cider tours kent

Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries

Kent is the perfect place for an English wine tour or to taste traditional English ales. Visit Kent you discover English wine country and our wonderful craft beer tradition.

Kent is prime English wine country. Here you can enjoy a premium winery tour, sample incredible sparkling and wander through acres of sun-kissed vines. Our soil is so good that even renowned Champagne producers Taittinger have snapped up land in Kent to grow their very own English sparkling wine...

Kent is a dream destination for fans of craft ale and real cider, being home to Britain's oldest brewery and the places where the now famous 'micropub' craze began. We even rival the West Country when it comes to cider producers, so make sure you book an overnight trip to The Garden of England start sampling our terrific tipples.

Kent is the perfect place for an English wine tour or to taste traditional English ales. Make sure you discover Kent's wine country and wonderful craft beer tradition.

Here's just a few of our favourite attractions: 

Chapel Down Winery

This outstanding vineyard is often credited with helping lead the renaissance of English wines. Its vintages regularly win prestigious awards, satisfying the palates of sommeliers and wine-buffs world-wide. Visit the winery in Tenterden and stock up on classy sparking wines, whites, roses and reds, and its gold medal-winning lagers and ciders keep Kentish traditions alive. Take a tour of Chapel Down's well-drained acres, pick up some goodies at its luxury food store then experience fine dining at its atmospheric Swan restaurant.

Biddenden Vineyards

The 23 acres of Biddenden Vineyards produces a range of award-winning wines, as well as Biddenden Cider, a strong, still cider produced from a blend of Kentish culinary and desert apples, along with Biddenden Farm Pressed Apple & Pear juices. Tour the vineyard and you'll gain insight into how they produce their award-winning wine, ciders and juices.

Balfour Winery

Discover Balfour Winery, situated on a stunning 400-acre estate of vineyards, wildflower meadows, ancient oak woodlands, and apple orchards. We are England’s only VisitEngland accredited “Gold-Medal” vineyard, open seven days a week for tastings, tours, events, and dining.

Shepherd Neame Brewery

As signalled by Kent's profusion of oast houses, our county has a long tradition of producing fine beer. It's fitting then, that Shepherd Neame Brewery is Britain's oldest brewer. A trip round its Faversham brewery walks you through the whole process, from tasting malted barley to sipping fruity ales. Or head to one of the firms' cosy Kentish pubs to sample its creations there; will you have a pint of Spitfire, Bishops Finger or Master Brew?

Gusbourne Vineyard

Based in Appledore, Gusbourne create award-winning English Sparkling Wines that stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. Learn more about what makes this corner of England so special for winemaking by booking a hosted tour online.  You’ll spend some time walking the vineyards, meet the people who make the wines, and experience them in the luxurious tasting room, the Nest at Gusbourne. Of course you don’t need to take a tour to pick up their award winning wines. The wines are available to purchase at the Nest by the glass, by the bottle or by the case. Visit at your leisure, they’ll be happy to help.

Copper Rivet Distillery 

The Coppery Rivet is an exciting and dynamic distillery based in Chatham's historic dockyard. Drawing upon the dockyard's tradition of innovation and craftsmanship, the team at Copper Rivet toil together to create small batches of exceptional gins, vodkas and whiskies from scratch. Tour the magnificent Victorian Pump House No. 5, where the distillery is based, and see firsthand the distilling process from grain to glass.  

Led by our experienced tour guides, join us on a group tour of Kent’s original vineyard, learn about the estate and our family vineyard history.

Designed for small, mixed groups of up to 10 people, our open tours are a fun and informative experience. Your tour guide will lead your group on a walk amongst our vines, starting in our flagship variety, Ortega, and talk you through our grape varieties and growing methods here at Biddenden. All of our wines are made from our estate grown grapes and are bottled here at the vineyard.

After your guided walk around the vines, you will be shown into the winery to learn more about our winemaking techniques and the equipment we use to produce our range of award-winning still and sparkling wines.

Upon finishing the tour you will have a tutored tasting of 3 specially selected wines from our range.

The tour and tasting will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with time for questions after and throughout the tour.

Complete your visit with a delicious sharing board of local cheese, charcuterie, crackers, chutney and seasonal produce, available to order on the day in our Vineyard Shop.

Our open tours run Wednesday – Saturday from May – September and are available to pre-book online via our booking system. If you require assistance with using the booking platform, or to find out more about visiting us please don’t hesitate to call us on 01580 291726.

PRICE: £20 per person, minimum booking of 2 people required. To discuss individual bookings please call the office.

Please consider the British weather conditions when you visit, and bring suitable footwear.

We also offer self-guided and private guided tours , exclusively for your own small group of up to 8. More information & details may be found  here

Only visitors over 18 years old will be able to participate in the tours and tastings. Proof of age may be required. 

Guide & Assistance dogs only.

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What our customers say

Biddenden produces the finest quality juices which are unsurpassed. This, coupled with excellent customer service and fast delivery times, make them unbeatable as far as I'm concerned.

A lovely shop, with tables outside, in the heart of the Kent Weald. An enormous range of their own wines and juices, as well as other luxury groceries including condiments, sweets and more. Efficient and pleasant servers are there to help. Well worth a visit!

Very nice cider delivered very promptly. Will definitely be placing further orders.

Delivery always swift and efficient.. perfect transaction. As always... LOVE this, company

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Both our onsite shop and restaurant are open 7 days a week. We take all Mill Tour bookings over the phone with pre-payment. If you are interested in booking, please call us for the latest availability on 01531 660 108.

Tour visitors will be required to arrive at the Tour Assembly point, a few minutes before the tour time, so we can check you in and start the tour promptly.  We recommend suitable clothing to venture on one of our tours due to the English weather. The tour takes approximately an hour and a half in total including the tasting. Please telephone us to check availability and pre-pay for tours, ahead of your arrival on 01531 660 108 .

Online bookings are currently not available, however gift vouchers can be purchased on our online shop. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Our shop has special site-only offers and has a phone and collect service 7 days a week

Don’t miss some great offers in our cider mill shop:

Come in and chat to the team, try something exciting and new. Ask our experts to recommend the perfect cider for your taste.

SHOP opening Hours:

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm (bank holidays open at 10am)

Come and experience our cider mill tour

Explore the UK's largest cider collection of oak vats

The Scrumpy House

Shire Horses

Meet our shires. The breed were originally used as part of the cider making process, turning the mill stone. However nowadays life is much easier...

Come and enjoy a zip wire ride and picnic with the family at our fun and free park. Open Easter 'til October.

Local Walks

Enjoy the local countryside around the cider mill with a walk through the orchards using the nearby footpaths.

take five with the family

Take a stroll and enjoy a takeaway with loved ones. Choose from a daily-made selection of cakes, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and refreshments. We’ve something for every taste and every craving. Available to take away in our Scrumpy House .

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Tour & Tasting

Come and take a behind the scenes look at the Cider Works and see how our award winning Sandford Orchards Cider is made. Round off the experience with a cider tasting flight and a stonebaked pizza, starting at 7pm finishing 9.30pm approx.

All tickets include a tasting  flight of ciders  and a  pizza  with Q&A at the end. Tap room bar open 7pm until 9:30pm for your enjoyment. 10% off all take home products and merch purchased on the night.

Tickets are not transferable between dates. You will be contacted prior to the event to confirm your food choice. Cancellations can be refunded up to 8 days before the date of the tour; after this time tickets will become non-refundable.

Sandford Orchards

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Nightingale Cider Company

Cider Tour and Tasting Gift Voucher

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Cider Tour and Tasting Gift Vouchers to visit Nightingale Cider in Tenterden, Kent! 

Find out more about our tours and tastings.

This is a gift voucher for our tour and tastings. If this is a gift and you select a physical voucher by post, please can you contact us with the recipients details and any note you would like us to include.

Email [email protected] or call 01580 761410 with any enquiries.

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Kentish Pip Craft Cider

About company.

Ketish Pip Cider are a small team with a big ambition: challenge the status quo, push aside the mediocre and reignite your love affair with cider .

It all starts with apples. Kentish Pip is based at Woolton Farm near Canterbury, where the Mount Family has been growing apples for four generations.

Kentish Pip started in 2012, when Mark and his wife Rosie milled and pressed the apples by hand in their garden. Together they developed the original range from extensive trials and old family recipes, such as hedgerow jelly and elderflower cordial.

Our products are a window into the lifestyle and ethos of our family business: working with nature and never satisfied to settle for second best. We know our apples, and we know our cider.

Cider Award winners!

But don’t just take our word for it; we’ve been lucky enough to receive a fair few awards, endorsements and recommendations, and our cider is now available as far away as Hong Kong and produced in cans, bottles, kegs and bag in box. We are also an M&S approved producer with SALSA accreditation since 2017.

Some of the Kentish Pip cider team

Our core range includes four different ciders, with three fine ciders currently available, and we have a special range with very small batches of limited editions released throughout the year.

We offer tours and tastings throughout the year, so you can come and experience Kentish Pip where it’s grown, at our family farm in Kent.

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Perfect for discovering your favourite or discovering different styles and varieties

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Kentish pip skylark cider (330ml bottles).

Medium Dry, Full bodied Sparkling Cider

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Kentish pip high diver (330ml cans).

Medium Dry, Craft Cider from Kent

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Kentish pip craftsman (330ml cans).

A crisp & complex medium dry craft cider

Cider Tours

Cider Tours and Tastings

We offer seasonal tours and tastings throughout the year at Woolton Farm, near Canterbury, Kent at the home of Kentish Pip! We also arrange private tours and bespoke packages.

We have accommodation on site, including our lovely bell tents located in the fruit garden behind The Barn, plus three self catered cottages.

Information A beautiful conversion of a Grade 2 listed former 16th century tannery, situated on the picturesque village green in Littlebourne, five miles outside the historic city of Canterbury.

The rooms consist of a master ensuite kingsize bedroom with a dressing room (+cot) a second ensuite kingsize bedroom and a twin with a bathroom on the landing. Downstairs there is a hall with cloakroom, large sitting room, separate dining room, well equipped kitchen and separate utility room.

All the downstairs rooms have french windows leading out to the sunny garden which leads down to a small river, a great spot for birdwatching. There is a covered area in the garden with garden table and chairs and a BBQ. To the front of the house is the old village green.

There is private parking in a bay outside the house Weekly rates are for Saturday to Saturday. Please give us a call to ask about alternative start days.

Note that out of the 6 guests a maximum of 2 children are allowed. In addition there is a cot available for 1 baby.

​ Sleeps: 6 Beds: 2 x King, 1x Twin Room

Bathrooms: 2 x Ensuite, Family Bathroom

Check In: 16:00 Check Out: 10:00

Minimum Nights: 3, 7 Selected Weeks

https://wooltonfarm.anytimebooking.eu/place_booking#forward

five miles outside the historic city of Canterbury.

Information

We have eight 4m bell tents located in the fruit garden that surrounds our 16th century Thatched Barn at Woolton Farm.

The tents are well spaced along the back of the garden nestled in a row of cobnut trees with views into the fruit garden and onto the barn.

All tents are equipped with: Coconut matting carpet, 6 x single camping matresses , rechargeable 500 lumen torch, central table. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, soft furnishings have been removed.

Bring pillows, sleeping bags, bedding and towels with you

The Barn Garden Bar and Shop

There is a bar on site serving our own wine and multi award winning cider. There is also a selection of local beers, wines, G&T, as well as ice cream and strawberries (strawberries from Woolton Farm).

At weekends there is a BBQ from 11am to 7pm.

All drinks and food can be taken away.

​ Facilities

Each tent sleeps 4, and for your comfort there are 6 single camping matresses

These are ready inflated 5cm thick foam matresses

Bathrooms: Shared toilet and shower building

Other Facilities: Washing up area; shared gas BBQ;

locker with mobile phone charging points inside; festoon lighting; WIFI

Check In: 14:00 Check Out: 10:00

Minimum Nights: 1

located in the fruit garden that surrounds our 16th century Thatched Barn at Woolton Farm.

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Click the link to view the latest events happening at Kentish Pip: https://www.kentishpip.co.uk/collections/gift-ideas

Multi-Award winning cider from Kent

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Dive into this refreshingly crisp, quintessentially Kentish cider made with 100% dessert and culinary apples.

Popping with fresh apples, followed by a flourish of complex cider tannins - discover a world beyond your cider expectations.

The connoisseur's favourite, Perfectly balancing modern Kentish cider with a traditional dry tannic edge.

A taste sensation packed full of juicy hedgerow berries and bursting with the flavour of the countryside.

Explore our latest releases in our fine cider range. All one offs, when they are gone they are gone!

Welcome to Kentish Pip

At Kentish Pip we have a clear ambition, to create outstanding cider, with impeccable core values.

We believe in being The Right Cider, for the cider drinker and beyond. That means celebrating the unique character of fresh English apples, making every drop onsite at Woolton Farm, by combining the best ingredients with innovation, sustainability, style and a pinch of tradition.

It’s time to choose which cider you are on.

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Still cider boxes, multi-award winning cider.

Single Variety, Taste and Presentation and Medium Cider

Craftsman 2*, Skylark 1*, Pure Discovery 1*, High Diver 1*

Kent cider of the year 2016, 2017, 2019

Dry Cider Category

Trade Customers

If you're a business customer, find out more via the link below

• Craft Cider Kegs, Cans, Bottles and Bag In Box
• ORDER ONLINE FROM OUR TRADE STORE Set up an account to order online
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750ml Sharing Ciders

Fine Cider Mixed Case 3 x 750ml

Foxwhelp+ Traditional Method 750ml Bottle

Brut SE Traditional Method 750ml

Chisel Jersey Still Cider 750ml Bottle

Our Core Values

What people say.

Every cider I have tasted from Kentish Pip has been fresh, fruity, and vivacious.  Very importantly they are quaffable and have that magical second glass factor. Quality in every mouthful!

One of the most exciting new cideries to emerge in the UK in the last decade, Kentish Pip have that great knack of combining great traditional skill with modern innovative thinking.

Cannot say enough about how great the tour, experience, hospitality, cider & food were! If you're into cider, strongly recommend checking out their online shop & attending their next open house!

Tours and Events

Get behind the scenes at Woolton Farm and discover the cider making journey from the orchard to an ice cold glass.  We not only grow our own apples but we do all production ourselves onsite.

You can also book a private group tour.

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Newton court restaurant, cafe, ciders, tours, farm shop.

If you know Newton Court as the home of Newton Court Cider, with its infamous “Honk for Cider” sign, we hope you will be pleased to learn of a new part of this family business – a new restaurant, cafe, farm shop and tour hub, all housed in a purpose built spacious Visitor Centre.  How did Newton Court reach this point?

Newton Court has been in the Stephens family since 1991.  Tom and Ann Stephens took the step of farming organically and also crafting their own cider and perry rather than all the apples being contracted to a local large firm.  Son Paul joined from his background as an agricultural engineer, training with Tom and other producers as a cider maker.

With 157 of organic farmland as its home, Newton Court Cider has developed to showcase one of Herefordshire’s most famous products, be it in bottle, flagon, bag in box or keg.  Ciders are blended or single variety eg Gasping Goose or Yarlington Mill; stronger or more sessionable eg Browns 6.8% or First Press 4.8%; drier or sweeter eg Farmhouse Scrumpy or Little Owl; Newton Court Cider labelled or dual labelled alongside River Cottage.  Initially all cider making activity was conducted alongside the farmyard, using the barns and buildings at the core of the old farm.  In the past decade, new buildings have been erected in a former field on the opposite side of the hamlet lane as the business outgrew the farm buildings.  Investment in sterile filter filling, pasteurising, bottling, bag in box filling and kegging equipment means that the business has a turn key operation from the field to the glass, offering almost all formats suiting different routes to market.

The Stephens family have come together on the Chapel of Apple project to create a Visitor Centre at Newton Court, paying homage to Herefordshire’s magnificent apples, sumptuous cider and local artisan produce.

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10 of the best vineyards in Kent

Sip the finest English wines at these magnificent wine estates

With the superb summer weather giving us another reason to head outside, we can't help but think of the beautiful vineyards in Kent, where delicious English wine, rows of grape vines and a sophisticated scene awaits.

Home to some of the most picturesque wine estates in the country, Kent 's marvellous vineyards are perfect for raising a glass of fine tipple on a day out or staycation in the summer.

AIRBNB VINEYARD STAYS

Known as English wine country, you'll find acres of sun-kissed vines to stroll in Kent as you sample delectable still and sparkling wines.

Kent's south-facing chalky soil and the mild climate provide the perfect conditions for the wine-growing industry similar to champagne in France. In fact, champagne producer Taittinger has land in Kent for producing English sparkling wine.

There are more than 50 vineyards in Kent, proving that the county knows a thing or two about the wine and is worth a trip.

One of the top vineyards is on the Hush Heath Estate, home to the Balfour Winery , as well as Chapel Down and other names to know.

Want to experience England's finest on a fabulous wine tour? Here are seven of the best vineyards in Kent (as well as some great places to stay nearby)

Chapel Down, Tenterden

The vineyard in Kent that helped lead the renaissance of English wines, Chapel Down is no stranger to winning prestigious awards for its vintages and impresses sommeliers and wine enthusiasts far and wide.

Set in Tenterden, the winery produces classy sparkling and still wines, as well as gin, vodka and cider. This is the place to stock up on delicious reds and roses served in the likes of the The Royal Opera House, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and The London Symphony Orchestra at The Barbican. You can take a guided tour of its acres, taste the wines and enjoy fine dining at its restaurant The Swan located in the vineyards.

Enjoy an overnight country escape with a Chapel Down tour and tasting for two with Virgin Experience Days.

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Or try a tasting and tour for two people with Virgin Experience Days for a delightfully boozy day out.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR CHAPEL DOWN

Hush Heath Estate, Tonbridge

The first vineyard at Hush Heath Estate wasn't planted until 2002 but it officially landed on the wine map a few years later when 10,000 bottles of Balfour Brut Rosé, made from the first harvest in 2004, won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2008. The state-of-the-art Balfour Winery and its tasting room opened to visitors in 2010 and it's certainly a place worth experiencing.

The vineyard's sparkling was the first English sparkling wine to be served in British Airways' first class cabin and was the official English wine of the 2012 London Olympics. Apart from the award-winning sparkling and still whites and roses, there are beautiful woodlands and orchards to stroll. You can also stop for a bite in the nearby Goudhurst Inn, owned by Hush Heath.

You can book vineyard tours and tastings and directly with Hush Heath Estate.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR HUSH HEATH ESTATE

Gusbourne Vineyard, Ashford

Based in the village of Appledore, this sprawling wine estate produces sparkling wines that stand up alongside the finest offerings from around the world. At Gusbourne, the combination of age-old traditions with modern technology allows it to sit comfortably between old and new world winemaking.

There are 60 hectares at Gusbourne and all of the grapes used in its wines are sourced solely from its vineyards in Kent and West Sussex. On a tour here, you spend time walking the vineyards, meeting the people who make the wines and experiencing them in the luxurious tasting room, the Nest.

You can book vineyard tours, tastings and picnics directly with Gusbourne.

While you're visiting this beautiful part of Kent, make it a boozy long weekend (or week) with friends and stay at a rustic oust large enough for 25 with Holidaycottages.co.uk.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR GUSBOURNE

Yotes Court Vineyard, Maidstone

You could easily mistake the south sloping vineyards of Yotes Court Vineyard for Tuscany or the Napa Valley, but this modern 75-acre venture is actually located between the pretty villages of West Peckham and Mereworth in Kent. Originally a fruit farm, this spot was identified as the perfect site for a vineyard by Master of Wine Stephen Skelton, then meticulously planted in 2016. In the early years, the grapes were grown exclusively for Chapel Down, but in 2018 the Yotes Court brand was born.

These days, Yotes Court is one of the best vineyards in Kent, with an easygoing, welcoming atmosphere that makes it great for all wine lovers. You might drop in for a glass of wine and a light lunch, or opt for a vineyard tour, wine tasting or special event, including the harvest experience, where you can spend the day picking grapes – then enjoy the fruits of your labour with a wine-fuelled lunch.

You can book vineyard tours, tastings and experiences directly with Yotes Court.

If you're looking to stay the night after a few glasses of some of Kent's finest, try The Carpenters Arms, a well-respected four-star spot in nearby Tonbridge

PLACES TO STAY NEAR YOTES COURT

Biddenden Vineyards, Ashford

The oldest family-run vineyard in Kent, Biddenden consists of 23 acres and produces top-notch white, rosé, red and sparkling wines, as well as Biddenden Cider, a strong, still cider, and Biddenden Farm Pressed Apple & Pear juices. Eleven different grape varieties are grown here and the winery produces around 80,000 bottles of wine a year. All vine work is still carried out by hand, including pruning, canopy management and picking, with harvest running from mid September right through to November.

There are vineyard tours, self-guided tours and meet the winemaker tours, plus a shop stocking local and regional products like jams, honey, chutney and local cheeses. Biddenden's Ice Cider is another must-try and can be enjoyed during tastings and purchased from the on-site shop. The sweet cider is made from fragrant apples picked at peak ripeness from a local orchard. Their juice is then frozen to achieve a refreshing drink that's perfect for summer and buying as a gift.

You can book vineyard tours, tastings and picnics directly with Biddenden.

There are some wonderful cottages in the picturesque village for longer stays in the area, such as the Grape Escape from Holidaycottages.co.uk.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR BIDDENDEN

The Mount Vineyard, Sevenoaks

Spanning 28 acres, The Mount Vineyard sits in the beautiful village of Shoreham, with its lovely pubs featuring bunting in the summer and cosy open fires in the winter. The boutique vineyard in Kent is a hidden gem and has 10 acres of vines, producing fine sparkling and still wines that have won awards.

Tours usually take place between June and September (check the website for current Covid-19 opening) and you can learn about the vines that were planted in 2004 and the eight varieties grown for producing red, rosé and white still wines, including the premium dry sparkling rose and white pinot.

Visit The Mount Vineyard's website to book a tasting directly.

Make it a group getaway and check into The Old Stables, a Grade II-listed conversion with space for 10, idyllically located in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle.

PLACES TO STAY IN SEVENOAKS

Simpsons' Wine Estate, Canterbury

The roots for this glorious estate were laid down in 2014 amid the beautiful Elham Valley, an untouched area of the North Downs of Kent. Here, the contours, climate and soil lend themselves especially well to viticulture, with the sunny slopes of the village of Barham providing the ideal spot in which to grow grapes for sparkling and still wines.

A gleaming Glass House proves a gorgeous spot for wine tasting sessions, and there are winery tours and tasting experiences aplenty. Another highlight is 'Sunset Sessions', which include the chance to raise a glass on a hazy summer evening and enjoy a locally sourced platter (these are available throughout the summer months).

Visit the Simpsons' Wine Estate website to book a tasting or experience directly.

PLACES TO STAY IN CANTERBURY

Herbert Hall Winery, Tonbridge

For English sparkling wine that is made by hand using traditional methods and organically grown fruit, it has to be Herbert Hall Winery, the small family-owned gem in Kent. It's located in the village of Marden, on a 10-acre sloping estate to the west of the village, and is now run by Herbert Hall's great-grandson Nicholas Hall along with fellow winemaker Kirsty Smith.

The brilliant bar at this Kent winery is open on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer (opening is weather dependent, so do check their Instagram feed for the latest updates). The bar serves beer, cider, soft drinks – and, most importantly, Herbert Hall wines. If you love the latter, they can also be picked up in the on-site shop.

Visit the Herbert Hall Winery website to find out more.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR HERBERT HALL WINERY

Squerryes Winery, Westerham

The awards keep rolling in for the sparkling wine made at this Kent vineyard. According to Squerryes, this is a testament to the quality of our fruit grown in their terroir high on the North Downs. The signature vintage brut is a 'real crowd pleaser', making this a great introduction to English sparkling wines and the beautiful vineyards in which they are created.

Of the many experience on offer here, the best might be the tutored tastings. For a more relaxed option (which included a cheese and charcuterie board, try the Taste of Squerryes with the vineyard's wine ambassador, Suzy Ioannide. This takes place in a small group, making for an intimate, informative yet relaxed session.

Visit the Squerryes Winery website to book a tasting or experience directly.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR SQUERRYES

Chartham Vineyard, Canterbury

With a terroir that boasts very similar characteristics to the Champagne region of France, Chartham Vineyard is a haven for sparkling wine lovers, but it also offers excellent red, white and rosé wines. There's a long history of viticulture in the area (The Domesday Book mentioned a few vineyards in East Kent, including Chartham) and this modern-day vineyard makes the most of this legacy.

On Saturdays at 11am and 2pm, there's the chance to meet the owners and take a guided tour of the vineyard in its historic setting, as well as taking part in tutored wine tastings to learn more about the delicious creations on offer here. The sparkling Blanc de Blancs, Rose de Noir and 3-year aged Classic Reserve in particular are not to be missed.

Visit the Chartham Vineyard website to book a tasting or experience directly.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR CHARTHAM VINEYARD

Want to explore more stays in or near vineyards in the UK? Browse Airbnb's Vineyard Category, with rentals in Kent, Surrey, Gloucestershire and beyond.

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10 of the Best Cider Tours in the UK

There's nothing better than going on a real cider tour. The holy grail of cider enthusiasts! It’s not only a chance to see the best cideries and orchards, but it’s also an opportunity to meet the experts themselves who can show you the ins and outs of how they create their wonderful cider. 

We’ve travelled the length and breadth of the UK on our mission to discover real cider. Here is our review of some of the best tours in the UK, all of them a fun experience for any cider lover: 

1. Westons Cider Tours:  

Weston Cider Tours not only show you how they produce their world-class ciders, but they also walk you through the history of cider making at Westons. This cider tour also includes a tutored cider tasting with one of their experts, and it is perfect for a summer outing. Tickets for Westons Cider Tours are available on their website and are great value for money. You can find them in Ledbury, Herefordshire.

2. Burrow Hill Cider Tours:  

3. Ciderologist London Cider Tours:  

4. The Newt in Somerset:  

The Newt in Somerset is a great option. They offer much more than just cider tours, including hotel rooms and a spa. Their cider tours are free of cost and typically last half an hour, including a small tasting session. You can see the press and cellars on this cider tour, and since there's no age restriction, you can come here with your entire family. Additionally, you can also opt for garden tours and they have a great display of cheeses here too!

5. Dunkertons Cider Tours:  

6. The Ciderologist Bristol Cider Tour:  

7. Dorset Nectar:  

8. Kentish Pip Cider Tour:  

9. Sheppy’s Cider Tour: 

Sheppy’s offer weekend tours, giving you a peek behind the scenes at one of the oldest cider makers in the world. There’s plenty to see and each guided tour includes access to the orchards, the press house, the vat house and the Sheppy’s rural life museum and it culminates with a guided tasting of some of their best loved ciders. With a bar and restaurant on site as well you really can make a day of it. You can book on their website and they can also run private tours for larger groups. 

10. Perry’s Cider Tour: 

Perry’s farm is open to the public every day of the year (except Christmas day). It’s well worth a visit, with lots to do and see, including a cafe and farm shop. You can have a look around the working cider mills, taste the cider and also visit the small 16th century thatched cider barn museum on site (where the company first started from). 

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VISIT US AT THE BARN

Kent's finest.

Join us at The Barn, Woolton Farm, for craft cider, beer and beautiful English wine. Just passing through make the most of our wonderful barn and garden during the day to enjoy coffee, cake and explore our shop.

To match The Barn's unique Kentish character, we pride ourselves on focussing on a curated list of craft ciders, English wines and a locally sourced menu. Nestled in the Kent countryside, enjoy the peace and tranquility of our natural surroundings, set on the farm within our beautiful fruit garden. Head a little off the beaten path and reap the rewards.

Bar, Café and Restaurant

All our drinks are locally produced and sourced, including our own Kentish Pip cider and Woolton Farm wines.

You can always expect: five or more draught ciders, fine English wines by the glass and bottle, great guest beers, real ale and craft lager and local gins, spirits and soft drinks plus a full range of teas, coffees and cakes.

Ask at the bar for a tasting menu!

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Fantastic place, great cider, nice grounds, camping beautiful barn. I will be returning! Highly recommended.

We had a lovely weekend with our two little ones at Woolton Farm! The Bell tent was very comfortable with thoughtful touches and a bar selling their delicious wine and Kentish Pip Cider!

Supercharge your fridge and store cupboard with some fine food and drink from our shop.

Our hand picked selection of drinks ranges from English and International wines, craft beers and fine ciders and artisan spirits all chosen by our team.

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Every wednesday during june, july and august you can book a tour of the cider production facility combined with a generous tasting session (not available for children)., • adults £12.00, • children £2.00, simply select the date you’d like to book.

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The 5 Kent breweries, distilleries and vineyards you can visit for a boozy guided tour

From hop to tap - or even grape to glass - Kent's breweries are back open for tours, tipples and tastings

• 17:44, 31 MAY 2021

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We often take our alcohol for granted - especially during the pandemic, as quite a few of us brightened up dull lockdown evenings with a bottle, or two, or three.

However, that need not be the case - especially as lockdown has eased - as Kent is home to a great number of breweries, distilleries and vineyards open for tours, and more importantly, tastings.

It's not just big names like Shepherd Neame that have guided routes around their factories, however, as many smaller brands have opened up their doors to curious customers over recent years.

There are plenty of independent companies in and around Kent, making spirits, wine and cider.

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So even if a lager isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty of choice for guided tours and tastings.

Without further ado, here are five of Kent's best breweries that have reopened their doors to customers.

Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham

It wouldn't be a list about alcohol in Kent without mentioning Shepherd Neame, the oldest Brewer in the UK.

The tour really lives up to the authentic and traditional reputation of Kent's flagship beer maker, too - guiding you through the brewing process that made Shepherd Neame what it is today.

From tasting the mineral water from the brewery's well, to smelling the locally-grown hops and even a detailed peek at the mash tuns that are so central to Shepherd Neame's way of doing things, this is a must-see for Kent's hop-heads.

It's not all talk either - having been given Tripadvisor's travellers' choice award for 2020.

With a tasting at the end of the tour, the full experience clocks in at a decent 2 hours - but be advised to book ahead, and maybe book a cab to get you home afterwards!

Address: 17 Court Street, Faversham, ME13 7AX

Copper Rivet Distillery, Chatham

From an established name to a relative newcomer, there are few that can make the claims to history and innovation like those at Copper Rivet.

Having only opened for business in 2016, the brewery is based out of Chatham's historic Royal Dockyards, in a beautiful red-brick pumphouse, and there's far too much history to go too deeply into here.

Luckily, the tour of Copper Rivet isn't just going into their process as the only grain to glass distillery in Kent - as it gives a rundown of Chatham's lengthy naval history in the process too.

The docks were regenerated in recent years, but their historic architecture has meant it has featured in films and TV shows such as Les Miserables, Call The Midwife and Grantchester - amongst many others.

Buildings and history aside, the prospect of tasting gins, vodkas and whiskies all made from locally sourced ingredients, and even having the option to grab some top-quality food, there's a lot to like about one of Kent's freshest faces in the booze business.

Address: Leviathan Way, Chatham, ME4 4LP

The Ramsgate Brewery, Broadstairs

Home to Gadds, a craft beer proud of it's East Kent heritage, The Ramsgate Brewery is a little smaller scale than Shepherd Neame or the impressive location of Copper Rivet, but that's no issue.

Operating a with team of just 10 people, Gadds manage to pump out a million pints of beer a year, and deliver to pubs, clubs and restaurants around Kent.

In their own words, they've "been around long enough to know what we're doing, and not so long as to be old fashioned."

With a full tour and tastings on offer on the first Saturday of each month, it might be a slightly harder brewery to get a booking at, but it's worth it for a smaller-scale view into where your craft pints come from.

To add to all of this, the team at Gadds make a habit of creating what they call 'Irregulars', being pop-up beers that only come up once or twice a year, but offer something a little different to what you'd expect.

Address: Unit 7, Hornet Close, Pyson's Road Industrial Estate, Broadstairs CT10 2YD

Greensand Ridge Distillery

Another name to make Tripadvisor's traveller's choice list, Greensand Ridge is based out of an old Victorian coach house, overlooking the fields and forests of Kent.

This one is a hands-on look inside the gin-making process, and though it's not quite as broad an experience as Copper Rivet, Greensand Ridge offers something unique.

The hands-on idea is quite literal - as the tour includes an explainer on the art of distillery, and a chance to distil your own gin on an individual copper pot still.

If you're not partial to a G&T, you might want to give this one a miss, but for those of us who love a bit of gin, the prospect of coming home at the end of the day with your own freshly brewed bottle is an opportunity crying out to be taken.

Address: Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge, TN11 9NS

Biddenden Vineyard

Biddenden Vineyard brands itself as Kent's Original vineyard, and at over 50 years old there's a good deal of history to the award-winning winery.

With eleven varieties of grapes across 23 acres, this is no cottage industry, but an award-winning example of the fact that you can get some really great wine without looking abroad.

Biddenden is also home to a cider brewery using Kentish apples and pears, so if grapes aren't your thing there's still a reason to visit.

Open tours currently run from April to September, but you can also book a private tour if you want a more personal insight into how your wine gets made.

Address: Little Whatmans, Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden TN27 8DF

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Thatchers Cider Tour

Want to know more about how we craft our cider.

Book onto our guided Thatchers Cider Tour, where you’ll learn about how we’ve been making cider here in Somerset for over 115 years. You’ll see how times have changed and no doubt you’ll hear a story or two about the Thatcher family. And of course, you’ll also get the chance to try a few ciders too!

We look forward to welcoming you to Myrtle Farm in Somerset sometime soon!

Please don’t worry if the “valid till” date is looming on your voucher – for the foreseeable future we’re accepting all vouchers issued as a result of cancelled tours. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed!

Buy a Tour Voucher here

What to expect from your Thatchers Cider Tour

Our tour is available for individuals (1-15 people) or groups (15-30 people) and lasts approximately 2 hours. Please note some of the buildings in our mill have narrow corridors and uneven floors, steps and stairs. Therefore we regret they are unsuitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or similar mobility aids. Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

The tour is £15.00 per person.

We’ll take you around the mill, where you will be shown how we make our cider from start to finish, with over 115 years of cider making expertise. The tour introduces you to our working mill and packaging hall, and whilst we always want to show you as much as we can, we can’t guarantee that every line will be operating during every tour.

At the end of the tour, you’ll get the chance to sample some of our Somerset Ciders, from the well-known brands, to our limited edition range.

A fantastic way to spend a couple hours in the heart of Somerset cider-making country.

For general enquiries, or if you’re booking on behalf of a commercial organisation, please email [email protected] with full details of your tour request, so we can best accommodate your needs.

Tour Terms and Conditions

• Tours will consist of indoor and (weather permitting) outdoor areas.
• Please wear suitable outerwear and footwear. We reserve the right to refuse participation on the tour if we consider inappropriate clothing is worn. This includes open shoes / flip flops / sandals.
• Non slip soled shoes are advised.
• Some of the buildings in our mill have narrow corridors and uneven floors. Therefore we regret they are unsuitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or similar mobility aids.
• We are a working mill and therefore some restrictions may be in force and for that reason all aspects of the tour cannot be guaranteed.
• Minimum age for tour participants is 15. Only participants aged 18 years or over may taste our ciders.
• If you are, or look under 21 please bring ID.
• Our tours are conducted in the English language only.
• We are afraid no dogs or any other pets are allowed on the tour.
• We allow photography in the orchards but not in the cider mill.
• Booking in advance is required.
• You may be required to sign acknowledging these and other terms of participation.
• You participate on tours at your own risk.
• We reserve the right to refuse entry on the tour if it appears in our opinion anyone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Refunds and changing the date of your tour will not be possible if requested within 24 hours of the start time of you tour.

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Thatchers Cider Company Ltd, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA