Six Must-Visit UK Food And Drink Festivals
Food and drink festivals are amazing opportunities to get to know regional specialities as well as dishes from all around the world – and most importantly sample some delicious food and drink.
That’s why we’ve put together six food and drink festivals happening in the UK that we’re looking forward to most this year. Before you head out, be aware that our top picks are all outdoor festivals so make sure you’ve got one of our windproof umbrellas on hand to shelter you from the unpredictable summer elements.
Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival – 19–21 July, Skipton
This festival is a great option if you’re looking for things to do with the kids over the summer holidays. You’ll get the chance to sample some of the best food from around the region and meet celebrity chefs including James Martin and The Hairy Bikers’ Si King.
A mixture of masterclasses, workshops and live demos, plus playgrounds, cooking classes and a kids’ stage make this an absolutely packed weekend for everyone.
Rock Oyster – 25–28 July, North Cornwall
Rock Oyster is a mesmerising event that’s a cross between a food and drink, music and culture festival. Every year it’s held on the grounds of Dinham House and has beautiful views out over the Camel Estuary.
After you’ve had your fill of amazing food and drink and watched demos from some of Cornwall’s best chefs, you can head over to the stage and get the party started with live music. This year’s headline acts include The Human League and The Sugababes.
The Spa Morvoren area will also be offering peaceful sound baths, yoga and massages over the weekend if that’s more your speed.
Big Feastival – 23–25 August, Cotswolds
The Big Feastival has been described as Glastonbury for foodies and with good reason. As well as delicious food and a brilliant line-up of celebrity chefs, this festival also boasts some huge headliners including Becky Hill, Cat Burns and Snow Patrol.
If you’re planning on taking your family, there are plenty of things for kids to get involved in too. From Circus School and fairground rides to meeting farm animals at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do over the weekend.
Foodies Festival – multiple locations and dates
Foodies Festival is the largest food and drink festival in the UK. In all, there will be 14 Foodies Festivals taking place between May and September at various locations around the UK.
This festival is truly a celebration of local produce, and each location showcases the best the area has to offer. Or get top tips and lessons from the best as a round-up of Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef champions and Bake-Off stars will also be in attendance.
When you’re full up, you’ll also be able to browse the stalls of local artists and traders and pick up something to take home.
Great British Food Festival – multiple locations and dates
This festival also takes place at multiple locations between May and September including stately homes, castle ruins and beautiful parkland.
Against the stunning scenery, the festival combines amazing food and drink along with live entertainment. There will be competitions, live demonstrations from celebrity chefs, workshops, and cooking classes for kids taking place as well as music throughout the weekend at each location. The Great British Food Festival is also dog-friendly, so it makes the perfect family day out.
Pub in the Park – multiple dates and locations around London
Pub in the Park was created by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who attends and hosts at each of the festival locations. For 2024, these include St. Albans, Marlow, Reigate and Chiswick.
As you might guess from the name, this festival is a celebration of all things to do with the Great British Pub – fantastic food, great music and plenty of drinks. While you’re there, you’ll be able to indulge in food from some of the UK’s most renowned restaurants and chefs. For kids (and big kids), there are also fairground rides and a dedicated area where kids can get stuck into games and crafts.
Now that everyone’s tummies are rumbling (ours certainly are), it’s time to start planning which one you’ll visit this summer – but maybe grab a snack first! Check out our blog for other recommendations on the best things to do and places to see in the UK, and make sure you’ve always got one of our windproof umbrellas on hand when you travel.