cider tour much marcle

Westons Cider Visitor Centre

Deep in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside Westons Cider is situated in the village of Much Marcle. It was established in 1880 and is still a family owned firm, renowned for both traditional and premium ciders, such as Stowford Press, Old Rosie and Henry Westons Vintage. Along with its world famous products, we have our award winning herd of Hereford Cattle and much loved resident shire horses Ben and Prince, who are great ambassadors for Westons heritage, offering anything from dray rides to a one-of-a-kind wedding transportation.

Stop by our Visitor Centre shop for great offers and cider tasting, open 7 days a week. Our Daily guided mill tours give you the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the business, its heritage and traditions (11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm, booking recommended, private tours also available).

The Scrumpy House restaurant is located within the grounds of Westons Cider Mill in Much Marcle. With rustic charm ambience and traditional country menus, we offer a warm welcome to customers old and new. We can cater for large group bookings or perhaps a personalised small gathering with friends and family. Special dietary requirements are catered for. To reserve a table or make an enquiry please call 01531 660626

Our Orchard Tearoom is open throughout the summer months serving a selection of homemade cakes, freshly baked pastries and jacket potatoes.

Tour packages are available please visit our website for more details.

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Westons Cider

Explore things to do, suggested getaways near westons cider.

Westons is set amongst acres of apple and perry pear orchards. It's 400 year old farmhouse, The Bounds, is the centre piece to an interesting day out. Open 7 days a week, visitors of all ages are invited to discover the secrets of traditional cider making by taking one of the daily guided mill tours. Hear how cider is produced from the planting of the orchards to the moment it is poured. During your visit, stroll through the award-winning Henry Weston Courtyard Garden and into a converted seventeenth century cowshed to see the bottle collection. Adults are invited to sample from the wide selection of ciders and perries on offer in the cider shop, whilst the children are able to visit and feed the farm animals in the Farm Park. For those looking for a delicious meal made from fresh Herefordshire produce, a piece of homemade cake or simply a cup of tea, you will be spoilt for choice at The Scrumpy House Restaurant and Bottle Musuem Tea Rooms. Whether it's a refreshing pint of Stowford Press in the summer sunshine, or a warming mug of mulled cider by an open fire, a visit to Westons Cider Mill is perfect all year round.  

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Contact Info

H Weston & Sons Ltd The Bounds, Much Marcle Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2NQ, England  

01531660233

Other Things to Do in the West Midlands Region

Tamworth SnowDome

Webbs of Wychbold

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Bancroft Cruisers

Butterfly Zoo and an Amazing Maze

Moreton Corbet Castle

Herefordshire Cider Route

Cotswold Water Park

Hampton Court Castle and gardens

Cosford Royal Air Force Museum

Cotswold Way - National Trail

Batsford Arboretum

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Take Westons Cider Mill Tour and Taste Traditional Herefordshire Cider

by The Foodie Travel Guide | Aug 8, 2016

Westons Cider Mill, Much Marcle, Herefordshire

Herefordshire produces a staggering 60% of the world’s cider. At the heart of the county is Westons Cider Mill, an independent family-owned business that’s rich in cider-making history and heritage.

Grow Your Own Cider

Wooden Apple Press

Three Litre Moonshine Bottle

Wooden Apple Storage Rack

Need more inspiration? Shop for cider gifts

Where to Stay 

Brooks Country House – ‘affordable luxury’ in this new 22-roomed hotel housed in a former Georgian Manor with stunning views of the Black Mountains and surrounding countryside

The Bell at Skenfrith  – a foodie pub in the Monmouthshire countryside close to Abergavenny that’s also a great base for walkers

Westons Cider Mill, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2NQ

Website: www.westons-cider.co.uk

Discover more  Cider Tasting Experiences .

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. 

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The Scrumpy House at Westons Cider Mill

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Popped in for lunch. Quick and attentive service and just what we wanted - sandwiches very tasty with freshly cooked chips. Perfect. Well set up with one way system and plenty of outside space.

Booked a table for lunch at 12 on a Saturday. We were understandably the first ones in there. The menu had good choices for lunch, though if you’re watching your weight it could be a bit tricky! We had pie, sausages, ham, egg and chips... followed by desserts. All of which were really tasty. It was wonderful to have cider at lunch time too. Old Rosie was so tasty! Only downside really was a flat white coffee which was super milky and not great, otherwise good value for money and a nice place to eat. More

Came here with my Mum and Grandma (1 veggie and 2 vegans). when we arrived we had a separate vegan menu given to us which was AMAZING and freshly made. Although we did have a very slight wait on food is was definitely worth it... and lovely service even though they were busy. Would come again :) More

Breakfast. Nice friendly staff and good service. Lovely setting. Mediocre poached eggs. Burnt pancakes. Shame. Don’t advertise cider syrup pancakes with bacon and then serve burnt pancakes and non streaky bacon. Went to the shop and bought much cider to cheer myself up.

Food is tasty, good ingredients and quality. Let down by vegetables not being included. For example steak pie and chips only and have to purchase bowl of fresh vegetables separately at extra cost. Service could be improved and be more flexible when request for slight... change from menu (peas instead of egg wasn’t allowed )We asked to move tables due to cold wind from door being continuously opened but wouldn’t accommodate. More

We met with good friends who we haven't seen over the lockdown. We had planned a long walk and then meal locally. The walk was beautiful and the visit to Weston's was really great. It was a Sunday so three of us had the roast... option and the fourth member of our party had fishcakes and chips. All of the food was delicious. There was lots of it and everything was of a high standard. There were also extra vegetables and an extra jug of gravy on request. We were served by a really helpful and cheerful waitress. Nothing was too much trouble. The cider was of course fantastic and the wine excellent. We finished with coffee and sticky toffee pudding. All in all a fabulous meal and all for a very reasonable price. Very happy to recommend. More

We visited the restaurant this week, excellent food, service and good value for money. We took advantage of the Eat out scheme. Very organised with COVID procedures, one way system, track and trace etc. The staff were extremely busy and pushed to the limit. I... always read previous reviews before going to places. The latest review does not give this place a fare go. I feel Laidbacknhappy is clearly MiserablenSad. They were obviously annoyed that they did not take advantage of the Eat out scheme, so decided to take it out on the food. Just looking for a freebie. Constructive criticism is always the key, if the food was that bad, then they should have refused to pay. "Be kind" More

Booked a tour of the cider factory followed by a late lunch at the Scrumpy House. The tour of the factory was interesting but the highlight was the excellent food served at The Scrumpy House that far exceeded our expectations. The food was go good... I would quite happily dine here everyday and we did try and book for dinner on Thursday but they were already fully booked and not surprised as it is excellent food and great value. Could not get in for dinner so going for breakfast today on our way back home. More

Following our lunch on Saturday, which was delicious, we decided to return for Sunday lunch. Both pork and beef roast lunches were superb, flavoursome and definitely home cooked. Again the staff were friendly and attentive. Highly recommend a visit

Booked the restaurant when I booked the Weston’s cider tour before my visit. The Sunday lunch was the best I have eaten in a very long time. Beautiful tasting pork, exquisite roast potatoes which for me were cooked to perfection with stuffing, crackling and apple... sauce and a generous portion of freshly cooked vegetables. Had Baileys cheesecake for dessert just about squeezed it in which was scrumptious. Staff were all friendly and attentive throughout it was a pleasure to visit, nice to experience some excellent customer service. Very reasonable priced. Just wish it was a bit closer as I live in South Wales. More

We are regulars here these days and for all the right reasons! I walk with a stick after a stroke but its no problem. The staff are always friendly and really pleasant. A good range of items on the menu and truly always great. We... have never had a bad one here! Good parking, inside and outside tables, good range of refreshments and of course the cider is the best in the country!! You can guess then that we are fans of the restaurant but also always finish our visit by popping into the shop for some take-home Ciders. We'll be back very soon! More

We've never been before but decided to give this place a try and we're really pleased we did. It was a lovely September day and we opted to have our meal outside. I had the veggie lunch which was amazing and husband had the Sunday... lunch which he really enjoyed. The service was faultless and friendly and the surroundings very peaceful well away from the main road. I'm certain we'll be back soon! More

Good venue to meet friends though atmosphere a bit lacking . Plenty of parking. Made welcome though apart from the youngest member of staff (3 in all) service was efficient rather than interested. We enjoyed the meal though felt the standard has deteriorated a little... - chips disappointing. More

I'm a massive fan of Westons cider and have wanted to eat at their restaurant for ages, so I was delighted to get the chance last week. My wife and I had dinner there and ordered of the scrumpy Thursday menu. I ordered the cider... battered fish and chips with an inclusive pint of Old Rosie. The food was delicious and was perfectly complimented by the Old Rosie. The service was also excellent and the surroundings were idyllic. Thoroughly recommended. More

Best home cooked Sunday lunch that we have had in a restaurant or pub. I had the roast pork, and my husband had the beef. Lovely tender meat, and good selection of freshly cooked vegetables. Accompanied by a pint of cider and sitting outside in... the sunshine. Great service too, and very reasonable price. Highly recommended. More

THE SCRUMPY HOUSE AT WESTONS CIDER MILL, Ledbury - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 3.5

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Westons Cider Mill, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2NQ

Accessibility

Most of the site is accessible, the tour is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or visitors who struggle with mobility.

Brief description

A long family history of award winning, premium cider-making with their roots going back to 1880. There's a shop, playground, restaurant, tea rooms, shire horses, local walks (maps availble in the shop) and cider mill tours.

  [email protected]

  [email protected]

  [email protected]

Visiting and Shop information:  01531 660 108

The Scrumpy House Restaurant information and booking:  01531 660 626

General enquiries:   01531 660 233

https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/visit

https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/discover/westons-cider  

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186303-d218508-Reviews-Westons_Cider_Mill-Ledbury_Herefordshire_England.html  

https://www.visitthemalverns.org/attraction/westons-cider-visitor-centre/  

From the M5 Head southwest on M50. Drive along the M50 leave at junction 2 and take the A417 exit to A438/Hereford/Ledbury. Approaching Ledbury take the A449 signposted Much Marcle and they are clearly signposted

Full directions can be found here:  https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/directions  

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/visit  

Shop opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm

Tours (There is a charge - must be prebooked by phone): Every Day: 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm & 3.30pm

Restaurant opening hours: (closed all day 26.9.21)

Mon-Fri: 9:00am to 4:00pm, last orders 3pm

Scrumpy Thursday's Takeaway: 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Sat - Sun: 10:00am to 5:00pm , last orders 4pm

Ledbury train station (a stepped station) is the closest station at around 6 miles away.

Baby change

Disability toilet

Tour (pre bookable by phone and charged)

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Cider Making with Nature in Much Marcle

From overgrown orchard to artisan producer.

James Marsden of Gregg's Pit describes his journey to becoming an award-winning cider and perry maker, including his passion for organic methods which support local wildlife.

In 1992, I bought a derelict 18 th century cottage with a small traditional orchard shown on the 1888 Ordnance Survey map with two others, now long gone. It sits prettily within sight of May Hill at Much Marcle, but was then neglected, sad and scruffy, waist high in nettles, docks and brambles with several rat-infested chicken sheds, piles of scrap metal and empty bottles.

After months of cutting, clearing and burning, which revealed four hand crafted lugg hooks, all that remained of the ‘panking’ poles  (l ong ash poles with a metal hook used to shake the trees at harvest time)  hanging high in the orchard trees, it was time to identify the varieties. Help from the previous owner and local experts, confirmed identities of our very own variety, the Gregg’s Pit perry pear, the much-valued bittersweet White Close Pippin cider apple and 30 other varieties among 100 standard trees.

Spring 1993 saw the first plantings of new cider apple trees, hedge laying and fencing, all enabled by a capital grant from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Sheep grazing was re-introduced from late May until August (six weeks before fruit fall to avoid risk of cross-contamination). Traditional orchard management skills were learned by training, trial and error. Sense of place, continuity in a cultural landscape, renewed productivity and the many wildlife benefits all make active management so rewarding!

We prune young trees to promote new growth, shape and light. No more than 30% of branches of any tree are removed. Mature perry pear trees (some >200 years old) look after themselves because their branches are brittle, liable to self-prune and dangerous to climb. Some dead and decaying wood is always left in the older trees to provide a succession of habitats for insects, cavity and hole nesting birds like tree creeper, spotted flycatcher, owls and woodpeckers. When winter gales or grazing livestock push trees over we select the best fruitwood to convert into furniture (e.g. bedside tables from a Michelin cider apple, a new bed and bookcase from a Blakeney Red perry pear), and leave others to rot where they fall.

Patches of south-facing nettles are left to encourage butterflies. No chemical sprays are used on the trees, and we know our predecessors applied none since the 1930s. There’s clear scientific evidence to support this approach – a systematic survey of 106 Herefordshire orchards by the Central Science Laboratory found that unsprayed orchards held more birds than sprayed orchards. We used pheromone traps for a few years, but stopped when they caught a blue tit. We rely on natural predators to manage pests like codling moth, apple sawfly and aphids, which is why we prefer hornets to bees - a local beekeeper once offered his hives to help with pollination, but hornets predate bees so the hives had to go.  

Having restored the orchard, what to do with the fruit? Our first meagre crop was sold to Westons Cider, but by 1994 it was 3 tonnes and we began ‘share cropping’ with a friend who pressed our fruit in return for 30% of the juice. This passion for making real artisan cider and perry has grown into a micro-business producing 6000 litres a year.

Seasons define our orchard year, and each brings new experiences. Hoarfrost on skeletal trees in mid-winter is a beautiful excuse to delay pruning. Cold weather also encourages large mixed flocks of fieldfare, redwing and starling to feed on the orchard floor, where marauding sparrowhawk predate the weakest. Wild daffodils bloom in March, followed by cowslips, cuckooflowers, orange tip and brimstone butterflies. Blossom time starts with damson and plums, perry pears, and later cider apples, until early June. Spring arrives when migrant breeding birds return and bats emerge to forage for insects, day roosting in the cider shed loft. Owls become less vocal and more elusive at their nests, but a little owl is sometimes seen bobbing on a fence or gathering worms to feed young. Fruit sets in mid-summer and the orchard becomes a quieter place, best enjoyed from a hammock! Ripe autumn fruit fall signals harvest, a feeding frenzy for hornets, wasps, comma and red admiral butterflies. By late November, our fermenting vats are full and the year soon turns again.

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Enjoyable and Great Combo with the Tour - The Scrumpy House at Westons Cider Mill

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“Enjoyable and Great Combo with the Tour” Review of The Scrumpy House at Westons Cider Mill

I received a voucher for Christmas for a Sunday Lunch (Two Course) and a Tour of the Cider Mill. We chose to have our lunch first at 12:30 - the two courses are main and dessert and on the day the options for Sunday Roast were beef or pork. The food was lovely and the venue had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The service was good and the drinks were reasonably priced. After our lunch we toured the mill and then sat in the garden enjoying the sunshine before heading off. I thought this venue was good and if you are in the area or planning on doing a tour of the mill I would recommend adding this on as part of your visit.

• Excellent 120
• Very good 55
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• English  (203)
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• English (203)

7 - 11 of 204 reviews

Food is tasty, good ingredients and quality. Let down by vegetables not being included. For example steak pie and chips only and have to purchase bowl of fresh vegetables separately at extra cost. Service could be improved and be more flexible when request for slight change from menu (peas instead of egg wasn’t allowed )We asked to move tables due to cold wind from door being continuously opened but wouldn’t accommodate.

My friends and I had a lovely meal at the scrumpy house, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable! The food and drink was fantastic and the lighting/decor in the restaurant make for a really lovely evening. There is also plenty of parking for those driving!

We have been several time now over the last 12 months eating both daytime and Thursday evenings and have always really enjoyed the food friendliness of staff and service is always very good

basic food with a cider theme, tasty and good value. Staff pleasant. Dog friendly, nice gardens. Didn't do the cider tour because of time constraints but have been told it's very good

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Westons Cider Tour

We were lucky enough to be invited to a tourism day at Westons Cider, in Much Marcle, to see what they had to offer in the way of days out for our guests.

The drive from the Priory took around half an hour and there was ample free parking available when we arrived. The entrance is very picturesque with a flagstone path meandering its way through the visitors site including The Scrumpy House Restaurant, gift shop, Tea rooms and more.

We sampled some of the delights of the tea rooms before being met by our passionate and very knowledgeable guide, Jenny, who educated us throughout the one hour Westons Cider Tour. Before our visit, we were advised that some of the tour is partially outdoors, and that there are numerous steps, so to ensure we were wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.

The Westons business is still managed by the Weston family and they clearly maintain traditional values and cider making practises but have integrated modern technology to allow production to be upscaled to meet demand.

It was fascinating to see the vast array of traditional oak barrels, used during the maturation of the ciders, and a heady aroma filled the large buildings within which they are housed.

The tour takes you from the point where the apples arrive on site all the way through their journey to bottled cider ready to go to supermarkets and beyond. The hour concludes itself in the shop where there are ample tasters of some of the many varieties of ciders on offer.

Westons would make a great day out for groups and individuals alike but, although they say they cater for children, it would greatly depend on their age. Westons is a working farm and the tour is very factual, which is precisely the reason you would visit, but not tailored to younger visitors. A visit would be a pleasure at any time of the year but particular points of interest are Spring for the cider blossom in the orchards and autumn for the fruits coming in (roughly from 2nd week in September to 1st week in December)

What their website says:

Discover the craft of cider-making from blossom to bottle. We’ll show you everything -with an expert guide leading the way. See where we harvest, weigh and wash apples. Venture into the heart of the mill where we press, ferment and mature before blending and packing. See all we do, why and how – and hear a little bit of home-spun history, too.

THE CIDER MILL TOUR RUNS:

Every Day:  11.00am,   12.30pm, 2.00pm & 3.30pm

TOUR PRICES:

Adults:  £10.00  / Children : £4.00  / Family:  £25.00

For a family booking discount, bespoke tour packages, including evening and groups please email [email protected] or call  01531 660 108 .

https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/

There is also the option to enhance the basic tour with cream tea, Ploughman’s lunch, breakfast, etc.

We were treated to a Ploughman’s lunch at the end of our tour and the standard was excellent. Definitely recommend adding this to your day!

Posted by Nadia on 21st March 2019

Big Apple festival returns: The best of cider and perry in Much Marcle and Yatton

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This weekend marks the return of the annual Big Apple festival, a celebration of cider and perry, in Much Marcle and Yatton. Scheduled for 14 and 15 October, the event features craft cider and perry makers opening their doors to the public, offering a variety of activities and tastings.

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One of the notable venues is Woodredding Cider and Perry. They are gearing up to demonstrate the art of cider and perry pressing, a technique that has been in practice on their wooden press for over two centuries. Visitors can not only enjoy free tastings but also have the chance to purchase these traditional beverages. The venue will also offer sausage baps, cakes, and a variety of beverages including tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic apple and pear juice.

For those looking for some entertainment, Woodredding has it covered. The ukelele band Uke Can't Be Serious will perform on Saturday during lunchtime, followed by local musician Richie Yeates taking the stage on Sunday. The venue will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days. Conveniently located on the A449, Woodredding Cider and Perry is the first Big Apple venue visitors will encounter when coming from Ross and the Forest of Dean.

The Big Apple festival provides an excellent platform for small-scale cider and perry producers to showcase their craft to a broader audience. It's a perfect occasion for locals and visitors alike to engage in a centuries-old tradition while enjoying some of the finest beverages the region has to offer.

For more information on the Big Apple venues and events, one can visit the official website at bigapple.org.uk. With a blend of history, tradition, and local flavour, this weekend promises to be an experience that celebrates the essence of the area's cider and perry production. So, mark the dates and be ready for a weekend that promises both education and entertainment centred around one of the region's most cherished traditions.

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It's in our family's DNA, in our very nature to be pioneering and original in our approach. Authentic cider lives here.

Based in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle, we have a long family history of premium cider-making with our roots going back to 1880. Five Weston generations have worked with like-minded colleagues in the pursuit of their passion: creating authentic ciders that people will love.

Helen's Story

It all began in 1878 when Henry Weston, my great-grandfather, settled here and began to produce ciders and perries.

Using the wide variety of regional fruit grown in the surrounding orchards, he started pressing and blending. The fermented juice soon proved so popular that his work evolved into a business. Today ‘The Bounds’, the charming 17th century farmhouse and cider mill where it all began, remains home to his craft.

I’ve been Managing Director since 1996, and have been privileged to see some of the most exciting changes yet. Everyone remains passionate about producing the best cider. I like to think if my Great Grandfather were here, he’d be amazed – but also proud.

Helen Thomas Managing Director & 4th Generation Weston

Our oak vat collection has continued to grow since 1880. Some of the vats were purchased over the years from other producers and distilleries. The vat house takes me back to my childhood; it remains a favourite part of the business for me. It certainly was an interesting place to be, growing up on a cider farm.

Tim Weston Director & 4th Generation of the Weston family

The Cider Maker

What makes Westons Cider unique? A commitment to doing things the right way. It takes time, but we can do this because we’re independent. For instance, we’ve invested in juice storage which allows us to develop great flavour profiles. Some of our liquids can be matured for up to 18 months. This freedom to marry traditional techniques with the best modern technology is why I love being a Cider Maker.

Guy Lawrence Cider Maker & 5th Generation of the Weston family.

Over 200 people work at Westons.

Most live locally, with families in the neighbouring villages and towns.

We've been rooted in our rural community for over 140 years and know that actions speak louder than words, so we offer local event and charity support via our 50 Mile Project. We are also proud of our regional partnerships with many great sports clubs and festivals. As a business and family, several charities are also very close to our heart. To stay in touch with all the latest activities and events, visit our social media stories. 

Meet some of the team

Cost and Management Accountant

Amy Clinton

Regional account manager.

Jenny Peplow

Visitor centre hospitality team member.

Steve Garrett

Business unit controller for pub co & regional brewers.

Effie Howard

Assistant brand manager.

Tim Williams

Insight and innovation manager.

Jason Watkins

Regional accounts manager and technical services.

Luke Padgett

Export country manager.

Giles Goodwin

Production manager.

Key Account Manager

Josh Miller

Laboratory technician.

Sally Mckinnon

Head of marketing.

HR Business Partner

Darryl Hinksman

Head of business development.

Paul Simpson

Business unit controller.

Adrian Staley

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