On their 18th century, 55 acre farm, the Trewhella family have planted orchards on the gentle slopes of the valley overlooking the Helford River. The trees include the Old Cornish Varieties local to the area such as Manaccan Primrose, Pigs Snout, John Broad and Tommy Knight, which are used to make Helford Creek Cyder, while desert apples such as Russet, Bramley, Sunset and Worcester Pearmain are used for their award-winning Apple Juice.

Mudgeon Vean Farm is surrounded by ancient woodland which serves as a shelter for our trees and provides a huge array of birds and wildlife. There are several beehives provided by Gwenen Apiaries, which help to pollinate the orchards to maximise production using natural methods. Whether it is one tree or ten they try to harvest as many local apples as possible in order to produce this delicious authentic top quality cider. They do not spray the orchards with chemical insecticides or weed killer, and plan to continue to grow more trees in an environmentally friendly way.

As well as being a Cyder maker, Helford Creek are renowned for their award-winning Apple Juice which is made from freshly pressed apples in Cornwall, and gently pasteurised to retain its unique flavour and aroma. Helford Creek also have three farm cottages available for holiday bookings. Personally I can't think of a better place to spend your holiday in Cornwall than on a Cyder farm! Check their website for more details.

Helford Creek Cyder is made using their own and local cider apples. The apples are washed, scratted (chopped) and pressed. The juice is then left to ferment until all the sugars have been turned to alcohol by the yeast. It is then racked off (filtered off) and left to mature in oak barrels, previously used for brandy or whiskey which can enhance a unique flavour.

Helford Creek's have developed the art of Cyder Making by careful attention to detail, and are proud to use the beautiful Helford River on their cyder's label, with its history of smuggling and romance.

Their present Cyder is medium sparkling and comes in 750ml bottles and is available in boxes of six from the online shop on the Helford Creek website. It should be available in 500ml bottles from April 2008, and they are currently brewing up a dry cyder which should go on sale during the summer of 2008.

Helford Creek, Mudgeon Vean Farm, St. Martin, Helston, Cornwall TR17 6DB

Please do not visit these premises without first telephoning.

Their website's Diary displays a list of which Shows and Events that Helford Creek will be attending this year.

[email your comments about Helford Creek to comments@zider.co.uk]

Helford Creek's Cyder

The Helford Creek's Cyder label showing the Helford near Tremayne Quay

The home orchards of Helford Creek