Of all the food and drink in Somerset, the county is best known for its cider. As well as this it is also known as the home of Cheddar Cheese, and the unique Exmoor Blue Cheese. Do not forget to sample an authentic West Country cream tea or Ploughman’s lunch while you are visiting the area. Somerset also produces some of the finest ice cream made from clotted cream.
Throughout Somerset, there are cider producers and cider brandy distilleries. Many of these are open to the public and there are tours where you can learn about the process and have the opportunity to sample the ciders produced. You could try Perry’s Cider Mills near Ilminster; Sheppy’s Cider Farm Centre near Taunton; or Torre Cider Farm near Watchet, to name but a few.
Less well known is the fact that there are a number of vineyards in Somerset. Avalon Vineyard, near Shepton Mallet, produces organic English white wine, fruit wines, and mead. Whatley Vineyard, near Frome, offers the opportunity to wander around the vineyard and sample the wines.
Visit a fruit farm at Charlton Orchards, near Creech St Michael, where there are 30 apple varieties grown as well as other fruit. Explore the Orchard Trail and have a look around the Farm Shop.
Visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to view how Cheddar Cheese is produced. Cheddar Cheese has been made at the town of Cheddar for more than 800 years. The natural storage provided by the local caves creates the perfect environment for the maturing of the cheese. This combined with the rich pastures of the Somerset Levels has succeeded in making Cheddar the most popular of British cheeses.
Sample more food and drink in Somerset at the Farmers Markets, these are held in most Somerset towns at least once a month. Here you can purchase fresh, locally grown produce and traditional fayre. There are also the annual food festivals held throughout Somerset in the month of October, traditionally coinciding with the harvest.
Hotels and Guest Houses in Somerset
You will be spoilt for choice with the variety of traditional food and drink in Somerset.
