The UK’s food scene is rich, fresh and diverse, so while travelling to a new place, indulging in everything the region can offer is a must to get the most out of your food holiday!
Most regions you come across will have an acclaimed food item they are famous for, think Yorkshire and its batter puddings, Cornwall and its pasties and Devon with its infamous cream tea. But delve a little deeper away from the tourist trail and you can uncover some fantastic produce, markets, shops, cafes, restaurants and festivals which you can explore with your taste buds.
We've rounded up some of the best places for a foodie holiday in the UK, and our list is sure to whet your appetite.
UK holiday cottages
Cartmel, Lake District
On the southern edge of the Lake District National Park, Cartmel is a brilliant destination for combining a gastronomic getaway with some stunning scenery. The Lake District has a fabulous food tradition with some truly phenomenal places to eat and drink that showcase the wide range of local produce this beloved national park has to offer – but Cartmel really is the cherry on top.
The village itself is most famous for its sticky toffee pudding, made in the village shop and sold nationally in auspicious outlets such as Fortnum & Mason. The chef Jean Cristophe-Novelli described it as “the best in the world”, but you’ll have to sample some for yourself to see if you agree – in fact, why not try it a few times just to be sure…
Cartmel also boasts a wide range of fantastic pubs and restaurants to cater for every taste. But for one of the best food experiences, book a table at one of Cartmel’s two Michelin-star restaurants. L’Enclume boasts two Michelin stars, and its menu is bursting with produce from its own farm. Rogan & Co is the village’s second Michelin-star restaurant and has a more chilled-out atmosphere – why not visit both and see which you prefer?!
Cartmel cottages
Malton, North Yorkshire
Known as Yorkshire's ‘food capital’, Malton is one of the UK's foodie destinations that must be on your gastronomic go-to list. The town is chock-a-block with fabulous places to eat and drink, as well as having a varied programme of delectable events throughout the year that will certainly whet your appetite.
Highlights of this calendar are the monthly food market which showcases local producers, the seasonal food lovers’ festival which offers weekend-long events throughout the year, and the Christmas festival which offers up a full spread of festive treats along with some yuletide magic.
As well as this, Malton is home to a wide array of producers and places to eat and drink. Visit to sample artisan products from “the finest natural larder in the UK”, including baked goods, gelato, fresh meat and fish, or sip a nip of gin from the town’s distillery. Or, take your pick from the varied menus of the town’s cafes, pubs and restaurants including the unusual Stew & Oyster which – guess what? – serves stew and oysters!
Malton cottages
The South Downs, Sussex
If your dream foodie holiday comprises nothing more than touring vineyards and quaffing some home-grown wine, make a beeline to the South Downs. This national park is an oenophile’s paradise, packed with vineyards and wine producers that you can tour to your heart’s content.
Favoured producers include the Stopham Vineyard and Winery which produces Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and sparkling wine; the Wiston Estate and its award-winning sparkling wine; the Rathfinny Estate and its range of sparkling wines, and the Ridgeview Vineyard whose sparkling wines have been served at the Diamond Jubilee and Buckingham Palace state banquets.
You can try South Downs wines direct from the producer or visit the national park’s many restaurants which showcase the finest local produce – including the wine list. Or choose from a selection of the region’s best wines at the dedicated wine shop South Down Cellars, which has outlets in Hurstpierpoint and Lindfield.
Sussex cottages
Padstow, Cornwall
Whatever your favourite food or taste you will be sure to find something to satisfy your palette in one of Cornwall’s best-known foodie havens. Padstow is perfect for foodie breaks at any time of the year – from intimate and family restaurants, harbour-side cafes and cosy tearooms to vibrant tapas bars and lively bistros, you will find a delicious meal at every turn.
Padstow’s excellent proximity to the sea and the Camel River provides it with a wealth of fresh produce right on its doorstep; it is a town renowned for its abundance and quality of seafood, and has even bought the likes of famous chef Rick Stein and Nathan Outlaw through its gates.
Soak up the hustle and bustle of harbour life and dine on locally caught fish, lobster and crab. In addition, there is also a whole host of traditional pubs serving up wholesome, hearty dishes. Find out where else in the UK you can dine on delicious seafood in our guide. And for wine lovers, head to the Camel Valley Vineyard.
Padstow cottages
Richmond, North Yorkshire
Straying far away from the seafood scene, Richmond in North Yorkshire is a traditional market town boasting a fine array of opportunities to purchase fresh, local produce. You will be truly spoilt for choice with a visit to the town centre – there is a daily indoor market, a Saturday market in the main square and a monthly farmers' market, where you can find locally sourced produce ranging from meats, pastries and cheeses to fresh vegetables and cakes. The ability to source local ingredients to then cook with is an excellent holiday pastime which you can certainly try out in this distinctive town.
As well as having a thriving market culture, Richmond also offers a whole host of fantastic independent cafes and tearooms to visit. For a delicious cheese, meat and chutney ploughman’s platter, take a trip to Duncan’s Tearoom where you can indulge in fresh local produce in comfortable surroundings. If you fancy more of a dining experience, head to The Wensleydale Heifer, in West Witton, for a delicious meal with a modern contemporary twist - from pan-fried duck breast to grilled halloumi and beetroot salad, they certainly have something for everyone.
Visitors also flock to Yorkshire annually for the Dales Festival of Food and Drink, which celebrates the culinary delights of the region and is an event not to be missed whilst in the area.
Richmond cottages
Totnes, Devon
South Devon as a whole is an exceptional food-producing area and, because of this, has a tantalising array of cafes, restaurants, pubs, wine bars and takeaways to suit every occasion, taste and craving. There is a vast choice of delicious eateries both in and around the town which pride themselves on their ability to source local, seasonal ingredients. From classic Indian cuisine to a traditional paper-wrapped meal of fish and chips, every dish will be of superb quality.
With over 40 independent coffee outlets and baristas in Totnes, you won’t ever be far from a caffeine-filled treat; whether an organic soya latte is your thing or you aim to seek out an authentic Italian espresso, you will be sure to find an appropriate venue in Totnes.
When choosing a restaurant to dine in, take advantage of the glorious seaside setting and opt for somewhere on the waterfront. The Steam Packet Inn nestled alongside the riverside is a good choice - hear the water lapping whilst you enjoy a delicious meal of crispy scampi tails.
If you prefer to cook yourself, you will have no trouble scouting out your own ingredients. There are plenty of opportunities to indulge in a foodie shopping trip; you can find unique products to eat from stallholders on the Civic Square at the Friday and Saturday markets and from the monthly Good Food Market, held on the third Sunday of the month.
Totnes cottages
The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders' natural larder is the main drawing factor to the region for anyone seeking out a holiday filled with excessive food of fantastic quality. This area of Scotland boasts succulent meats and seafood straight from its own meadows and waters, along with an eclectic mix of seasonal fruit and vegetables. With menus bursting with so many rich local flavours, you’re guaranteed an exciting food experience wherever you choose to dine out.
There are an excellent array of restaurants and cafes across the Scottish Borders to suit every palate. Take a break from exploring the region and indulge in a warming latte and a homemade scone at Terrace Café, Floors Castle, or, if you are feeling extra hungry, be sure to try the famous fishcakes alfresco in their walled gardens.
If you are looking for somewhere to delight for an evening meal, Night Safe Bistro in Hawick provides an extensive menu for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as their cocktail menu which they are renowned for. The chef has over 36 years of experience and is dedicated to using fresh, seasonal, local produce in his cooking - why not opt for the seafood and lemon risotto with salmon and king prawns, and then an indulgent dish of rhubarb crumble and gingerbread ice cream to finish off?
Scottish Borders cottages
Swansea, Wales
If the taste of international cuisine is your thing, then a trip to Swansea in the heart of Wales will certainly not disappoint. One of the UK's best food cities, Swansea boasts a range of high-quality restaurants offering a tempting blend of both traditional and international flavours around every corner. Some of the gastronomic delights on offer in the region include Mexican, Italian, vegetarian, Indian, local seafood, French, Greek, Spanish, Thai, Cantonese and Indonesian, covering almost every corner of the globe!
For a delectable steak or pork tenderloin dinner head to Belle Vue Bistro; their pizzas, made from homemade dough are also a dish not to be missed!
One of the main foodie focuses in Swansea is the market held in Oxford Street. For decades it has supplied both the cities’ restaurants and visitors with a vast selection of fresh local produce, ranging from locally caught seafood including lobsters and cockles to Welsh lamb, cheeses, Welsh cakes straight off the griddle and organic vegetables. This unique market is a joy to wander and browse, and you will find it hard to not leave without a bag full of goodies to cook up a storm with. While in Wales, why not see if you can check out one of the country's many food festivals too?
Swansea cottages
Indulge in a foodie holiday
Whether you dream of rustling up delectable meals every day with local produce or just want somewhere to rest your head after dining in some of the UK's best restaurants, our range of holiday cottages are the perfect base for a foodie holiday. Click the button below to view our full collection.
UK holiday cottages