UK & Ireland Holidays

Naturally, the culinary offerings differ throughout the region, but wherever you end up on UK and Ireland holidays, you are sure to encounter some traditional local treats. In England, the cuisine has a number of different historical influences. Many ingredients and preparation styles were brought back from countries such as India and China during the era of the British Empire, and immigrants from all over the world have also added to the incredible diversity on offer in England's food scene. There are hundreds of traditional dishes to savour here, some of which, including meat pies, have been around since ancient times. Each part of the country has its own specialities - you can enjoy Lancashire hotpot, Bedfordshire clangers, and Cornish pasties, to name just a few. 

In Scotland, it can be said that the food has more in common with that of Scandinavian countries than with England. The traditional dishes here are often hearty and meaty, with haggis and Cullen skink (a thick fish soup) among the most well known. The food often differs quite a lot between the mainland and the islands, although one thing that is ubiquitous throughout the nation is its excellent whiskies. If you are heading to Wales, you can be sure of hearty and delicious fare. Historically speaking, the diet here was formed based on the professions of agriculture and fishing. While Welsh lamb is the most famous meat here, beef and seafood are also important staples. When it comes to traditional dishes to sample, Welsh rarebit, cawl and laverbread are a must!

Much of the food in Northern Ireland also originates from its farming past, with bread and potatoes still being among the most important dietary staples. Today, one of its most-loved dishes is the Ulster fry. While it is similar to an English cooked breakfast, it was traditionally eaten at any time of the day. Other tempting delicacies include soda bread, Irish stew and Kearney Blue. While the Republic of Ireland shares much of its cuisine with Northern Ireland, it of course has its own regional specialities. Look out for coddle, a meaty stew originating in Dublin, and beef and Guinness pie on your holidays in Ireland.