September is one of the most delicious months to explore the UK. As orchards, coastlines and kitchen gardens serve up their late-summer bounty, food festivals bring our towns and countryside to life with harvest feasts, artisan produce and plenty of local flavour.
From oyster shucking in Galway and cider tasting among Armagh’s apple orchards to foraging in Scotland and fire cooking in Cornwall, these nine events offer a wonderful excuse for an autumn escape.
And because every good foodie weekend deserves an equally memorable base, we’ve paired each festival with a characterful hotel nearby. Come hungry…
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
County Galway | 25–27 September
Andrew Downes, Xposure
At this annual event, enjoy the World Oyster Opening Championships, where competitors from 15 nations do battle shucking shells at speed. If you’re not mad about molluscs, there are guided shore walks and maritime music on offer, too.
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The Twelve, a characterful boutique hotel in the seaside village of Barna, pairs individually designed rooms with a spa, acclaimed restaurant and lively gastropub. It’s around four miles from central Galway, so plan on taking a bus or taxi to the festival.
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Taste of the Caribbean
Norfolk | 5 September
Taste of the Caribbean
Tuck into delights such as jerk chicken and coconut curry, patties and plantain at this family-friendly event in Earlham Park, Norwich. There will also be cooking demos, a community bake-off, craft stalls, fun fair and punchy Caribbean cocktails.
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The Assembly House, a handsome Georgian landmark in the heart of Norwich, has individually designed bedrooms, marble bathrooms and a peaceful garden. Its elegant interiors and celebrated afternoon teas make it a suitably indulgent base.
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Good & Cider Weekend
Armagh | 3–6 September
Armagh Food and Cider Festival
For farm-to-fork feasts, cider tastings, tours and talks, head to Northern Ireland’s foodie capital to make the most of harvest season in the apple-laden orchards.
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Blackwell House, an intimate five-star country retreat on the Armagh–Down border, combines beautifully appointed rooms with fine dining, a sauna and an outdoor hot tub. Surrounded by rolling countryside, it complements the weekend’s orchard setting perfectly.
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Scottish Wild Food Festival
Stirling | 19–20 September
D Dalziel
Fancy something a bit different? At this festival of wild food and foraging, activities include wild tea tasting, sea buckthorn sampling and an intro to medicinal mushrooms, alongside weaving and woodcarving workshops.
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Monachyle Mhor Hotel, a boldly designed boutique retreat in the wilds of Balquhidder, pairs colourful, individually styled rooms with an award-winning restaurant serving seasonal produce from the surrounding landscape. Its remote loch-and-mountain setting makes it an atmospheric match for a weekend devoted to wild food. Allow ample time to drive to the festival.
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Ludlow Food Festival
Shropshire | 11–13 September
Peter Lowbridge – Ludlow Food Festival
Launched more than 30 years ago, the original gastronomic go-to showcases the finest fare from the Marches region. Stop by the Slow Food Garden, dedicated to championing local provenance.
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Fishmore Hall Hotel & Boutique Spa, a restored Georgian country house overlooking Ludlow, has just 15 individually styled bedrooms, a small spa and an acclaimed restaurant. Its peaceful Shropshire setting is only a short drive from the festival.
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Penzance Food Festival
Cornwall | 3–6 September
Danny North for Penzance Food Festival
Expect more than just the humble pasty at this celebration of Cornish food and drink. Experience long-table feasting and fire cooking alongside a Taste Theatre showcasing everything from foraging to fermenting.
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Artist Residence Cornwall, an art-filled townhouse on Penzance’s historic Chapel Street, has individually designed rooms combining original artwork, vintage furniture and playful details. Its central location places the harbour and festival within easy reach.
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Abergavenny Food Festival
Monmouthshire | 19–20 September
ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL
At Wales’s biggest food fair, queen of Middle Eastern cookery Sabrina Ghayour shares her favourite Persian recipes before the Party in the Castle commences with bluegrass, bhangra and Brazilian music.
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The Angel Hotel, a refined former coaching inn in the centre of Abergavenny, combines historic architecture with polished rooms, excellent food and warm service. Choose a suite or one of the Mews rooms for the most characterful stay.
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Scottish National Whisky Festival
Aberdeenshire | 12 September
SCOTTISH NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL
Whet your whistle with a wee dram at this spirit spectacular at Aberdeen’s Music Hall, which features a drinks menu of more than 100 whiskies from world-renowned distilleries.
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The Chester Hotel, set within a listed 19th-century building in Aberdeen’s West End, blends original architecture with smart contemporary interiors. Stylish rooms, a well-regarded restaurant and a refined but relaxed atmosphere make it one of the city’s strongest boutique choices.
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Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Suffolk | 26–27 September
Ellen Richardson
Make haste to Snape Maltings, on the banks of the River Alde, for this annual extravaganza featuring food from more than 130 local producers. Children’s classes will get the kids keen on cookery, too.
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The Brudenell, positioned directly on Aldeburgh’s shingle beach, has nautical-inspired interiors, a seafood-focused restaurant and far-reaching coastal views. Reserve a sea-facing room to make the most of its exceptional setting, and plan transport to Snape Maltings.
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Dining and Cooking