Food Tourism in the Cotswolds

Forget the fleeting thrill of tourist trinkets and the hurried snapshots of iconic sights. Today’s traveller craves deeper immersion and experiences that linger.

For some, travel is about ticking off iconic landmarks, and for those travellers we have an abundance of beautiful landmarks in the Cotswolds. But a growing tribe of globetrotters craves deeper immersion, an experience beyond souvenirs and selfies. This yearning has fuelled the rise of culinary tourism, where food becomes the passport to a culture’s heart and soul.

For food tourists, it’s less about the individual dishes and more about the immersive experience. They crave the thrill of discovery, the exhilaration of trying something new, and the deeper connection to a culture that comes from sharing a meal.

In the realm of culinary exploration in the UK, few regions shine as brightly as the Cotswolds. Here, gastronomy isn’t merely a fuel for the body, but a gateway to the heart and soul of the area. With fields of plump strawberries bathed in Cotswold sunshine, fruit orchards in their thousands, vineyards with row after row of grapes to be turned into English wine, to mention but a few… a sip or a bite of each is an ode to generations who nurtured this land and coaxed forth the fruit of their labour.

When you next visit the Cotswolds, venture beyond the postcard-perfect villages and attractions and discover a treasure of culinary delights. Wander through bustling farmers’ markets, vibrant kaleidoscopes of colour and aroma, where plump cheeses vie for attention, and crusty loaves are still warm from the oven. 

Seek out hidden gems like – 

• A Green Michelin-starred chef ∙ The Dining Room at Whatley Manor is amongst the first UK restaurants to be recognised by Michelin with their new distinction, a Green Star.
• A winery where Cotswold sunshine is bottled in each sip ∙ Visit Poulton Hill Estate for a taste of fine English wine. 
• An award-winning curry ∙ Head Chef, Indunil Upatissa, at The Noel Arms has been awarded the Great British Pub Awards for Best Curry Chef three times.
• Arguably the best fish finger sandwich in the Cotswolds ∙ Made by the brilliant chef at The Cotswold Outpost. 
• A first class vegan afternoon tea ∙ Enjoyed by Cotswolds Concierge at Buckland Manor. 
• A celebrity chef with his own restaurant ∙ Grill by James Martin at The Lygon Arms takes you on a culinary journey with each dish drawing inspiration from seasonal, local and artisanal produce.
• A manor house with an incredible vegetable garden ∙ At Mallory Court they firmly believe in using what they have on their doorstep and their chefs take great pride and pleasure in using the organically grown, seasonal produce from their own kitchen gardens

…and many, many, many more. 

Travelling the Cotswolds with a curious palate isn’t just a journey; it’s a quest for memories that linger long after you’ve returned home. So, pack your sense of adventure and stoke your culinary curiosity. Let the Cotswolds tantalise your taste buds, nourish your soul, and unravel its vibrant tale – one delicious bite at a time.