Travel Tips: Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm, Cornwall
Welcome to your ultimate resource for planning an unforgettable visit to Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm, nestled deep in the heart of Cornwall's picturesque countryside. Renowned as the home of the famous Rattler Cyder, Healey's offers far more than just a taste of award-winning drinks; it's a vibrant, family-run attraction brimming with unique experiences.
History of healey's cornish cyder farm
Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm began as a small family venture in 1980, when David and Kay Healey, running an off-licence in Mevagissey, recognized a gap in the market for Cornish cyder. They started producing their own cyder on a smallholding, which proved incredibly popular.
In 1986, they officially opened the doors of Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm to the public at its current location in Penhallow, near Truro. They revived a 150-year-old farm, planting orchards and embracing traditional cyder-making methods.
Over the decades, Healey's has grown significantly, becoming Cornwall's largest independent cyder-maker and expanding its range to include wines, spirits (including Cornwall's first distillery in 300 years), and even jams and chutneys. It's now a major tourist attraction, famous for its Rattler Cyder, offering tours, tastings, and a full farm experience. The business remains family-owned and run by their sons, Sam and Joe.
pre-book & save!
- Book Online: Always book your admission tickets (especially for tours) online in advance.
- "Pay For A Day, Visit All Year": This is a huge perk! Your admission ticket often grants you unlimited free return visits for 12 months from your purchase date. If you're staying in Cornwall for a while or plan to return, keep this in mind. Log in to your account when booking future visits to apply the discount. (Check this is still applicable when purchasing your tickets).
tours & activities
- Cydermaster Pass: To experience the museum, production areas, Austin Healey car museum, tasting room, and jam kitchen, you'll need to purchase a Cydermaster Pass.
- Full Healeys Tour/Distillery Tour: For spirit enthusiasts, specific tours delve deeper into whiskey and spirit production.
- Tractor Rides: Don't miss the vintage tractor ride through the apple orchards! It's a fun way to see the farm and learn about apple growing. There's an extra charge for this.
- Self-Guided vs. Guided Tours: You can take a self-guided tour at your own pace or opt for a guided tour for more in-depth information. Note: Guided tours are exclusively for adults and aren't dog-friendly. We opted for the self-guided tour, which was perfect since we had our dogs with us. It allowed us to explore at our own pace and still see everything. If you're planning to visit with your four-legged family members, we highly recommend this option!
- Seasonal Activities: As a working farm, activities like apple pressing are seasonal. If there's something specific you want to see, contact them in advance.
Helpful considerations
- Dress for a Farm: While much of it is accessible, parts of the farm, especially the two main courtyard areas and older sections of the self-guided tour, are cobbled. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that can handle uneven surfaces.
- Check Opening Times: Opening hours vary slightly by season (e.g. longer in summer). They are generally open all year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Weather: Be prepared for Cornish weather! Even on sunny days, it can be breezy. With a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, it's perfect for any weather, come rain or shine!
- Free Entry Areas: Entry to the restaurant, farm animals, and visitor shop is generally free, so you can pop in even without a tour ticket.
Indulge in the local flavours
- Free Cyder/Juice Sampling: This is a highlight! Enjoy free tastings of their various cyders and juices. You'll love the tasting room, which offers a wide array of products to try. Just remember to consider your transport options when deciding how much to sample
- Jam Kitchen: Don't miss the jam kitchen for free sampling of their preserves.
- The Old Bottlery Restaurant: Plan to have a meal here. They serve hearty, home-cooked meals using local ingredients, including Cornish breakfasts, pasties, and cream teas. Their scones are made on-site!
- Farm Shop: Stock up on cyders, wines, spirits, jams, chutneys, and other Cornish goodies.
Accessibility Considerations
- Cobbled Areas: Be aware that the main courtyards and older parts of the farm are cobbled and can be bumpy.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The Visitor Centre, shop, jam kitchen, tasting room, Rattler Bar, Old Bottlery Restaurant, and animal area generally have level access or ramps. There's a lift in the visitor centre for production halls.
- Healey Wheely: They have one motorised scooter ("Healey Wheely") with all-terrain wheels available to loan free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for those most affected by the cobbles. It cannot be reserved.
- Tractor Ride Accessibility: One tractor-trailer has been converted to fit a wheelchair, but it's advisable to call ahead in quieter months to check availability.
- Toilets: Accessible toilets are available.
- Contact Them: If you have specific accessibility requirements, it's best to call or email the farm in advance.
family & pet friendly
- Animals: Kids (and adults!) will love meeting the friendly farm animals.
- Dog Friendly: Healey's is very dog friendly! Dogs on leads are welcome in most areas of the farm, and even on the tractor ride (they are generally not allowed in production halls or the jam kitchen for hygiene reasons).
- Picnic Area: You can bring your own picnic if you wish.
Last Updated: 9 June '25
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