There’s something special about revisiting the familiar tastes of childhood, or discovering new flavours at a traditional festival in a quaint English village. The UK is full of food events that celebrate everything from crumbly cheeses to quirky marmalades, and exploring them by coach makes it simple and stress-free. No need to worry about directions, parking, or planning – just sit back, enjoy the journey, and savour the best of British cuisine.
So, if you’re a foodie ready for your next tasty adventure, grab your fork and join us on a delicious tour across the UK. It's time to hit the road!
Pontefract Liquorice Festival
📍 Pontefract, West Yorkshire
🗓️ Usually a Sunday in July
🍬 Lovers of Liquorice, this one’s for you!
(Image: Experience Wakefield)
Perhaps the most famous place in the UK for liquorice, Pontefract throws an annual festival each summer in honour of the bold, divisive treat. The streets come alive with entertainment, themed food stalls, crafts, and, of course, heaps of liquorice-flavoured delights.
For the foodies, this quirky event is full of surprises – think liquorice gin, cakes, chutneys, and more. Beyond the food, coach groups can enjoy street performers, live music, and unique stalls in a family-friendly, festive atmosphere. There’s also the HARIBO-themed parade with colourful costumes and their iconic mascot Goldbear leading the way!
Visit Pontefract Liquorice Festival
Conwy Honey Fair
📍 Conwy, North Wales
🗓️ Held annually on September 13th
🍯 One of Britain's oldest food festivals!
Step back in time with a visit to the Honey Fair, which dates back more than 700 years! This small but historic Royal Charter Fair takes place in the charming walled town of Conwy and must happen on the same date every year, as dictated by the Royal Charter of Edward I.
For food lovers, beekeepers from across Wales gather to sell jars of honey, beeswax products, and handmade goods – it’s said that local beekeepers sell over a tonne of honey by lunchtime!
While you’re in town, take a stroll around Conwy Castle or the picturesque harbour. It’s a sweet and simple way to spend the day.
The World Marmalade Awards
📍 Dalemain Mansion, Cumbria
🗓️ Spring – usually March or April
🍊 Celebrate marmalades from around the world!
(Image: Hermoine McCosh / The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival)
Held at the stately Dalemain Mansion in the Lake District, this thoroughly charming event celebrates marmalade in all its forms. From traditional Seville orange to experimental flavours like whisky or chilli, there’s plenty to taste.
Visitors can tour the house, attend marmalade workshops, and browse the gardens. It’s a lovely day out for those who appreciate a well-made preserve – and the Lake District setting doesn’t hurt either.
We visited Dalemain Estate for the World Marmalade Awards in April 2025 and it was a real delight!
Ludlow Food Festival(s!)
📍 Ludlow Castle, Shropshire
🗓️ Spring, Summer, and September editions
🧑🍳 Independent food & drink in a historic setting
Ludlow is something of a hidden gem in the UK’s food scene. Its series of festivals take place in and around the town’s castle grounds and feature regional producers, chef demos, tasting trails, and more. It’s a great choice if you want a bit of everything – artisan cheese, real ale, handmade pies, and cooking inspiration all in one place. The setting inside the castle makes it feel extra special too.
We're going to Ludlow for their regular local market later this year!
The Caerphilly Cheese Festival
📍 Caerphilly, South Wales
🗓️ Usually in July or August
🧀 A fun, free family-friendly cheese extravaganza!
Held on the grounds of one of Europe’s largest castles, the Caerphilly Cheese Festival is a celebration of all things dairy (and then some). Alongside cheese stalls, there’s local produce, crafts, music, and activities for families. Entry is free, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there's plenty to enjoy even if you’re not a cheese fanatic – though if you are, you’ll be in heaven.
PieFest
📍 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
🗓️ Early August
🥧 Celebrating Britain’s Best Pies
Melton Mowbray is famous for its pork pies, and PieFest is the town’s annual homage to pastry-wrapped goodness. Bakers from across the UK showcase their best savoury and sweet pies, and there are opportunities to taste, buy, and even learn how to make your own. Expect everything from classic steak and ale to modern veggie and vegan creations. If you’re a fan of comfort food, this is one to put on the list.
Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival
📍 Whitstable, Kent
🗓️ Mid-September
🦪 Oysters, music, and seaside charm
Celebrate Whitstable’s famous connection to oysters with a weekend of seaside fun, food, and local tradition. The festival includes the Landing of the Oysters Ceremony, the fast-paced Oyster Eating Competition, and the ever-entertaining Mud Tug.
With roots going back to Roman times, the event has been revived in recent decades as a lively tribute to the town’s oyster heritage. For families, activities include kite flying, welly boot throwing and more.
The festival is low-key but has a friendly, local feel. It’s perfect if you fancy a day by the sea with a bit of seafood and atmosphere.
St. Ives Food & Drink Festival
📍 Porthminster Beach, Cornwall
🗓️ May
🏖️ The UK's only food festival on the beach
Set right on the sand, this is one of the UK’s most scenic food festivals. Expect cooking demos, street food, local producers, and live music – all with the sea as your backdrop.
The festival brings together an array of producers, all showcasing the very best of Cornish flavours. Whether you’re sampling freshly caught seafood, sipping on Cornish gin, or indulging in delicious burgers, there’s something to please every palate.
For those who love fresh air with their food, the combination of sun, sea, and exceptional eats makes the St Ives Food & Drink Festival a truly memorable experience.
Travel by Coach – A Tasty Way to Tour
Whether you’re tasting marmalade ice cream in Cumbria, trying a fresh oyster by the sea, or sampling a traditional pork pie straight from the source, food has a way of making travel even more memorable. So, if you’re looking for a new way to experience the UK – one bite at a time – why not start with a seat on the coach? Coach travel offers a relaxed, sociable way to explore Britain’s culinary map. You can enjoy the flavours of the UK without missing a beat—or a bite.
Browse our all coach trips, including foodie favourites, and make your next great adventure just a coach ride away.
Take a look at our latest brochure.
