Whitstable, Kent

A breezy hour’s train ride from London will get you to the charming seaside town of Whitstable in Kent. Famed for its native oysters collected fresh from the sea-beds since Roman times, it is an ideal day trip for foodies. Stop by at one of the many pop-up oyster stands or seafront shellfish shacks like Whitstable Oyster Company or Wheeler’s Oyster Bar and opt for half a dozen highly prized oysters with a crisp glass of white wine, the ultimate summer seaside feast.

Skye, Scotland

Venture to the Isle of Skye and you’ll be greeted with a unique food culture that makes the most of Scotland’s organic produce. Kinloch Lodge offers a dreamy location right on the water’s edge and a magical menu to match. Enjoy highland teas served in the traditional drawing rooms or opt for the creative five-course dining menu put on by chef Marcello Tully. Meanwhile, head chef Scott Davies serves up a Scottish feast at The Three Chimneys, with a plethora of awards that recognise its top quality sourcing. Since opening in 1985, the restaurant has gained a solid reputation as a place to dine on the seashore of Loch Dunvegan.

Cartmel, Lake District

Home to a smattering of Michelin stars, this charming Lake District town has restaurants, pubs and organic food producers aplenty. Among the favourites is Michelin big hitter L’Enclume. This restaurant has its own farms and cooks produce from across the region, making it a champion of all things local. The Pig & Whistle is a pub-lover’s choice and ideal for a tasty post-walk refuel. Cartmel is also home to the Cartmel Village Shop where you can sample the famous sticky toffee pudding that was created in a kitchen round the back of the post office.

Penzance, Cornwall

This Cornish hotspot is an unsung foodie destination. Among its little-known gems is the tiny restaurant, The Shore, which is run by one of Cornwall’s most exciting chefs, Bruce Rennie, who is running the entire kitchen (and sometimes front of house) by himself. The likes of Nathan Outlaw have flagged The Shore as one of the best dining experiences around. Elsewhere, Penzance old quarter’s The Barn serves sublime meats from its own smokehouse and just along the coast St Michael’s Mount is a great day out.

Ludlow, Shropshire

This quaint and sleepy town at the foot of the Shropshire hills benefits from its geographical location surrounded by countryside counties famed for fabulous food suppliers, making it a gastronomic Mecca for foodies. With a wealth of acclaimed restaurants, specialist food shops, a thriving foodie farmers’ market and a late summer food festival, Ludlow is one of the best gastro-stops in the UK. Among the favourites are fine dining European Mortimers and Forelles, which excels with its nine-course tasting menu.