5 Culinary Travel Trends Taking Over the UK This Summer
From bakery pilgrimages to coastal seafood trails, culinary tourism is defining how the UK travels this summer.
Here's a deeper look at the top 5 foodie travel trends shaping the UK this summer—and where to experience them for yourself.
Staycation Flavours & the Regional Renaissance
Forget flying abroad—Brits are rediscovering the culinary richness of their own backyard.
What’s Trending:
Travelers are exploring regional UK food destinations, especially along the coast.
Many are willing to travel over 70 miles for standout restaurants or food events.
There's growing support for local producers, seafood markets, and regional specialties.
Where to Go:
Cornwall: Known for high-quality seafood (check out locals in the market squares).
Pembrokeshire: Slow food dining and foraging experiences with Forage Pembrokeshire.
Yorkshire Dales: Local game dishes and farmhouse cheesemakers like Ribblesdale Cheese.
Insider Tip: Plan your trip around regional food festivals like the St Ives Food and Drink Festival or Abergavenny Food Festival (20th- 21st September) for the full local flavour experience.
Gourmet Travel to Scotland
Scotland is evolving into a Michelin-worthy food destination, where wild landscapes meet refined tasting menus.
What’s Trending:
Searches for Michelin-star restaurants in Scotland have jumped 58% in the past 3 years.
Travelers are pairing nature escapes with luxury dining and chef-led tasting menus.
Locally foraged ingredients, seafood, and wild game dominate menus.
Where to Go:
Edinburgh: Lyla (fine dining meets art), Aizle, and the newly opened Avery.
Isle of Skye: The Three Chimneys offers destination dining with sea views.
Speyside: Combine whisky tours with elevated pub food and rural B&Bs.
Insider Tip: Visit during Scotland’s summer produce season (June–August) to taste fresh raspberries, langoustines, and highland lamb at their peak.
Wine & Vineyard Tourism
Yes, England really does make excellent wine—and people are planning entire holidays around it.
What’s Trending:
Over 1,000 vineyards now operate across the UK.
Vineyard visits are up 55% in just two years.
Summer brings tours, outdoor tastings, vineyard picnics, and wine-paired dinners.
Where to Go:
Kent: Visit Chapel Down for sparkling wine and a garden-to-table restaurant.
Sussex: Explore Ridgeview and Bolney Wine Estate near the South Downs.
Hampshire: Hambledon Vineyard offers sparkling wine masterclasses.
Insider Tip: Book a “stay-on-site” package at vineyards like Tinwood Estate (Sussex) or The Pig in the South Downs to pair your tasting with overnight luxury.
Bakery Tourism & Artisan Pastries
Pastries are the new passports—people are crossing counties for laminated dough.
What’s Trending:
So-called “bakery pilgrimages” are driving travel to independent bakeries and patisseries.
Travelers are chasing signature creations: think kimchi Danishes, ube cruffins, and croissant cubes.
Social media is fuelling interest in “viral” pastries and limited-edition bakes.
Where to Go:
Bath: Landrace Bakery for seasonal Danishes and sourdough.
Cardiff: Let Them See Cake for maximalist croissants and eclairs.
Edinburgh: Lannan Bakery (queues around the block for pistachio morning buns).
Insider Tip: Follow your favourite bakeries on Instagram—many post real-time updates for bake drops, flavours of the day, and early queue advice.
Food Halls & Street‑Food Hubs
The UK’s city centres are being reimagined as street food playgrounds—perfect for casual grazing and culinary discovery.
What’s Trending:
New multi-vendor food halls are opening across the UK, celebrating independent kitchens.
Small plates, shared seating, and experimental menus are in.
These hubs often combine food with music, cocktails, and weekend markets.
Where to Go:
Bradford: Darley Street Market (13 street-food stalls & local produce).
Manchester: House of Social—diverse food concepts under one creative roof.
Birmingham: Saint Pauls Market, a new street food + culture destination in the Jewellery Quarter.
Insider Tip: Visit during evenings or weekends for live music and events—and check for resident chefs or pop-up vendors rotating through the space.
