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The UK has a great range of options for gastro breaks. Staying in self-catering accommodation can give you a great opportunity to discover some of the finest that the region has to offer; either in high end eateries or gastro pubs or delis. Many areas also have farmers markets, artisan markets and farm shops where you can buy local produce and cook up a storm at your home from home.
From the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside and coastal regions, each part of the UK has something unique to offer for gastronomic holidays. Here’s a guide to the best places for a gastro break in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Gastronomy Holidays in England
Some of England’s best places for gastro breaks include the cities of Bath and London, countrified locations like the beautiful English Cotswolds, Herefordshire and the Isle of Wight.
Gastronomy in England’s Cities
Bath is a culinary gem, home to fine dining restaurants, excellent gastro pubs, and a renowned Farmer’s Market. With five Michelin-starred restaurants within an hour’s drive of the spa city of Bath and The Pump Rooms offering a superb afternoon tea in an elegant historic atmosphere, Bath is a prime destination for gourmet indulgence.
London’s food scene is unrivalled, with Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury food halls, and vibrant street food markets. From afternoon tea at The Ritz to artisanal finds at Borough Market and Camden Market’s eclectic offerings, London caters for every palate.
Gastronomical Breaks in the English Countryside
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is renowned for its charming villages with houses made from honey coloured stone, and culinary diversity, offering Michelin-starred dining in Cheltenham, artisanal food producers, and delightful farm-to-table experiences at places like Daylesford Organic Farm. Sample whisky, gin and liquers at the Cotswold Distillery. Or enjoy an afternoon tea with cream and scones, an English delight!
Herefordshire
Herefordshire’s lush countryside produces some of the UK’s finest beef, cider, and apples. Explore the region’s gastro pubs, farm shops, and unique experiences like the Cider Trail and visit the White Heron Estate, local producers of cider, cassis and sparkling wine.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a paradise for seafood lovers, with fresh local catches like lobster and crab. Discover local flavours at The Garlic Farm, the Isle of Wight Distillery, and various beachside eateries.
Want to find out more about the best places for gastro breaks in England? Watch our video on You Tube.
Scotland for a Foodies Holiday
Scotland offers a rich culinary landscape, from the sophisticated dining of Edinburgh and the vibrant food scene in Glasgow to the natural bounty of the Highlands and coastal treasures in St Andrews and Oban.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a top choice for food lovers, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, charming gastro pubs, and markets like Stockbridge and the Farmers’ Market, where you can savour the best of Scottish cuisine.
Glasgow
Glasgow is home to some of the UK’s best Indian restaurants where the interior is as fine as the food, authentic Italian restaurants with delicious thin pizza bases, plus fine Scottish dining. Visit Dockyard Social Food Market for an eclectic mix of global dishes in a lively setting.
Highlands
The Highlands offer a unique culinary adventure, with fine dining options featuring game, wild salmon, and venison. Book a Shellfish Safari or visit renowned whisky distilleries whilst holidaying in this area.
St Andrews & Oban
St Andrews combines gourmet dining with coastal charm, plus ample opportunities to enjoy a game or two of golf. Oban, Scotland’s seafood capital, is the perfect spot for fresh seafood and whisky tastings at the Oban Distillery.
Want to find out more about best places for gastro holidays in Scotland? Watch our video on You Tube
Gastro Holidays in Wales
Wales offers a range of gastro experiences, from coastal Pembrokeshire to the vibrant capital, Cardiff.
Pembrokeshire
Known for its stunning coastline, Pembrokeshire is ideal for seafood lovers, with local specialties like crab, lobster, and mackerel. Farm shops and markets offer Welsh cheeses and meats, while Pembrokeshire Fish Week celebrates the area’s seafood bounty.
Cardiff
Cardiff offers a great choice of restaurants and there’s something for all tastes. Explore food markets like Cardiff Central Market for local produce or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in one of the city’s charming tea rooms. The city’s bustling food markets, such as Cardiff Central Market, provide a taste of local produce, while its diverse range of restaurants showcases both Welsh and international cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try a bit of Welsh rarebit, or cawl.
Culinary Delights on Holiday in Ireland
Ireland’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, with Dublin and Cork standing out as top destinations for food lovers.
Dublin
The food on offer at Dublin’s restaurants is generally excellent. Dublin offers a rich mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine, from hearty Irish stews to Italian restaurants and more. Explore the Temple Bar Food Market or dine at Michelin-starred restaurants like Chapter One for a true taste of Ireland.
Cork
Cork is often regarded as Ireland’s food capital, with the historic English Market offering an array of local products. The city’s farm-to-table restaurants and the annual Cork Food Festival showcase the best of Irish culinary traditions.
Wherever you want to enjoy a foodies holiday in the UK, whether England, Wales, Scotland or Ireland, we hope we’ve inspired you on some of the best destinations for a foodie break.
