As autumn settles over Somerset, the county readies itself for the cozy months ahead—fires are lit, shutters drawn, and the last of the harvest gathered. But beyond preparation, this season offers a vibrant reason to celebrate. For centuries, Somerset has been synonymous with bountiful apple orchards and rich fruit harvests, making autumn a time of joy and gratitude in the beautiful countryside.
The celebrated Romantic poet John Keats captured the essence of this season perfectly in his 1819 poem, Ode to Autumn. His evocative words—“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” and “To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees”—seem to paint a picture of Somerset’s own orchards, heavy with ripe fruit and bathed in golden light.
Apples have long been at the heart of Somerset’s identity, and the county’s orchards are renowned for their diversity and beauty. One cherished tradition is wassailing, an ancient ritual dating back to pagan times. This festive custom involves offering cider to the trees in hopes of ensuring a fruitful harvest the following year. Wassailing celebrations continue in parts of Somerset every January, combining community spirit with the joy of cider drinking.
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Cider itself is a cornerstone of Somerset’s heritage. While famously enjoyed in summer, cider’s appeal extends into autumn and winter, where warm, spiced varieties provide comfort on chilly days. Somerset’s cider scene thrives with a mix of established producers like Showerings and Thatchers, alongside innovative craft cider makers such as Honey’s Cider in Midford, Pilton Cider, and Sheppy’s. These producers use locally sourced, often organic apples to create a range of distinctive flavors enjoyed far beyond the county borders.
Beyond cider, Somerset also leads in the production of cider brandy, an increasingly popular spirit perfect for festive gatherings. Burrow Hill, based in Kingsbury Episcopi near Martock, stands out for its award-winning ciders and commitment to sustainability. Their farm operates beyond net zero—harvesting, fermenting, distilling, aging, and bottling all in one place with organic fruit. A recent report hailed Somerset cider brandy as the UK’s most sustainable aged spirit, emphasizing the importance of traditional low-intensity orchards as vital habitats that support local biodiversity.
This focus on environmental stewardship means that Somerset’s farming community isn’t just preserving tradition, but actively protecting the countryside for future generations. It’s a compelling blend of heritage and innovation that enriches the county’s cultural landscape.
Many cider and cider brandy producers welcome visitors to their farms and shops, offering a delightful way to spend an autumn afternoon sampling organic apple products and soaking in the timeless charm of Somerset’s orchards.
So, this autumn, take inspiration from Keats and celebrate the season with a glass raised to Somerset’s rich harvests, enduring traditions, and stunning landscapes. The beauty and bounty of autumn here are truly a gift to cherish, perhaps even surpassing spring in its splendor.
Keats once wrote to a friend about the season: “How beautiful the season is now. How fine the air, a temperate sharpness about it. Really, without joking, chaste weather—Dian skies. I never liked stubble-fields so much as now—aye, better than chilly green of the Spring.”