Food and drink
A nation that invented afternoon tea to satisfy that long gap between lunch and dinner is clearly a nation obsessed with food. Fresh-from-the-sea fish ‘n’ chips and sizzling Baltis, vibrant street food and Michelin-starred establishments: you’ll find a treat to suit your tastes in England. Tuck into regional specialities, from pikelets to pork pies, stinky cheeses to sizzling sausages. Wash it all down with a carefully crafted real ale, cider, G&T or award-winning wine. England is also famed for its gastro pubs, buzzing food festivals and quirky celebrations of produce – asparagus festival or garlic fiesta, anyone? You’ll find the best food and drink in England.
Raise a glass in the South Downs countryside
English sparkling wine is enjoying a renaissance.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Eat local and stay in the luxurious rooms at The Pig
Foraged food and beautiful shabby chic décor are the order of the day at this unusual, but luxurious, country house hotel.
Location: Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Enjoy a taste of Grasmere Gingerbread
Stock up on one of the Lake District’s most famous exports: Grasmere Gingerbread.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
Get a True Taste of Derbyshire
Tuck into a delicious experience in Bakewell, home of the world-famous Pudding...
Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire
Enjoy fine dining at The Samling
Top grub and sweeping views of Lake Windermere.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Forage tasty mushrooms for your dinner at Fungi Foray
Get an insight into the wonderful world of mushrooms, and find out what you can pick, and what you should avoid.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Enjoy a romantic escape at Overwater Hall
Book a table and a room at this elegant 18th century country house hotel within the Lake District.
Location: Ireby, Cumbria
Breathtaking views and an incredible menu at Holbeck Ghyll
Plan that perfect foodie break to a gorgeous country house hotel set against a perfect Cumbrian backdrop.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy luxury by the lake at Storrs Hall Hotel
Perched on the edge of the famous Lake Windermere, this Grade-II-listed Georgian mansion is surrounded by 17 acres of neatly trimmed grounds – plus the obligatory folly (in this case a temple).
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Bathe in autumn colours close to the Falling Foss waterfall
If ever there was a magical woodland walk, it’s the two-mile circular trail through the trees from May Beck to the charming Falling Foss waterfall, all within Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve.
Location: North York Moors, near Whitby, North Yorkshire
Head to the legendary Lion Inn for a warm welcome
It’s the simple things that matter when you’re out winter walking – like a pint, a traditional Sunday roast, a roaring fire and stunning views.
Location: Blakey Ridge, North Yorkshire
Spread the joy at the World’s Original Marmalade Festival
Unleash your inner Paddington Bear on a visit to the World’s Original Marmalade Festival, which will be held on the historic Dalemain estate in Penrith.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
October events: Taste the best of the Peak District this autumn
Eat, drink and be merry as you make your way around the stalls at the Great Peak District Fair and Buxton Beer Festival.
Location: Buxton, Derbyshire
Stay in a quintessentially English village
The rural beauty of idyllic Bradfield – complete with a medieval church, Norman castle and cosy pubs – will take your breath away.
Location: Bradfield, South Yorkshire
Fill your belly on a gourmet break in Bakewell
Enjoy a delicious culinary experience in Bakewell, home of the world-famous Pudding, and hone your hands-on skills on a specialist cookery course.
Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire
New Michelin stars make Cumbria foodie heaven
Sample delicious menus of quality produce at four different Michelin star restaurants.
Location: Cumbria
Sleep in a Yurt in the middle of the Peak District
Wake up in a yurt in the middle of the beautiful Peak District countryside on a relaxing rural escape.
Location: Cauldon, Staffordshire