Northamptonshire cidery among UK's best

With apple harvest season upon us, the news outlet picked the best orchards for tastings and picnics this autumn.

Introducing the list, The Times said: "The UK is now the largest global consumer of cider per head, but don’t be fooled into thinking the West Country still has the monopoly on production — there are hundreds of farms spread across the nation.

"The perfect time to visit is when the fruit starts to ripen in September and it’s still warm enough to picnic in the orchard, take a tour or settle in for a tasting."

Why Saxby's Cider is a 'must visit' this autumn

Saxby's Cider, in Farndish, is one of the seven best cider farms in the UK, according to The Times, and this is why.

For more than a hundred years the Saxby family were famous for their pork pies and sausages. Now it’s their cider — the pig depicted on the label a nod to their heritage. In 2011 Phil Saxby planted an apple orchard and started bottling cider on the family farm before opening a taproom in the stables. The family offer tours of the orchard and cidery on dates from March to October along with a calendar of events that range from art classes to barn dances (tours £20; saxbyscider.co.uk).

This month, for trailer rides and story-telling sessions visit Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins at Saxby’s Cider in Farndish.

The Saxby’s Cider bar and shop will be open alongside other refreshments and hot food served at the weekends. Trailer rides around the pumpkins and orchards are at weekends and story-telling sessions are selected days.