Preparing fresh vegetables for the restaurant at Knightshayes Court, Tiverton, Devon | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Food

Find out why we champion sustainable, local and seasonal food, and try some National Trust recipes at home.

We love food and we've got some great recipes to prove it. Here are some favourites from our chefs and local experts.

Christmas

From classic puddings to indulgent treats and savoury festive showstoppers, take a look at some Christmas recipes from our chefs and local experts.

Recipe

Vegetable tagine

Keep warm with this hearty vegan tagine with a hint of chilli heat. A filling lunch or a satisfying dinner with crusty bread.

Chocolate cake with pink beetroot icing on a stand with a slice cut out of it

Recipe

Beetroot and chocolate cake

Beetroot in a cake? Yes, you heard us right. You'll need to try it to believe us when we say that this flavour combination is delicious, so give your family and friends a surprise.

Chicken, leek and tarragon pie on a plate with a fork

Recipe

Chicken, leek and tarragon pie

This family favourite creamy chicken and leek pie, topped with fresh herbs and puff pastry, is the perfect choice to warm you up on chilly nights.

An arrangement of autumn fruits and vegetables on a rustic bench outside Low Sizergh Barn farm shop, Lake District

Article

History of seasonal food

Learn about the origins of fruit and vegetables grown in the UK, from ancient potatoes in Peru to the Victorian 'rhubarb triangle' in Yorkshire.

An ornate teapot set on a low table with a plate of scones behind

Article

The history of tea

Tea first arrived in Britain in the mid-17th century and the places we care for are full of stories that explain how this simple brew has become a British institution.

Gardener picking fennel from the vegetable garden at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Article

Guide to seasonal food

Grow your own fruit and vegetables and help the environment by reducing food miles. Find out what to harvest, plant and buy each month with our handy guide to seasonal food.

The Community Allotments at Minnowburn, County Down, Northern Ireland

Article

Growing tips for allotments

Discover top tips on getting the most from your allotment or patch, and find out why growing your own fruit and vegetables is good for you in more ways than one.

Visitors in the Home Farm restaurant at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Places to eat

Discover some of the best cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms located at National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The walled kitchen Garden at Clumber Park in autumn, showing the large glasshouse on the right and vegetable beds on the left underneath a tree.

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Top kitchen gardens

Growing fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, these busy kitchen gardens from around the UK are rich in history. Some of their produce is even served in our cafés.