Tucked away in the rolling hills near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Dunkertons Organic Cider at Dowdeswell Park is a gem for locals and visitors alike. Known as Dunkertons Cider Cheltenham, this spot has become a go-to for those craving authentic organic cider, hearty food, and a lively community vibe. Since moving to Cheltenham in 2018, it’s grown into a bustling hub with a taproom, farm shop, and a packed events calendar. This guide dives deep into what makes Dunkertons special—its history, offerings, Dunkertons Cheltenham menu, prices, events, and more—giving you everything you need to plan a visit.
The Roots of Dunkertons Cider
Dunkertons began in 1980 when Ivor and Susie Dunkerton started making cider on their Herefordshire smallholding. With a £100 apple press and a passion for organic farming, they crafted ciders certified by the Soil Association, a rarity at the time. Their hands-on approach—pressing apples from local orchards and fermenting naturally—won them fans, including awards from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). By the 2000s, they were producing 40,000 gallons a year, a testament to their quality.
In 2018, their son Julian Dunkerton, known for co-founding Superdry, brought the family business to Dowdeswell Park, just outside Cheltenham. The move wasn’t just a change of address; it was a bold step to scale up. The new site boasts a modern cidery, a taproom, and a shop, all while keeping the organic ethos. Now, Dunkertons churns out about 1.8 million litres of cider annually with a tight-knit team, using apples from Gloucestershire and Herefordshire orchards.
What to Expect at Dowdeswell Park
You’ll find Dunkertons at Dowdeswell Park, London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6UT, a stone’s throw from Charlton Kings. The setup is sprawling yet cozy, with a cidery, a taproom called the Dunkertons Cider Bar, a farm shop, and plenty of seating—both indoors and out. The marquee bar, complete with firepits and fairy lights, feels like a village fête crossed with a craft beer festival. It’s a place where you can unwind after a ramble around Lineover Woods or Dowdeswell Reservoir.
The taproom welcomes dogs and kids, has free parking, and offers a disabled toilet. It’s open Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. The farm shop runs Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, and Sunday, 8am to 5pm. No dress code, no fuss—just a laid-back spot to sip cider and soak up the Gloucestershire countryside.
Food and Drink: The Dunkertons Cheltenham Menu
The heart of Dunkertons is its cider, but the food steals the show too. The taproom pours all 11 of Dunkertons’ organic ciders and perries, from the crisp Black Fox to the rich Vintage. These are gluten-free, made with traditional presses, and fermented slowly for depth. You’ll also find up to four guest real ales, organic wines, local spirits, and soft drinks. Food comes from rotating pop-up vendors, serving everything from Indian curries to wood-fired pizzas.
In November 2024, Dunkertons rolled out a breakfast club, running daily from 8:30am to 11am. It’s a nod to global flavors, with dishes like acai bowls and Indian-inspired platters. Here’s a snapshot of the breakfast menu with prices:
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Burst | Acai bowl with granola, strawberries, raspberries, coconut milk | £8.50 |
| The Nutty Banana | Acai with peanut butter, granola, banana, vanilla yogurt | £8.50 |
| Full Naasht | Khichdi, idli, mini dosa, pav bhaji, masala bread omelette | £12.00 |
| Apple & Ginger Pork Bao Buns | Bao buns with pork patties, hashbrowns, cheese, scrambled egg | £9.00 |
Lunch and dinner depend on the vendor. Recent ones include Bombay Street Food Company (think chicken tikka masala, £10–£12), Sourdough Pizza Co. (pizzas, £9–£14), The Tav Van (burgers, £8–£12), and Kanto Asian Kitchen (bao buns, £8–£10). Cider prices start at £4.50 a pint, with tasting flights around £10–£15 for three to five samples. Coffee, brewed from organic beans, is about £3.50. Some folks grumble about prices—like £3.90 for an ice cream scoop—so it’s worth checking vendor boards on-site.
The Farm Shop and Deli
The Dunkertons Organic Cider Shop and Deli is a treasure trove for foodies. Beyond the full cider range, it stocks organic cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and antipasti. You’ll find baked goods from La Boulangerie Artisan and Hobbs House Bakery, plus Daylesford Organic products and local gins from Sibling Distillery. There’s also quirky giftware—think bespoke glassware and pottery. Refill stations for cider, oils, and vinegars keep things eco-friendly.
Bottles of cider (500ml) cost £3 to £5, depending on the type. Staff are happy to let you taste before buying, and they’ll suggest pairings, like Dunkertons Premium Organic with a sharp cheddar (£8–£10 for a combo). It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a bottle and leave with a picnic’s worth of goodies.
Cidery Tours and Masterclasses
Want to see how the magic happens? Dunkertons offers tours and masterclasses that pull back the curtain on cider-making. The standard tour, £20 per person, runs for about 1.5 hours. You get a half-pint on arrival, a walk through the cidery, and a cheese-and-cider pairing with roughly a pint’s worth of tastings. You’ll try ciders at different stages and take home a branded glass. The tour’s flat 300-meter route makes it accessible, and bookings are available on the Dunkertons website.
Masterclasses, priced at £30–£50, dig deeper, often tying in seasonal themes or food pairings. From September to November, you might catch apple-pressing demos, especially fun for families. These sessions are hands-on, and the staff’s passion for cider shines through.
Events That Bring the Community Together
Dunkertons Cheltenham is a hotspot for events, from live music to family-friendly mornings. The marquee hosts everything from reggae bands to comedy nights, with food trucks and cider flowing. Here’s a look at recent and upcoming events:
| Event | Date | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marley Revival Live | June 12, 2025 | Bob Marley tribute band playing classics like “No Woman, No Cry” | £15.00 |
| Phil Hartnoll DJ Set | June 6, 2025 | Orbital’s Phil Hartnoll spinning electronic beats | £22.00 |
| Comedy Nights | Monthly Sundays | Stand-up with local and touring comedians, plus street food | £10–£15 |
| Coffee, Cookie & Cartoon Mornings | Various | Kids’ cartoon screenings with free entry and snacks | Free |
| Summer Artisan Craft Market | June 2025 | Local makers selling jewelry, ceramics, and more | Free |
| Film Night: Office Christmas Party | December 2024 | R-rated comedy with mulled cider and popcorn | £2.00 |
Tickets for gigs and comedy are sold via Songkick or Ents24. Family events, like cartoon mornings, are often free, making them a hit with parents. The heated marquee keeps things cozy in winter, while summer sees crowds spilling onto the outdoor tables. Dunkertons also partners with local groups, like Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for festival nights, cementing its community roots.
New Ventures and Local Impact
Last November, Dunkertons launched a breakfast club aimed at early birds and remote workers. As noted on SoGlos, it’s a chill spot with Wi-Fi and global-inspired dishes, perfect for a laptop-and-latte session. The site also supports local businesses, housing Holland Cooper’s outlet and Waghornes Butchers. Food collabs, like with Koloshi for Indian pop-ups, keep the menu fresh.
Sustainability is big here. Organic certification, refill stations, and local sourcing cut the carbon footprint. Events like jazz nights with Kim Cypher or open mic sessions with Wildflower Whisky add cultural flair. Visitors rave about the vibe, with many calling it a “Gloucestershire must-do” on Tripadvisor.
What Visitors Say and Tips for Your Trip
Feedback on Tripadvisor praises the ciders—Vintage is a crowd-pleaser—and the lively atmosphere. But some note hiccups, like inconsistent food quality from vendors like Humble Kitchen or slow service at Kanto. Prices can sting too; one reviewer balked at £12 for a burger. The team responds quickly to gripes—reach them at bar@dunkertonscider.co.uk or 01242 650145. They’ve fixed issues like overcharging promptly.
No table bookings unless you’re a huge group (100+), so expect a wait on busy weekends. Vendors may skip quieter weekdays, so check the schedule online. Despite these quirks, the unique setup and top-notch cider keep people coming back.
Exploring the Area
Dunkertons is well-placed for a day out. Pittville Park is great for a stroll, while Sibling Distillery offers gin tastings nearby. Theatre fans can catch a show at the Everyman Theatre. If you’re staying over, Charlton Kings Hotel is 0.6 miles away, with rooms from £80.
Driving is easiest, as buses are sparse. From Cheltenham town centre, head down London Road toward Charlton Kings; Dunkertons is on the left at Dowdeswell Park. Free parking and no dress code make it hassle-free.
Why Dunkertons Is a Gloucestershire Gem
Dunkertons Cheltenham isn’t just about cider—it’s a slice of Gloucestershire life. Whether you’re tasting a flight of perries, grabbing a pizza under the marquee, or browsing the deli for local cheeses, it’s a place that feels alive. The mix of organic roots, community events, and a stunning setting makes it stand out. Pop over to the Dunkertons website to book a tour or check what’s on. You won’t be disappointed.
