Just outside of Perranporth, tucked down a leafy lane, Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm has been pressing apples for over 30 years, and is home of Rattler, the iconic Cornish Cloudy Cyder.
Visitors can explore the farm, get a peek behind the scenes at how they make the iconic Scrumpy and Rattler cyders, discover the history of cyder-making on the farm, enjoy a bite to eat, stock up on cyder to go and of course, try a few samples! Entry is free, with options to upgrade your experience with tractor rides, self-guided or guided tours!
So on a sunny summer's day we headed to Healey's to experience the adventure for ourselves. Our day started with a quick browse around the shop, where the iconic Rattler is stacked in all its glory! Alongside pressed juices, wine, spirits and a collection of souvenirs, perfect for any Rattler fan!
First up on our agenda, a vintage tractor ride around the picturesque orchards! As we bobbed along, listening to the history of the working orchards, finding out how the apples are picked and pressed to make Rattler, as well as their juices, wines and spirits. The charming orchards are home to over 3000 trees, growing seven varieties of Cornish apples. It's these Cornish apples that give Rattler it’s acidity, flavour and refreshing bite! The tractor ride took us through the scenic Cornish countryside, where Healey's host Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival, bringing together good cider and good music, for an end-of-summer gathering, in true Cornish style.
After begrudingly finishing the tractor ride (we all agreed we could happily go around again!) we headed off to explore the cyder farm with a self-guided tour! With our handy pocket-sized map in hand, we followed the route through the impressive production facilities and into the original workshop, home to a traditional cyder press. Next stop was a peek inside the state-of-the-art distillery and the old workshop, cellars and museum, before discovering their car showroom, home to a small collection of cars from Donald Healey, the creator of the iconic Austin-Healey.
Saving the best till last… we ended the tour in the Tasting Room! You can sample your way through an array of delicious cyders, plus freshly pressed juices, wines and spirits and, of course, all the flavours of Rattler! We loved tropical, mango and Texan style Rattler but our favourite tipple was the Tresor Elderflower Cornish Country wine.
We highly recommend the tour, as it’s a fascinating insight into the art of cyder making, from traditional methods to modern production. There's lots to see and do, with fascinating facts around every corner and you can take it at your own pace! We loved the blend of old and new... seeing the old cyder press, that was used for hundreds of years to make original scrumpy, then watching thousands of bottles of the well-renowned cyder snaking it's way around the bottling plant! A little taste of Cornwall getting ready to make it's away around the UK!
Lunchtime arrived, so we stopped off for a delicious lunch in the restaurant, which serves up burgers, salads, Cornish pasties, cream teas and of course, cyder on tap! Finally, we wandered around the cobbled courtyard, had a look in the Jam Kitchen (where Healey's make jams and chutneys in traditional copper pots), before saying hello to the friendly residents who reside on the farm. Shire horses, pigmy goats, chickens and a family of pigs were relaxing in the sun! Finally, we couldn’t leave without one last browse around the shop, taking a few bottles home with us!
A visit to Healey's Cyder Farm is a fun, relaxed day out with lots to see and do for all the family, the little ones will love meeting the animals and riding the vintage tractor, whilst the grown-ups can enjoy a little tasting adventure of their own. Find out more about Healey's Cyder Farm and plan your visit today. If you're looking to stay nearby, browse our holiday cottages in Perranporth and Newquay for the ultimate Cornish getaway.