A Taste of England
Get a taste of England as you ramble through the countryside: try a wide range of great menus in the Great British countryside.
A Taste of England
https://www.contours.co.uk/a-taste-of-england
by Sue Talbot
The soul of a place is best discovered through its landscape and flavours, and England’s National Parks offer the ultimate foodie pilgrimage. Fuel your wanderlust on hiking and heritage adventures as you immerse yourself in the culinary tapestry of ancient trails.
When you step into the vast, sweeping beauty of the Peak District, you’ll understand why its cuisine is defined by wholesome and hearty dishes.
Your culinary trail should begin in Derbyshire, naturally, within the sweet capital of the region: Bakewell. Whether you prefer the traditional Bakewell pudding or the jam-layered tart variation, enjoying one in a historic market town pub, perhaps after conquering Mam Tor, is obligatory.
Visit local farm shops for homemade meat pies filled with local lamb or beef raised on the hills. Some might think the real reward lies in the area’s popular craft ale scene. After a day hiking in the limestone dales and gritstone edges, there’s nothing more satisfying than discovering a centuries-old pub warmed by a roaring fire, and sampling a dark, malty ale that tastes distinctly of the English countryside.
Journey south and the flavour profile shifts entirely. The New Forest is home to ancient woodland and free-roaming ponies, offering a gentler but equally rewarding culinary experience, defined by local produce and a touch of wildness.
The New Forest is famous for its exceptional New Forest Honey, often infused with the subtle floral notes of the surrounding heathlands. You should also indulge in the classic cream tea with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and local strawberry jam in one of the quaint villages like Beaulieu or Brockenhurst.
For the more adventurous foodie, the New Forest’s status as a managed hunting ground means high-quality game meats, especially venison, often feature on higher-end restaurant menus. If you like to be hands on when it comes to sourcing ingredients, you can forage legally (accompanied by local experts) for certain wild mushrooms and berries, connecting you to the landscape’s abundant larder.
The moment you arrive in the Yorkshire Dales, you’re greeted by dry stone walls and the promise of rich, creamy comforts. This area’s culinary identity is built on its dairy farming heritage and the immense pride locals take in their Yorkshire produce.
Your hiking efforts, whether tackling the famous Three Peaks or enjoying a gentle stroll through Wharfedale, are best rewarded with a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery. Sampling this creamy, crumbly cheese is a necessary cultural immersion.
The Dales will teach you the true meaning of a substantial pub lunch. Think oversized Yorkshire Puddings, thick gravy and roast dinners piled up with tender meat. Food in the Dales is unpretentious, generous and lovingly prepared to restore the spirit after a long walk.
A Cornish culinary adventure invites you to taste the very essence of the region. From the freshest catch, unloaded straight onto the harbour wall at Padstow and transformed into exquisite seafood platters, to the hearty, flaky perfection of a traditional Cornish Pasty, every bite tells a story.
Along the South West Coast Path, you’ll discover artisan cheesemakers, award-winning vineyards and local farm shops overflowing with fresh produce. With such diversity, there are culinary delights around every corner, celebrating the farm-to-fork and sea-to-plate philosophy that defines Cornish cuisine.
Follow one of the popular seafood routes, guiding you to the best fish restaurants and shacks along the coast, or perhaps a more general trail that links quaint village restaurants and producers. You’ll also find plenty of farmers’ markets and cooking classes, where you can speak to the experts and learn more about the local cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred dining, rustic pub charm or a fresh crab sandwich by the sea, there are endless options.
Adventure Travel Blogger
Sue Talbot is an adventure travel blogger and iPhone photographer who’s often found hiking up the Lakeland fells or swimming in fairy pools. Her outdoor adventures and photographs can be found on her blog, Lifehop, and also her Lake District Lovers Facebook page.
