Amazing Lake District Food Festivals

The Lake District is well-known for its stunning landscapes and tranquil waters. But it’s also an amazing place for food enthusiasts of all types, we have stunnig food festivals.

If food is your thing, in 2024, the region is set to host an array of festivals and events that promise to delight the palate of locals and provide a feast for the eyes.

From the famed Taste Cumbria Food Festivals to the unique Cumbria Vegan Fair, there’s something for everyone. Of course, staying in a self-catering cottage offers the perfect base to explore these culinary delights, blending the freedom to discover local foods with the comfort of a home away from home.

Taste Cumbria Food Festivals

The Taste Cumbria series is a highlight in the Lake District’s culinary calendar, showcasing the best of local produce and cuisine across various towns. Events take place throughout the year in different venues and they are free to attend. Some to put in your diary include:

Kirkby Lonsdale: Kickstarting the festival season on 14 & 15 April, this event promises a weekend filled with local delicacies and live cooking demonstrations.
Wigton: A one-day extravaganza on 20 April, featuring artisan producers and mouth-watering street food.
Ulverston: Late May sees Ulverston come alive with flavours, crafts, and culinary workshops for a few days. This is a great place to visit if you’re having an early summer vacation.
Maryport: On 10 & 11 August, the focus turns to Maryport, offering seafood delights and local brews against the backdrop of the town’s maritime heritage. Because of the time of the year, this is a very busy event with plenty happening.
Cockermouth: Wrapping up the series on 28 & 29 September, Cockermouth’s festival is a gastronome’s dream, with a vast array of stalls and culinary talks.

Exclusive Culinary Events

Cumbria Sausage Festival: Held in Ravenglass from 4-6 May, this festival is a must-visit for sausage fans. It features the locally produced more traditional Cumberland sausages as well as some innovative concoctions to delight the palate.
Cumbria Vegan Fair: On 1st June in Penrith, this event caters to the growing demand for vegan options, showcasing plant-based foods and sustainable lifestyle products.

Farmer’s Markets Galore

The Lake District’s farmer’s markets are treasure troves of fresh produce and artisan goods and most run every month. Key markets include Brampton, Egremont, Kendal, Keswick, Milnthorpe, Penrith, Pooley Bridge, and Stainton. These markets not only offer a chance to sample and purchase directly from producers but help build that connection with the region’s agricultural roots.

Why Choose a Self-Catering Cottage?

Staying in a self-catering cottage in the Lake District provides the perfect base from which to explore these food festivals and markets:

Cottages offer flexibility and space, allowing guests to store and prepare their culinary finds, from fresh farmer’s market produce to artisan cheeses and meats.
This accommodation choice combines the comfort of home with the excitement of travel, offering private kitchens for experimenting with local ingredients and spacious dining areas for enjoying meals with family and friends.
Moreover, cottages in the Lake District are often situated in picturesque locations, providing a tranquil retreat after a day of food exploration.
They give you the freedom to plan bespoke holiday itineraries, whether that means visiting several food festivals in a weekend or taking leisurely drives through the countryside to collect unique ingredients from various markets.

The Lake District’s food festivals and events in 2024 present a tasty journey through the region’s culinary landscape. Combining your foodie hung with a self-catering cottage as your accommodation choice will certainly enhance your experience, merging the joy of discovery with the pleasures of home cooking.

For food lovers planning their Lake District holidays, these festivals, coupled with the charm of Lake District cottages, promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure you’ll not forget.