Local Coffi/Coffee, Handmade Cider, Events, Food & Community
The Story of Shed Head Cider
Some businesses start with a detailed business plan. Shed Head Cider started in a shed.
What began as a small experimental project making cider from Welsh orchard apples has grown into one of the best-known attractions at Gower Heritage Centre. The name “Shed Head” reflects those humble beginnings, where different apple varieties were tested, recipes refined, and traditional cider-making methods brought back to life.
Since 2011, cider has been produced at Gower Heritage Centre using apples grown in the Centre’s own orchard. The aim has always been simple: create authentic cider using traditional methods while celebrating the agricultural heritage of Gower.
Today, visitors can still see many of those traditional methods in action. Apples are harvested by hand, crushed using a remarkable 1890s travelling cider press, and then pressed in the traditional way before fermentation and maturation.
Unlike many modern commercial ciders, Mill House Cider is made using traditional cider apples, including Dabinett varieties grown in the orchard. The juice is naturally fermented and matured in oak casks, creating a cider that reflects both the fruit and the landscape of Gower itself.
A Living Piece of Gower Heritage
Shed Head Cider is much more than a cidery.
Located at the entrance to Gower Heritage Centre, it sits alongside one of Wales’ most historic working watermills. The connection between the orchard, the cider press, the mill and the surrounding countryside allows visitors to experience a living example of how food and drink have been produced in rural communities for generations.
The orchard provides the fruit, the historic cider press provides the traditional process, and the Heritage Centre provides the setting where visitors can see local history brought to life.
More Than Just Cider
What began as a small cider-making project has grown into much more than a place to enjoy handcrafted cider. Alongside our own traditional ciders, we offer freshly ground coffee, cakes, pastries, hot food and a carefully selected range of local produce, gifts and treats from independent Welsh producers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing coffee break, a light lunch, or something special to take home, there’s always plenty to discover.
We’re also passionate about bringing people together. Throughout the year, we support and host a variety of events celebrating local food, drink, music and culture. From cider festivals and seasonal gatherings to live music featuring folk, country, Americana and roots artists, these events help create the friendly, community atmosphere that makes Shed Head Cider such a special place to visit.At its heart, Shed Head Cider is about more than what we make. It’s about sharing great local food and drink, supporting independent producers, celebrating traditional skills, and creating memorable experiences for visitors throughout the year.
Hosted Events
