Our Favourite UK Food Festivals
From fresh seafood and Cornish ale at Falmouth Harbour to the finest Yorkshire Dales cheese in the market town of Leyburn, food festivals are a great opportunity to get to know a region through its food and drink. Food festivals are also an excellent excuse to spend a weekend somewhere you haven’t visited before – and we have a variety of holiday cottages within a few miles of some of the UK’s best events. Here are a few of our favourite UK food festivals, from Sandringham in Norfolk to Abergavenny in Wales.
Powderham Food Festival, Devon
Delicious Devon cheese, meat and cider on the grounds of an ancient castle Powderham Food Festival takes place at Powderham Castle and Grounds, near Exeter. Visiting the castle’s ancient deer park by the Rive Exe estuary is lovely at any time of the year but particularly appealing when it is full of stalls selling the finest fresh produce from across the county. The festival is open from 9 am to 5 pm on October 6 and 7.
Where to stay: Rydon Stables - Budleigh Salterton A character coastal cottage in Otterton, East Devon.
Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival, Dorset
A chance to try rare cheeses and chillies on the Dorset coast. An incredible variety of chillies and cheeses from all over the world can be sampled at this unique event in Christchurch, on the Dorset coast. Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival takes place on June 9 and 10 with kids’ rides, live music, falconry displays and an inflatable pub and beer garden.
Where to stay: Charlottes Rest in Christchurch, A spacious coastal Cottage in Christchurch.
Abergavenny Food Festival, Monmouthshire
Celebrity chefs and Wales’ best produce in the Brecon Beacons Abergavenny Food Festival is a great place to learn about food, with workshops, talks and plenty of opportunities to taste fantastic produce from the Monmouthshire countryside. Jamie Oliver, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Monica Galetti have all been recent guests at the event, which takes place on September 15 and 16.
Where to stay: Ramblers Rest Cottage in Crickhowell near Abergavenny
Sandringham Food & Drink Festival, Norfolk
Celebrating food heritage within the stunning grounds of the Sandringham Estate
There’s loads to enjoy at this much-loved event, including food halls, a real ale marquee, talks from celebrity chefs and the Fruit de Mer Restaurant. The festival is held in the magnificent grounds of the Sandringham Estate on August 4 and 5.
Where to stay: The Railway Carriage in Wisbech. It’s a little way away from the Sandringham Estate but a leisurely drive through the Norfolk countryside, and you get to stay in a converted railway carriage.
The Dales Festival of Food and Drink, North Yorkshire
Cheese-making, pop-up restaurants and live jazz in the Dales
Don’t miss this family-friendly festival if you fancy tasting exceptional local produce during your holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. The Dales Festival of Food and Drink takes place in the market town of Leyburn, with stalls from many of the region’s best producers.
Where to stay: Millstone Cottage in Bedale, North Yorkshire, A character cottage on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Falmouth Street Food & Crafts Festival, Cornwall
Food from around the world with views across the harbour
Falmouth Street Food and Crafts Festival takes place at the harbourside and around Falmouth from May 25 to May 28. Expect Cornwall’s best street food producers, craft ales, a vibrant arts, crafts and local produce market and live entertainment. The festival is also a great chance to explore the lovely town of Falmouth, with independent shops and cafes overlooking sandy beaches.
Where to stay: The Gig in Falmouth A luxury holiday cottage in Falmouth.