The new Cider Barn at Bekesbourne

I had a thirst for Kentish perry, and I thought I knew where to look.

Woolton farm near Bekesbourne, owned by the Mount family, grow all their own apples and pears, and make a banging perry. My favourite is called ‘Civil Disobedience’. It’s astonishingly good, and situated a stone’s throw from the Old Way.

But opening the door to their little shop, I found only a dry room of computer screens. Confusion reigned. Was the direct sale model no longer in operation at Woolton Farm? Had Covid crippled their public ambitions?

The answer is a sound and huge NO. Woolton Farm have tripled down on their public face, and during lockdown converted a 17th century barn into a vast cider hall to offer their cider in can, bottle or glass.

And more than this, they have also added bell-tent camping (with showers/loos/BBQ/phone charging) for campers, at the very reasonable rate of £75 for 4 sharing. The price doesn’t go down if you’re solo, so on the Old Way, it’s another good reason to walk in a merry band. Until ‘refugios’ and Sanctuaries are commonplace, shared rooms (and bell-tents) represent the best value option (if you aren’t Coldharbouring).

Woolton farm is about 1 mile from St Peter’s church Bekesbourne, and is ideally situated for Old Wayers readying themselves for the final day into Canterbury. It’s about 7 miles on from here, via Fordwich, giving time enough to arrive for Evensong at the Cathedral, even on a Sunday (3pm).

I am so incredibly grateful for Woolton Farm, and its young champion Sam Mount, for the work they have done over lockdown. They explained that their unsold lockdown cider needs a drinking public, and I encourage everyone to help drain this wicked excess. The apples are all local, and Old Wayers walk through their orchards.

This is also the farm who own the Well Well, nr Littlebourne. I’m trying to encourage them to add a few drips to a brew to make Holy Pilgrim Cider. I’ll let you know how that gets on…

Check out Woolton Farm’s Accommodation here: https://www.wooltonfarm.co.uk/accommodation

And you can browse their Cider and Perry (and wines) here: https://www.wooltonfarm.co.uk/cider