When it comes to cider making it seems the Howardian Hills is the Big Apple!
Although few people realise it, the 79 square mile National Landscape between Helmsley and Malton is one of the oldest cider making areas anywhere in the UK. In fact, Yorkshire was the very first county recorded as producing the drink way back in 1270. And what is more the earliest instructions on the fermentation process were written down by a clergyman from Coxwold, near Thirsk, in circa 1580.
Jump forward to 2026 and the Howardian Hills is in the vanguard of another northern cider making renaissance.
Despite the National Landscape’s relatively small size, there are four producers locally, with another not far from its boundary, plus many vibrant orchards. To celebrate this, the very first cycle route has been published offering explorers a colourful map linking the cider makers and orchards of the Howardian Hills – it was launched at the York Beer and Cider Festival at St Lawrence’s Church in York being staged from 16 to 19 September.
Nick Burrows, who makes Coulton Mill Cider at 13th century Coulton Mill, near Scackleton, and who is one of the driving forces behind its creation, explained:
“Maps from the Middle Ages show a rich and varied pattern of orchards across the North Riding, from grand country house orchards to small farms and cottages with a few fruit trees, enough for personal use and a little extra to raise much needed income.
Not only are current orchards, such as those at Ampleforth and Husthwaite, highlighted on our new map, but also eateries and pubs and historic landmarks, many with a connection to the craft. They include Newburgh Priory, where cider was certainly being made in the 16th century and which still has its orchards.”
The map is the inspired work of celebrated York-based artist and illustrator Elliot Harrison.
And whilst cider making is an age-old skill, orchards are also an important habitat for wildlife. Nick Burrows continued:
“We have a great variety of food outlets in the Howardian Hills, many using produce supplied by local farmers. Happily, the National Landscape is keen to help farms diversify and is supporting them to plant orchards to supply cider producers. In turn, those orchards become diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of rare flora and wildlife from invertebrates to small mammals, along with birds and badgers.”
Apples cultivated historically for cider locally include the romantically named Ribston Pippin, Yorkshire Beauty, Green Balsam, Yorkshire Greening and Keswick Codling.
Howardian Hills cider is being appreciated across the nation. Ampleforth Abbey came third in the National Championships, whilst the Orchards of Husthwaite is served at festivals across the north and Coulton Mill has won a prestigious Great Taste Award. Thornborough Cider, not far from the Howardian Hills, has won Britain’s best newcomer award, plus a coveted bronze medal at the World Cider Championships.
According to 2023 data the UK is the world’s biggest drinker of cider, accounting for one third of total worldwide sales.
https://www.howardianhills.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Cider-Route-map.pdf
Photo: Cider makers Nick Burrows (blue top) and Kingsley Ash (white top) pictured in the stunning orchards of Ampleforth Abbey.