Nestled in the rolling hills of the Isle of Purbeck, just a short distance from the historic village of Corfe Castle, lies the Dorset Cider Farm – the home of the Purbeck Cider Company. More than just a working farm, it has become a destination in its own right: a place where visitors can enjoy the countryside, learn about traditional cider-making, and taste award-winning drinks crafted from locally grown apples.
A Local Success Story
The Purbeck Cider Company was founded in 2006 with a simple vision: to create authentic cider that celebrated Dorset’s rich apple-growing heritage. Starting small, the company pressed local apples in limited batches, selling directly into pubs and farm shops. Demand quickly grew, and with it, the business expanded. Today, Purbeck cider is stocked in pubs, restaurants, and retailers across the South of England and beyond, while the Dorset Cider Farm serves as its beating heart.
From Orchard to Pint
At the core of the farm is its orchard, stretching over 30 acres of countryside. Here, a mixture of traditional Dorset apple varieties and carefully chosen cider apples are grown and harvested. Unlike many mass-produced brands, Purbeck Cider is made using 100% single-pressed British apples, with no added concentrates or artificial flavourings. This approach ensures every pint reflects the natural character of the fruit and the unique conditions of the Purbeck landscape.
The farming ethos extends beyond the trees. Around 350 Shropshire and Easycare sheep graze the orchards, maintaining the grass and contributing to a sustainable farming system. This integration of livestock and orchards not only helps manage the land but also connects visitors with a more traditional way of farming that has existed in Dorset for generations.
The Taproom Experience
One of the highlights of the Dorset Cider Farm is its welcoming taproom. Here, visitors can enjoy Purbeck’s full range of ciders in the place they were crafted. From the flagship Dorset Draft, a crisp and refreshing favourite, to fruity blends such as Wild Berries and seasonal limited editions, the taproom offers an opportunity to taste and compare.
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide guests through the flavours and processes, making it a great place for newcomers to cider as well as seasoned enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed indoors or taken outside into the fresh country air, a glass from the taproom is a true taste of Purbeck.
Shop and Takeaway
The farm shop is stocked with the full Purbeck range, allowing visitors to take a piece of Dorset home with them. Bottles, cans, and bag-in-box cider are available alongside fresh apple juice and branded merchandise. Many visitors choose to collect larger boxes for family gatherings, festivals, or simply to enjoy at home after their visit.
Exploring the Orchard
Unlike many cider producers, Purbeck welcomes guests into its orchard. Open during farm hours, the orchard offers the chance to walk among the apple trees, see the varieties growing, and appreciate the environment that produces such distinctive ciders. The sight of sheep grazing between the rows of trees adds to the charm and provides a reminder that this is a working farm as well as a visitor attraction.
Visitor Information
The Dorset Cider Farm is open almost all year, with hours varying by season:
- April – September: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm
- October – December: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
- January – March: Open weekends only, 10 am – 5 pm (with daily opening during February half-term)
Facilities include on-site parking, a picnic area, and wheelchair access to most areas of the farm, though visitors should be aware that orchard paths can be uneven. Dogs are welcome in many areas of the site, but not in the livestock fields for safety reasons.
A Dorset Destination
More than simply a producer, the Dorset Cider Farm has become a destination for day-trippers, families, and cider lovers alike. Its position makes it an ideal stop-off while exploring the wider Isle of Purbeck, with Corfe Castle, Studland Bay, and the Jurassic Coast all close by.
Whether you come to stock up on cider, enjoy a leisurely orchard walk, or spend an afternoon sampling in the taproom, the Dorset Cider Farm offers an experience that is both authentic and memorable. It represents the best of what Dorset has to offer: quality produce, a connection to the land, and a warm welcome for visitors.
A True Taste of Dorset
The story of the Purbeck Cider Company and its Dorset Cider Farm is one of passion, hard work, and respect for tradition. From the careful tending of the orchards to the craft of pressing apples into award-winning cider, everything here is rooted in the Purbeck landscape.
For anyone looking to experience Dorset in its most refreshing form, a trip to the Dorset Cider Farm is essential.
