The UK's National Parks are incredible spaces, and particularly unique within the international national park spectrum in the sense that they are not just places for awe-inspiring scenery. The UK's National Parks are also home to thriving communities and productive landscapes.
From source to plate, the national parks deliver some of the best food experiences in the United Kingdom. One of the best ways to enjoy these experiences is at a food festival, so we've put together a list of 15 such festivals that you definitely won't want to miss.
September
Abergavenny Food Festival website
One of the best-known food festivals in the country, the Abergavenny Food Festival draws foodies and top chefs not just from around the country but around the world.
September
Norfolk Food & Drink Festival website
The Norfolk Food & Drink Festival has grown so large it is now effectively a year-round celebration, with the largest-drawing events taking place in September.
October
Golden Spurtle website
Golden Spurtle is a porridge-making championship held in Carr-Bridge with entries from around the globe. It's great fun and very well attended!
September
Ashburton Food & Drink Festival website
The Ashburton Food and Drink Festival has been described as the perfect food festival. The town centre is transformed into a street market with a carnival atmosphere and more than 50 stallholders showcasing quality local and regional produce.
September
Lyn Food Festival
Showcasing all the best food and drink from across Exmoor and Devon.
October
Porlock Food Fair (Porlock website)
The best of local produce all under one roof. Tastings, sales and the Exmoor Apple Cake Competition.
September
Taste Cumbria website
Tickle your taste buds at the Taste Cumbria Food Festival at Cockermouth. Celebrate all that Cumbria has to offer with an opportunity to see more than 100 top food producers and lots of amazing live cookery demonstrations.
September
Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival website
The Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival features, of course, a haggis eating competition. But even if that doesn't suit your fancy you'll find plenty of delicious local foods and fantastic local food suppliers.
April
Milford-on-Sea Food Week website
For one week every April, Milford-on-Sea comes alive with celebrity shows, themed dining evenings, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and the unique Great Dining Bus.
April/May
Rothbury Food & Craft Festival website
Originally starting as a tiny event several years ago, the Rothbury Food and Craft Festival grows a little larger each year. Taking place during the first bank holiday in May it draws dozens of local food producers and craft makers from the surrounding area.
December
Baytown Beer Festival website
Not to be confused with a similarly named event in Florida, the Baytown Beer Festival takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. It will feature a wide range of real ales and local produce from in and around the North York Moors National Park.
October
Peak District Fair website
A catch-all event featuring hundreds of local foods and crafts, one of the highlights is a marquee where you'll have the opportunity to sample more than 20 locally brewed beers and ciders.
August
Edge Festival website
Featuring a little bit of everything that makes the Pembrokeshire Coast so wonderful and unique, expect a range of food and craft stalls, music, activities, readings and sports around the village of Solva.
October
Conway Feast website
Held in the shadow of iconic and picturesque Conwy Castle, this festival is specifically timed to coincide with the start of the rake-only mussel fishing season. Conveniently, Conwy is home to the last such fishing community in the UK, so be prepared for a treat.
August
Chili Fiesta website
Chilies might not be the first thing you think of when you think of South Downs National Park, but West Dean has celebrated the eye-watering food for 20 years. More than 140 stalls offer quirky gifts as well as chili foods, chili plants, seeds and produce. The glasshouses in the walled gardens will be open to show off the 250 different varieties of chili grown on site.
April/May
Dales Festival of Food website
An annual three-day festival celebrating the food, drink and farming of the Yorkshire Dales taking place during the May Day bank holiday in Leyburn. Everything from locally sourced organic meats to award-winning beers.
See our other top 15 lists for ideas from walking, to camping, cycling to photography...
