Tried and tested - Cumbria on a plate

A tour of the beautiful Lake District plus stops along the way to enjoy traditional food is just what I needed for a relaxing day out. I’m also really interested in learning more about how the local food is produced, plus it’s a good excuse to spend the day discovering new tastes.

The tour offers part education, part ‘wow factor’. You’re guided around Cumbria by Annette, visiting a number of places where local food is produced and where you can sample before you buy. It’s a brilliant way to view the stunning countryside of the Lake District without having to exert too much effort and you can gain access to places that you wouldn’t normally be able to visit.

The day starts at about nine o’clock in the morning when Annette comes and picks you up in her people carrier complete with fridge to keep your purchases cool. You can either meet her at a designated place or she’ll pick you up from your hotel. She’s very accommodating and will tailor the tour to any specific interests you may have.

Throughout the day, you visit about five different places with lunch at a private house. Each tour is different, meeting interesting characters along the way. Annette is great at filling you in on the history of the place you’ll be visiting so you already have a bit of knowledge when you arrive. She really knows the area well and has a wealth of experience of the history and production of Cumbrian food.

One of my favourite stops was to see a fascinating lady who delights in making freshly churned butter. It was on a beautiful traditional farm and she tells you incredibly funny stories while she churns the butter by hand. It feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. You can then try the butter with fresh homemade scones she’s made with the buttermilk. Absolutely delicious.

We also went to The Smokehouse which is set in a picturesque castle located in Penrith. Here they smoke different meats and fish which you have the opportunity to try before you buy. We then had a leisurely lunch at Winderwath, a private house that’s not open to the public. It was lovely to be able to sit down and chat with the lady of the house and the gardener will happily share some of his tips with you.

I think the tour is a marvellous idea and I had a fantastic time, sampling delicious foods and learning a bit more about the local culture. The whole day is thoroughly relaxing and taken at a pace where you can really enjoy the stunning surroundings. I’ll definitely be going again, I just need to work out what my excuse will be!

Find out more about Gourmet Food Tours