Top UK Foodie Road Trips

While it might lack the romance of France and the spice and exoticism of Spain, the UK is certainly no slouch when it comes to food. Indeed, some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin Star restaurants are located in the UK, many of them far away from the centre of London.

If you’re a food lover and enjoy exploring new places, a foodie road trip is an excellent way to combine your passions. The UK is home to a diverse range of foodie destinations, from fresh seafood in coastal towns to hearty pub grub in the countryside. 

It’s also a small enough country to travel comfortably by car. Indeed, you can quite comfortably drive from one end to the other in a single day. Just remember to buy some tyres online to keep in the boot in case you get a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere.

With that in mind, here are our top UK foodie road trips to add to your travel bucket list.

Cornwall

Cornwall, situated in the picturesque southwest of England, is known for its surprisingly stunning beaches and delightful fishing villages. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of local delicacies to try. Some of the must-try foods in Cornwall include Cornish pasties, cream teas, and fresh seafood. Start in the charming village of Padstow, home to celebrity chef Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant. From there, head to the fishing village of Port Isaac, where you can try fresh crab and lobster at the local seafood shacks. Finally, visit the town of St Ives, where you can indulge in a classic, traditional Cornish cream tea.

Scottish Highlands

The Highlands boast a natural beauty and rugged landscapes that draw in tourists from across the globe. But they’re also a great destination for food lovers, with a wide range of local dishes to try. From haggis, black pudding, and venison, to the oddly satisfying deep-fried pizza (or Pizza Crisp), there’s something for everyone in Scotland. Start your journey in Edinburgh and head north to Inverness. Along the way, stop at local pubs and restaurants to try traditional Scottish dishes. You can also visit the distilleries that produce Scotland’s famous Scotch whiskies.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, in the heart of England, are known for their idyllic countryside and charming little villages. But they’re also home to some of the UK’s best pubs and farm shops. Foods in the Cotswolds include local cheeses, farm-to-table produce, and traditional pub grub. To explore the Cotswolds, start in the town of Stow-on-the-Wold and head to nearby villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden. You’ll find plenty of local farm shops and restaurants to stop at and try the region’s delicious food.

The Lake District

The Lake District, in northwest England, is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, as well as (obviously) its lakes. But it’s also a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of local delicacies to try. Some of the must-try foods in the Lake District include Cumberland sausage, Kendal mint cake, and sticky toffee pudding. To explore the Lake District’s food scene, start in the town of Ambleside and head to nearby villages like Grasmere and Hawkshead. Stop at all the incredible local pubs and restaurants to try traditional Cumbrian dishes and fall in love with real British food.

The Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales, in northern England, are known for their rugged landscapes and charming villages. But they’re also a great destination for foodies, with a wide range of local dishes to try. Some of the must-try foods in the Yorkshire Dales include Yorkshire pudding, Wensleydale cheese, and parkin (a traditional ginger cake). To explore the Yorkshire Dale’s epic food scene, start in the town of Skipton and head to nearby villages like Grassington and Hawes.