The Foodie Travel Guide> Foodie Experiences> History Days Out
History Days Out
Discover British food on these historic days out. Get to know Britain’s best known writers, bon viveurs, historical figures and food producers by stepping into their kitchens, homes and gardens. Explore historic houses, abbeys, stately homes and the many quirky places that make up the cultural map of Foodie Britain.
Discover British Food Traditions on These History Days Out
Tour the Oldest Working Kitchen in Britain at Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire
Take the Windsor Castle Kitchen Tour and you’ll be stepping into the oldest working kitchen in Britain. The castle’s Great Kitchen has been in constant use for over 750 years.
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Discover Georgian Culinary Life in the Royal Kitchens at Kew Palace
Kew, London
The Royal Kitchens at Kew were left undisturbed for years. Now you can go back in time to find out what life was like for the servants who worked in them and the dishes they prepared for the Royal family.
Glimpse at London’s Christmas Past at The Geffrye Museum
Hoxton, London
Located in a former almshouse, the Geffrye Museum has eleven period living rooms. They are transformed with authentic festive decorations, lighting, music and greenery to give visitors a magical glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in English middle-class homes over the past 400 years.
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Take Afternoon Tea on the Deck of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith
Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Treat yourself to a royal Afternoon Tea on her majesty’s yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. The ship’s a grand old lady now, having sailed over 1,000,000 miles around the world.
Find: Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh
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Have Lunch in The Kitchen at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s Holiday Home
Dartmouth, Devon
Step into the 1950s and the land of Devonshire cream teas at Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of Agatha Christie, the nation’s favourite crime writer.
Take Afternoon Tea With a Grand View at A La Ronde
Exmouth, Devon
Take yourself back to the 18th Century when ladies took the Grand Tour of Europe and opened their eyes to another world. This unique circular house, now run by the National Trust, offers ‘A Room with a View’ of the Exe estuary.
Have a Drop of ‘Buckie’, Buckfast Abbey’s Famous Tonic Wine
Buckfastleigh, Devon
The monks at Buckfast Abbey are known for their beekeeping skills and tonic wine. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, the Abbey attracts almost half a million visitors a year.
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Discover Winston Churchill’s Love of Champagne and Cigars at Chartwell
Westerham, Kent
Winston Churchill once said, “A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted”. It’s not hard to see why. Stepping across its threshold and wandering through its intimate rooms feels like an enormous privilege. Visit this wonderful National Trust property and discover Churchill’s passions including Champagne and cigars.
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Sip a Gardener’s Ale After Visiting Chatsworth House Gardens
Bakewell, Peak District, Derbyshire
Chatsworth, the 35,000 acre Derbyshire estate that is the ancestral home of the Duke of Devonshire, offers a splendid day out. For Foodie Gardeners, there’s lots of inspiration to be found walking around Chatsworth House gardens.
Tour Ampleforth Abbey’s Apple Orchard & Taste Award-Winning Cider and Beers
Ampleforth, Yorkshire
Ampleforth Abbey is an impressive Grade II listed Benedictine monastery and school. Situated in one of North Yorkshire’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has an equally outstanding reputation for cider and beer making.
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Enjoy a Welsh Cream Tea at Plas Yn Rhiw House
Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
Acquired by the National Trust in the 1940s, Plas yn Rhiw is an unassuming but truly charming 16th Century Manor House and Garden with tea rooms. Tucked away off the beaten track on the Llyn Peninsula, this house nestles in the hills above Hell’s Mouth beach and affords spectacular views across Cardigan Bay.
Enjoy a Taste of The Italian Riviera at Portmeirion Village
Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
Portmeirion is where North Wales meets the Italian Riviera. Perched between the majestic mountains of Snowdonia and overlooking the picturesque Dwyryd Estuary, this iconic fantasy Italianate village is a must for any Foodie Traveller.
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Take Afternoon Tea in Quarr Abbey’s Heavenly Garden
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Situated within 200 acres of pasture, woodlands, coastline and formal gardens, Quarr abbey is a place of peace, tranquillity and worship. In true monastic tradition, it’s also a hive of activity as the monks grow their own produce and keep pigs and hens.
Find: Best Places to Stay Isle of Wight
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Dine With the Bloomsbury Set at Charleston Farmhouse
Firle, East Sussex
Cultural foodies will love visiting Charleston Farmhouse, the home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the pioneers of early 20th century British art.
Find: Best Places to Stay in Sussex
Discover: Things to do in Brighton
Step Back in Time into a 1920s Garden at Attingham Hall
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Attingham Hall, an 18th Century mansion set in 500 acres of parkland, is a delight for history buffs and foodie gardeners. Whether you want to take your dog for a brisk walk in the magnificent deer park or you’d prefer to linger in the historic house and walled gardens, Attingham Hall is a National Trust property to savour.