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Preparing fresh vegetables for the restaurant at Knightshayes Court, Tiverton, Devon
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. 

Recipes

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

A Christmas cake decorated with reindeer at Heelis

Christmas 

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

National Trust Vegetable Tagine
Recipe
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
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
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.

The history of food and drink

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

Grow your own

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

Food at our places

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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Article

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.

National Trust staff and visitors at Knole, Kent

Start your journey of discovery

Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.