Crackington Cider Co

The cider barn sits just outside Bude, down a proper country lane where you'll start wondering if your satnav's gone wonky. It hasn't. Crackington Cider Co is a working cidery where they actually make the stuff on-site, and you can watch it happen if you time it right.

Inside, it's all rough stone walls and the smell of fermenting apples - exactly what you want from a place like this. They do a tasting room where you can try their range, from dry to properly sweet, and the staff know their stuff without being precious about it. The ciders are good. Not trying to reinvent the wheel, just honest Cornish cider done well. A glass or two sets you back the right side of a tenner.

It works best for adults who actually enjoy a drink and want to understand what they're tasting. Kids will be bored stiff unless they're old enough to appreciate juice and snacks while you chat to the owners. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're chatty and they're not busy with production.

If you're staying at Pencuke Farm Holiday Cottages or the Bude Camping and Caravanning Club Site - both close by - this makes a solid late-afternoon stop on your way back from the beach. It's worth the detour if cider's your thing. If you're more of a lager person, save your petrol.