Dorset Breweries & Cider Farms to Visit During Your Holiday

From historic breweries that have been crafting ales for centuries to small independent cider farms set in beautiful orchards, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the county’s rich food and drink heritage.

If you’re staying at one of Waterside’s Dorset holiday parks near Weymouth, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the best Dorset brewery tours and cider experiences. Many offer behind-the-scenes tours, taprooms, tastings, and events that give visitors a real insight into how local drinks are produced.

Here are some of the best breweries and cider farms in Dorset to add to your holiday itinerary.

Approx. 40 minutes by car from Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park

One of the most famous breweries in Dorset, Badger Brewery has been brewing award-winning ales since 1777. The brewery is run by the Hall & Woodhouse family and sits beside the River Stour in the charming market town of Blandford Forum.

Visitors can take a guided Badger Brewery tour, which lasts around two hours and explores both the historic Victorian maltings and the modern brewing facilities. Along the way, you’ll learn about the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the stories behind Badger’s well-known ales before finishing with a tasting session.

After your tour, you can relax at the on-site Brewery Tap bar and restaurant or browse the brewery shop for bottled ales and merchandise.

Getting there

• Local taxi from Weymouth (around 40 minutes).
• Many visitors combine the trip with a day exploring Blandford Forum.

Image credit: Badger Brewery

Approx. 30 minutes by car from Osmington Mills Lodge Park

Set in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside near Corfe Castle down winding country roads, Purbeck Cider produces traditional cider using locally grown apples from its orchard.

Visitors can tour the orchard, sit and enjoy a drink amongst our flock of sheep and under our young traditional apple trees, explore the cider taproom, or book onto guided orchard tours. You can see the pressing facility and during the autumn you can see the team out bringing in the fruit from the orchards. Finally, you can put your taste buds to the test as cider sommeliers and taste the differences across the ranges of Purbeck Cider. 

Open year round - daily through summer with hours reducing gradually as we move into the depths of winter. The farm also runs seasonal events such as blossom tours, harvest tours and traditional wassail celebrations celebrating Dorset’s cider-making heritage.

Getting there

• Train to Wareham then taxi to Corfe Castle.
• Bus to Swanage or Corfe Castle, followed by a short taxi.

Image credit: Purbeck Cider

Approx. 45 minutes by car from Osmington Mills Lodge Park

The Isle of Purbeck Brewery is known for its range of traditional English beers brewed using quality local ingredients.

The brewery shares its plot with the welcoming The Bankes Arms, an award-winning pub where you can enjoy the full range of Isle of Purbeck ales straight from the source. The pub features a large garden overlooking the sea and is just a short walk from the famous Old Harry Rocks, making it a fantastic stop after exploring the coastline. The pub serves food every day making it a lovely place to relax while enjoying local beer and the spectacular Dorset scenery. The brewery’s scenic location near Studland also makes it an excellent stop when exploring the Isle of Purbeck.

Getting there

• Train from Weymouth to Wareham, then bus toward Swanage or Studland.
• Seasonal Purbeck Breezer buses connect many coastal villages.

Approx. 55 minutes by car from Chesil Beach Holiday Park

Located in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, this small independent brewery produces a variety of craft ales inspired by the Jurassic Coast.

The brewery hosts taproom tastings and events, giving visitors a chance to see the brewing equipment up close and sample freshly brewed beer.

Lyme Regis itself is well worth visiting, with its historic harbour, fossil hunting beaches and vibrant food scene.

Getting there

• Bus from Weymouth to Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast.
• Train to Axminster, then a short bus or taxi journey.

Image credit: Matt Austin, Courtesy of Lyme Regis Brewery

Approx. 1 hour by car from Osmington Mills Lodge Park

Wayland Sixpenny Brewery is a family-run craft brewery producing award-winning ales in Cranborne.

Visitors can go to the Brewery Taproom where the brewers share the story behind their beers and they can enjoy a pint or two. The brewery also hosts open days and local events throughout the year.

Getting there

• Train from Weymouth to Verwood, then taxi to Wayland's Sixpenny Brewery.
• Taxi from Weymouth.

Image credit: Sixpenny Brewery

Approx. 35 minutes by car from Chesil Beach Holiday Park

Palmers Brewery is one of the most famous breweries in Dorset and one of the oldest family-run breweries in the UK, with a history dating back to 1794. The brewery sits beside the River Brit in Bridport and is even known as the UK’s only thatched brewery.

Visitors can join a guided brewery tour to learn how traditional ales are brewed, explore the historic brewhouse, and finish with a tasting of Palmers’ beers and locally produced ciders. Tours typically last around two hours and run regularly throughout the week.

Palmers also produces Dorset Orchards cider, crafted using apples grown locally in Dorset, bringing together traditional cider making with centuries of brewing heritage.

Getting there

If you’re planning to enjoy a few samples, there are easy alternatives to driving:

• Bus: Regular buses run from Weymouth to Bridport.
• Taxi: A taxi from Weymouth takes around 35 minutes.

Approx. 45 minutes by car from Chesil Beach Holiday Park

If you’re looking for a proper Dorset cider farm experience, Dorset Nectar is a must-visit. The organic cider farm produces award-winning artisan ciders using apples grown in its own orchard in West Dorset.

The tap room and tour & tasting experience allow visitors to sample a wide range of flavours, from traditional dry cider to fruit-infused varieties such as elderflower, raspberry, and winter mulled cider.

With multiple awards across its cider range, Dorset Nectar has become one of the best-known craft cider producers in the region.

Getting there

• Bus to Bridport, then take a short taxi to the cider farm.
• Local taxi or ride share from Weymouth or Bridport.
• Many visitors also combine a cider tasting with a countryside walk in the surrounding West Dorset landscape.

Approx. 10 minutes by car from Osmington Mills Lodge Park

For craft beer lovers, Dorset Brewing Company is a fantastic local brewery to visit. Founded in 1996, it revived a centuries-old brewing tradition on the Jurassic Coast and now produces a wide range of ales at its modern brewhouse in Crossways.

The brewery runs weekly tours, where visitors can learn about the brewing process before enjoying a pint in the taproom. 

Getting there 

• Local taxi from Bowleaze Cove or Osmington Mills (around 10-20 minutes).

Approx. 30 minutes by car from Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park

Noddy’s Cider is a small micro-cidery producing traditional Dorset cider using apples grown locally. What started as a family kitchen project in Weymouth has grown into a popular craft cider brand known for its flagship cider “Noddy’s Nobbler”.

The cider is often found at local shows and events around Dorset, so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for if you want to try something truly local and handcrafted.

Getting there

Because this is a rural location, the best options are:

• Taxi from Weymouth 
• Visiting local food festivals or events where the cider is served

Approx. 30 minutes by car from Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park

The Piddle Brewery produces traditional ales in the picturesque Piddle Valley in rural Dorset. 

As the brewery itself is small, it’s important to note that Piddle Brewery does not offer public tours or have an on-site shop. However, visitors can still enjoy their beers by pre-ordering online and arranging collection directly from the brewery, making it a great option if you’d like to take home a taste of Dorset.

Getting there

Because this is a rural location, the best options are:

• Pop in on your way home from your holiday in Weymouth

Exploring local Dorset breweries and cider farms is a brilliant way to experience the county’s local culture and produce. Many of these venues are set in beautiful countryside locations, making them perfect for combining with walks, cycling routes, or coastal sightseeing. Whether you’re sampling a crisp cider straight from the orchard or enjoying a craft ale overlooking the Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of opportunities to taste the best of Dorset.

After a day of exploring, you can head back to your holiday accommodation and relax in comfortable lodges, or cosy caravans.

Waterside’s parks are ideally located for exploring the best breweries and cider farms in Dorset, with comfortable accommodation, sea views and fantastic on-site facilities waiting for you after a day of tasting local drinks.

Explore our Dorset holiday parks and start planning your stay with Waterside today.