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A glasshouse display of rows of orange, yellow and green autumn produce, including squash, gourds and pumpkins
Pumpkins, squash and gourds on display in the glasshouse at Tyntesfield | © National Trust Images/Peter Hall

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.

Beningbrough leek and potato soup 

This leek and potato soup from Beningbrough in Yorkshire puts a modern spin on a comforting classic. Try using a drizzle of rapeseed oil flavoured with fresh sage leaves for maximum flavour.

A bowl of leek and potato soup, topped with a sage leaf and oil, with a chunk of brown bread and a spoon on the plate beside it

Pumpkin, chard, feta and almond crumble 

This satisfying, pumpkin and feta crumble recipe works equally well as a hearty side or a standalone dish.

Pumpkin, Chard, Feta and Almond Crumble

Vegan 'creem' tea 

These vegan scones and clotted 'creem' are quick to whip up for a tasty afternoon treat.

Vegan 'creem' tea with jam and vegan clotted 'creem'

Cottage pie 

Treat the family this winter to this comforting classic cottage pie. Layered with beef mince and fluffy, buttery mash, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Freshly cooked cottage pie in a square dish

The history of food and drink

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

The history of tea 

Tea first arrived in Britain in the mid-17th century, when it was so expensive that only the incredibly wealthy could afford it. Find out the connections that the places in our care have to this simple brew.

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

Grow your own

Guide to seasonal food 

Discover which vegetables and fruit to harvest, plant and buy each month with our handy guide. Growing your own fruit and vegetables reduces food miles, which helps the environment.

Two gardeners harvest rhubarb from a large garden border in the walled kitchen garden at Clumber Park.

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.

The Community Allotments at Minnowburn, County Down

Food at our places

Places to eat 

Discover a range of cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms at the places in our care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find a place to eat near you, as well as special deals and allergen information.

A lady with a baby eating in the cafe at Tinkley Gate

Top kitchen gardens 

Visit the best kitchen gardens around the UK. Growing fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, these busy kitchen gardens are rich in history, and some of their produce is still served in our cafés.

An elderly couple explore the walled garden at Felbrigg, with one of the visitors in a mobility vehicle. To the left are garden beds full of vegetables and on the right are garden borders full of flowers.

You might also be interested in

Shop The Great British Food Tour book 

Take a journey through Britain's greatest dishes, local specialities and iconic ingredients in our new book, The Great British Food Tour. Sprinkled with recipes and a hearty helping of history, discover the origins of Stargazy pie, Bakewell tarts and other tales from the table. Find out more on our online shop.

The Great British Food Tour book on a table
A visitor with a camera up to his face, one eye closed, as he takes a photo of a nearby statue of a figure with a pointy hat and cloak on

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.