Best Somerset Cider Brands – A Guide to the Finest Local Producers
Somerset is synonymous with cider. From traditional farmhouse presses to modern orchard estates, the county has built a reputation for producing some of the finest cider in the United Kingdom. If you are searching for the best Somerset cider brands, you will quickly discover that this is a region where craft, heritage and innovation sit comfortably side by side.
Cider making in Somerset stretches back centuries. The mild climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for growing cider apples, and generations of local families have refined their methods to produce distinctive, characterful drinks. Today, Somerset cider remains a cornerstone of rural identity and an important part of the local economy.
Here is our guide to some of the best-known and most respected Somerset cider brands.
Thatchers Cider – Sandford, Somerset
Thatchers is one of the most recognised names in Somerset cider. Based in Sandford at the foot of the Mendip Hills, the company has been producing cider for more than a century. Their range includes traditional dry ciders, cloudy styles and fruit-infused blends. Thatchers is known for consistency and quality, combining modern production with a strong connection to its orchards.
Visitors to the Thatchers farm shop can learn more about the cider-making process and explore a wide variety of products, from classic Gold to heritage varieties. For many people researching the best Somerset cider brands, Thatchers is often the starting point.
Sheppy’s Cider – Bradford-on-Tone
Sheppy’s is a family-run cider farm near Wellington and one of the oldest independent cider producers in Somerset. Established in 1816, the farm presses apples grown in its own orchards and produces a broad range of ciders, from traditional scrumpy to premium bottled blends. Sheppy’s is particularly valued for its commitment to heritage methods and small-batch production. Their farm shop and café provide an inviting setting for tasting and learning more about Somerset’s cider traditions.
Burrow Hill Cider – Martock
Burrow Hill Cider Farm, located near Martock, is well known for its artisan approach. Using traditional methods, including fermentation in oak barrels, Burrow Hill produces ciders with depth and character. The farm is also famous for its Somerset Cider Brandy, which has gained international recognition. For those seeking craft producers among the best Somerset cider brands, Burrow Hill represents authenticity and rural craftsmanship.
Hecks Farmhouse Cider – Street
Hecks Farmhouse Cider is one of the few remaining traditional farmhouse cider makers in Somerset. Located near Street, Hecks continues to produce cider in a manner that reflects generations of local knowledge. Their ciders are unfiltered, full-bodied and closely tied to the orchard. Hecks is often recommended to those who want a more traditional, rustic Somerset cider experience.
Rich’s Cider – Watchfield
Rich’s Cider, based in Watchfield, is another family-run producer with a long history. Their ciders are pressed from locally grown apples and include both still and sparkling varieties. Rich’s is popular with those who prefer classic West Country styles and value independent producers.
Harry’s Cider – Long Sutton
Harry’s Cider is a more recent addition to Somerset’s cider scene but has quickly earned recognition for quality and flavour. Located in Long Sutton, the farm grows its own apples and produces a range of carefully crafted ciders. The focus is on balance and drinkability, with an emphasis on traditional techniques.
Cider is more than a drink in Somerset. It reflects the landscape, the orchards and the rural way of life. Choosing local cider supports farmers, orchard growers and small businesses that continue to keep this tradition alive.
The growing interest in artisan and locally sourced products means that searches for best Somerset cider brandscontinue to rise. Visitors to the county often combine cider tasting with trips to nearby gardens, markets and heritage sites, creating a full experience of Somerset life.
At Nynehead Court, we value Somerset’s farming heritage and local produce. While we encourage responsible enjoyment, we recognise cider as part of the county’s identity. Conversations about favourite brands often bring back memories of orchard visits, harvest time and traditional cider-making days across Somerset villages.
For those wishing to explore further, many cider producers offer tours, tastings and farm shops. Visiting these locations provides insight into apple varieties, pressing techniques and fermentation processes. It also allows you to understand the differences between dry, medium, sweet and sparkling styles.
From established names such as Thatchers and Sheppy’s to independent farms like Burrow Hill and Hecks, Somerset offers an impressive range of cider producers to discover.
If you are researching the best Somerset cider brands, you will find that each producer reflects a slightly different aspect of the county’s rich tradition. Whether you prefer heritage farmhouse cider or modern blends, Somerset continues to set the standard for quality and character in British cider.