Cider Pressing at Bowhayes

In October, the orchards around Venn Ottery move into harvest and pressing season — apples gathered, sorted and run through a traditional rack-and-cloth press.

Public access to pressing at Bowhayes varies year to year. If you are hoping to visit, check directly with Bowhayes before travelling — it is a working farm and orchard, not a permanent visitor attraction.

Either way, autumn is a fine time to be in the middle valley: cider going round, hedgerows turning, and the riverside footpaths between Ottery St Mary and Tipton St John at their best.