Category

Heritage Craft Cider Making Residential Weekend

Step into the rich cider-making traditions of the West Country with a unique Heritage Craft residential weekend at Ashley Court, a beautifully preserved Regency country house nestled amongst historic gardens, woodland and rolling Devon countryside. Inspired by centuries of local craft and rural knowledge, Ashley Court offers immersive residential experiences that reconnect participants with traditional skills and seasonal rhythms.

This special weekend is led by the award-winning team from Rull Orchard, a sustainable Devon cidery renowned for its commitment to biodiversity, traditional orchards and exceptional artisan cider. Guided by expert cider makers, discover the fascinating journey from apple to bottle, exploring heritage apple varieties, orchard management, pressing, fermentation and blending techniques.

Over the course of the weekend, enjoy hands-on practical sessions, tastings of distinctive Devon cider and perry, engaging discussions around the history and culture of cider making, and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of this cherished rural craft. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an enthusiastic cider lover, you’ll leave with enhanced skills, fresh inspiration and a deeper appreciation for Devon’s orchard heritage.

Alongside the workshops, relax into the welcoming atmosphere of Ashley Court, with comfortable accommodation, delicious seasonal meals and time to explore the estate’s historic grounds.

Join us for a memorable weekend of craftsmanship, conviviality and cider in the heart of Devon.

Price – £795 inclusive of all meals, accommodation, trip to orchard and cider making.

Please email to book or for enquiries.  hello@ashleycourtdevon.co.uk

Description

Tara and Claire.

Both Tara and Claire have recently been accepted as members of the esteemed international food organisation, Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.  Membership is highly diversified and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality.

Tara has historic connections to the esteemed cookery writer,  Elizabeth David, and cooks inspirational meals influenced by such diverse food writers as Claudia Roden, Yotam Ottolenghi, and Anna Jones. 

Claire is co-founder of Rull Orchard, and prides herself on pairing their delicious ciders with equally delicious foods.

Additional information

Room

Holly Room (twin room with shared shower), Monkey Puzzle Room (single room with shared shower), Laurel Room (twin room with shared shower), Wisteria Room (double room with shared shower), Oak Room ( double or twin room with en-suite), Acacia Room (double room with shared shower/bath)

Event Details

Schedule  (Timings may be tweaked depending on circumstances / weather)

4.00 onwards - arrivals
6.30 Intro talk and cider tasting (Claire and Tara)
7.30 Dinner (3 courses)
Saturday 7th November
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 Apple Picking /orchard visit
1.00 Lunch at Rull Orchard
2.00 Hands on cider making (Claire and Mike
6.00 Return to Ashley Court
7.30 Dinner (pairing) 4 courses
Sunday 8th November
9.00 Breakfast
11.00 Pickling/preserving with Claire and Tara
1.00 Lunch
Bye Bye Everybody, don’t forget to take your cider and pickles with you!

Start date: 6 November 2026

End date: 8 November 2026

Start time: 16:00

End time: 15:00

Venue: Ashley Court

Directions: From the main road, A396, turn into Ashley. Then turn immediately left, and the entrance is straight ahead of you in-between 2 stone pillars. The house is about 200 yard up. Do not drive up the side road to the right of the entrance.

Phone: 07725950683

Email: hello@ashleycourtdevon.co.uk