Skreach West Country Cider

The moment you walk into Skreach, you're hit with that proper West Country smell - apple must, oak, and something indefinably earthy. This is a working cider operation near Porthmeor, not a theme park, and that's exactly what makes it worth the trip. You can see the presses, the barrels, the actual business of turning local apples into something genuinely good. The owners know their stuff and will talk you through how they're bringing back old Cornish varieties alongside modern experimenting. It's a small operation, so don't expect slick visitor facilities - but that's rather the point. You get a real sense of what proper craft cider actually involves, not just marketing. Tasting room's decent enough, and you'll come away understanding why people get animated about cider beyond just having a drink. Worth allowing an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're into chatting. It's not free entry - there's usually a charge, but it includes a tasting. Go on a quieter weekday if you can; weekends fill up with people who've driven over from Roselands Caravan Camping Park nearby. Honestly, if you're staying in the area and fancy something genuine rather than touristy, this beats most of what passes for attractions round here. You might even end up buying something to take home. The cider's actually good, which helps.