, and leave with bottles of something genuine and delicious. Herefordshire cider isn’t just a drink – it’s the taste of the landscape itself.