The Somerset Cider Trail, Somerset Levels
Cycle along the quiet roads and tracks of the Somerset Levels on the Cider Trail. This 13 mile circular route will take you to a long-established maker of kitchen pots, a family run smokery and the Somerset Distillery and Burrow Hill Cider Farm.
Pay homage to the cider apple on this gentle cycle trail that can be extended for the more energetic. With tasting places and unique cultural attractions along the way, it makes a well-rounded and juicy day out in South Somerset.
- Cycle through the Somerset levels
- Taste cider and cider brandy
- Visit the smokery
- Visit Barrington Court (National Trust)
Cycle Through The Somerset Levels on The Cider Trail
Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy the Somerset Levels with its water-flanked lanes, thatch-roofed villages, flourishing traditional crafts, grand houses and gardens. In this part of the county, you’ll find cider orchards, a smokery, a pottery and ancient ruins.
Hire a Bike at Langport
Start your cycle ride at Langport where you can hire bikes from the River Parrett Visitor Centre. Langport is an ancient market town. Formerly a river port on the Parrett, it’s noted for its distinctive houses on Bow Street and the ‘hanging chapel’ gatehouse in the old town wall.
Admire John Leach’s Muchelney Pottery
On the edge of Muchelney village, step in to his shop and gallery to see John Leach’s pottery, a small family business that first started in 1965. The kitchen pots are all hand-thrown using local clays and then wood-fired to the high stoneware temperature of 1320°C which creates their distinctive ‘toasted’ finish.
Taste Cider and Brandy at Burrow Hill Cider Farm
Next visit the Somerset Distillery at Burrow Hill where Somerset Cider Brandy has been distilled since 1989 and cider has been pressed for over 150 years.
Have Lunch at Brown & Forrest
Cycle on to Hambridge to Brown & Forrest, a traditional and family-run smokery that was started over 31 years ago. Housed in an old cider barn at Bowdens Farm, they produce smoked eel, salmon, trout, duck, ham, cheese among other delicacies. See the smoking process in action before eating lunch in the restaurant.
Taste Apple Juice at Barrington Court
After lunch, cycle back to Langport or take a detour to Barrington Court, a Tudor manor house and now a National Trust property. The house was restored by the sugar refining millionaire, Colonel Arthur Lyle, after he first laid eyes on it in 1916. They produce delicious apple juices and ciders which are all available to try.
Tips
- Both Brown and Forrest and the Somerset Cider Brandy Company are closed on Sundays
- Visit Muchelney Abbey, a 10th Century abbey which is now an English Heritage property
- Foodie Gardeners may like to visit The Potting Shed Café at Kelways Nurseries near Langport which is famous for its peonies
Shop This Story
Need more inspiration? Shop cider gifts and experiences.
Where to Stay in the Somerset Levels
The Devonshire Arms Hotel in Long Sutton near Langport – once a hunting lodge and now a contemporary hotel over looking the village green.
Brook Farm in North Curry – an elegant and homely Bed & Breakfast with ensuite rooms in an 18th century farmhouse. A good location for exploring the Somerset Levels.
Dogs
A fantastic doggy day out for me. Put me in your bicycle basket and let’s go!
How to Find Langport
Langport Tourist Information, Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PR
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.