If there’s one way to win over the hearts and minds of many, it’s food. Fuelling adventures and making moments moreish, it is a universal love language that speaks to all generations. And, inherently intertwined with places and culture, food has its own unique stamp wherever you go, making for endless opportunities to indulge.
To really get to know somewhere, there’s no better way than sampling its cuisine. Fortunately, the UK is home to a veritable smorgasbord of culinary hotspots for foodies to discover. From the Michelin star assembly of the Lakes to the artisan farm shops of the Cotswolds and seafood capital of Oban, each one has something unique to offer. So where to begin…?
If you’re ready to treat your taste buds, here are some of the best holiday destinations in the UK for foodies.
Cornwall
Best for: Food festivals
At the southernmost tip of the UK, the seabound county of Cornwall is one of the most magical destinations for foodie breaks. With gorgeous beaches and picturesque villages made even more enticing by local specialities and more food festivals than you can shake a bib at, it’s a year-round treat. For the lovers of all things savoury, the lure of a Cornish pasty is almost too much to resist. Shortcrust or flaky, large or cocktail, hot or cold, these traditional pasties and their imaginative variations inspire endless passion (and debate). As hotly contested, the Cornish cream tea is equally as delicious, served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. Just remember, it’s jam first in Cornwall! For seafood fans, countless restaurants await around the coast. What’s more, a plethora of festivals can be enjoyed all year, including Porthleven Food Festival, St Ives Food & Drink Festival, Falmouth Oyster Festival, and Fowey Food Week.
Cotswolds
Best for: Artisan farm shops
The Cotswolds National Landscape is beloved for its honey-hued villages and pretty pastorals. As beautiful in the golden wash of summer as the snow-frilled depths of winter, it tempts in all seasons for its timeless getaways. Best of all, the Cotswolds is also one of the best places for procuring fresh local produce and artisan treats from its wealth of farm shops, markets, and delis. Covering six different counties and mile upon mile of patchwork countryside, it’s the most idyllic place for self-catering stays with ingredients picked fresh from the likes of Wotton, Daylesford Organic, Jolly Nice, and Diddly Squat farm shops. And, if you feel like taking a night off cooking, its vast collection of cute cafés, olde-worlde pubs, and Michelin Star restaurants await.
Yorkshire
Best for: Hearty feeds
The county of Yorkshire is the largest county in England and home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin Star restaurants in the UK. Encompassing brooding moors, wild woodlands, and heavenly beaches, it makes for a wonderful place for adventuring (and refuelling). Head out to discover the county’s stunning landmarks, before wending your way over to one of its Michelin restaurants and delicious places to eat and drink, such as The Black Swan in Oldstead and The Secret Garden Bistro in Malham. On the menu, you can expect to find many dishes inspired by local gems, including the indelible Yorkshire pudding, Wensleydale cheese, parkin cake, and Yorkshire curd tart. To spice things up a bit, you can also time your trip with one of its many (many) food festivals, starting with York Chocolate Festival and Scarborough Food Festival in April and concluding with the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival in October.
Somerset
Best for: Cheese and cider
The South West is a haven for epicureans looking to savour mouth-watering meals crafted with the finest local ingredients. One of the top destinations for gastronomic getaways, Somerset is blessed with a bountiful natural larder supplying a cornucopia of local food and drink, not to mention an abundance of talented chefs whipping up culinary masterpieces in glistening kitchens. Peruse the farm shops overflowing with Somerset fare, chill out in one of the many great pubs, find your spot in a local restaurant, or dine a la Michelin for feasting finery (Bath and Bristol are must-visits). Or, for something a little more cosy, head back to your cottage with arms full of local treats. Ready to fill your tabletops are Somerset favourites such as authentic apple cider, Cheddar cheese and Exmoor lamb.
The Lake District
Best for: Michelin Star restaurants
With the highest concentration of Michelin Star restaurants outside of London, the Lake District National Park isn’t just known for its rolling fells and mirror-topped lakes. Complemented by the wider county of Cumbria, the region is peppered with Michelin acclaimed restaurants, including the dog-friendly and Michelin Star Dog and Gun in Skelton and the 3 Michelin Star L’Enclume in Cartmel. As well as its Michelin menus, The Lake District is also renowned for its charming traditional pubs, with flagstone floors, timbered ceilings, and roofs bowed with time. Not to mention, its roster of regional favourites, such as the beloved Cumberland sausage, Herdwick hogget, Morecambe shrimps, sticky toffee pudding, Kendal mint cake, Grasmere gingerbread, and Cumberland rum Nicky. Certainly enough to tempt you up and down a fell or two!
Shropshire
Best for: Traditional British fare
If you want heavenly, hearty food, there’s nowhere better than Shropshire. In the heart of the UK, this verdant county boasts a surprising number of traditional dishes, including fidget pie, soul cakes, Shrewsbury simnel cake, aromatic Shropshire pudding, and Market Drayton Gingerbread. Not to mention, Shropshire blue cheese. Head almost anywhere in the county and you’ll be treated to bakeries overflowing with freshly baked favourites and delis stocked with traditional pies, homemade bakes, pork pies, and zingy chutneys made within the county. In Ludlow, “the food and drink capital of the Marches”, its bi-monthly farmers’ markets make it a much-frequented spot for the freshest produce. Meanwhile, Ludlow Spring Festival in May and Ludlow Food Festival in September promise even more foodie fun.
Gower Peninsula
Best for: Sea-inspired delights
Turn your attention to The Gower Peninsula in Wales for a salt-kissed escape full of exhilarating coastal walks and plates full of succulence. The UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscape), it attracts visitors for its soulful landscapes painted with the white faces of limestone cliffs and award-winning golden beaches. And, only a short drive from Swansea, it serves up a huge choice of places to eat and drink, from bright-and-early breakfasts and alfresco picnics to late-night dinner dates. Regularly cropping up on Gower menus are local sea-inspired specialities, such as salt marsh lamb, Penclawdd cockles, laverbread, and samphire – best washed down with a pint of Gower Gold ale and finished with a batch of Welsh cakes or Gower Cottage Brownies.
Devon
Best for: Classic favourites
Hugged by the counties of Cornwall and Somerset, Devon is incredibly well-placed for foodie holidays in the UK with Michelin restaurants, pubs, chippies, cafés and farm shops galore. On either side, the county’s north and south coasts harbour a wide array of fishing villages and seaside towns. Meanwhile, in its luscious heartlands, jigsaw fields, orchards and gardens produce all kinds of fruit and vegetables ripe for the table. For the quintessential Devonshire experience, look out for local favourites such as homity pie (sometimes called Devon pie), seafood (including crab, lobster, and hand-dived scallops), and, of course, Devonshire cream teas served with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves. Side note: in Devon, the cream goes first! For a nostalgic trip, sample a spot of Devonshire junket, or attend one of its many food festivals for innovative twists on classic favourites, including Kingsbridge Food Festival in May and Dartmouth Food Festival in May.
Argyll and Bute
Best for: Fish and shellfish
On the west coast of Scotland, Argyll and Bute is recognised as the beautiful ‘Gateway to the Isles’. Nudging the sea, its vast network of peninsulas, inlets, beaches and coves provides an inherent connection with the sea and business for fleets of fishing boats dotting its lochs and bays. Benefitting from the area’s rich maritime roots, the seaside town of Oban is a particular magnet for fans of fruits de mer, hailed as the seafood capital of Scotland. Set within a maze of multi-coloured buildings, the town promises a heady mix of seafood, beverages from local distilleries, scenic views and plenty of island-hopping opportunities. Try The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant, Ee-Usk, Coast Restaurant and The Deck and tuck into fresh fish and shellfish, including local oysters, mussels, catch of the day, and traditional Cullen skink.
Kent
Best for: Vineyards and wines
Dubbed “The Garden of England” by King Henry VIII, Kent has long been cherished for its fertile soils that nourish a tapestry of orchards, fields, and hop gardens. Though Henry himself was said to be most taken with the county’s juicy cherries, it’s still known for a plenitude of fresh produce, from strawberries and asparagus to cobnuts. Intertwined with Kent’s culinary history is a range of delicacies, from gypsy tart and Kentish huffkins to Whitstable oysters and Romney marsh lamb. Unquestionably, no introduction to Kent would be complete without also mentioning its vineyards. Home to one of the largest number of vineyards in the UK, this sun-kissed is dotted with a number of wine producers, creating authentic still and sparkling wines - just perfect for complementing savoursome foodie moments throughout the year.
Monmouthshire
Best for: ‘The food capital of Wales’
The Welsh county of Monmouthshire lies close to the border of Wales and England. Composed of myriad towns and villages, upland mountains and river valleys, it’s a great place to explore, before indulging the senses with a flavoursome meal. Adding to its appeal, Monmouthshire stars the town of Abergavenny, famously known as the food capital of Wales. Hosting the Abergavenny Food Festival in September each year, this thriving town boasts bustling farmers’ markets, cute cafés and welcoming restaurants serving up national favourites such as Welsh cawl and Welsh rarebit. Head over in September to take part in the delights of the annual food festival, ready to watch chef demos in the Market Hall, check out food stalls in the castle grounds, and listen to talks and performances in the Local & Vocal Tent.
London
Best for: International bites
Whether it’s breakfast at The Ritz, lunch at The Gherkin, or dinner at one of the city’s top street food markets, there is something for absolutely everyone in London. A melting pot of culinary cultures, England’s capital city offers one of the richest foodie scenes imaginable. It also has one of the highest numbers of Michelin Star restaurants in the world, with over 80 Michelin Star restaurants in 2025 (including six restaurants with 3 Michelin Stars). Needless to say, whatever flavours pique your interest, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite amongst the city’s glittering sprawl. For the crème de la crème, check out Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, and CORE by Clare Smyth. Chutney Mary for Indian, Bocca di Lupo for Italian, Prince Arthur for Basque, and Belly for Filipino are inspector favourites too.
Edinburgh
Best for: Scottish specials
Scotland’s capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site, Edinburgh in Scotland is beloved for its fascinating history, striking architecture, and dynamic arts scene. The perfect place for long weekends and daytrips, it’s also well-known for its hundreds of restaurants, each with its own unique charm. Top of the menu for first-time Scotland feasts is the traditional dish of haggis with tatties and neeps (particularly popular around Burns Night on the 25th of January and St. Andrew's Day on the 30th of November). For Scottish cuisine paired with Scottish whisky, the Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street and The Piper’s Rest on Hunter Square are especially magnetic. Naturally, there’s no better way to round off a meal or wander through the city than with a buttery chunk of Scottish shortbread.
Ready to tuck into some of the UK’s best bites during a foodie escape? Explore our range of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages in the UK.
