Extend your experience by dedicating a day or weekend to learning how to recognize and prepare edible fungi and plants during guided nature walks, with various accommodation choices available
Kayaking and fishing off Dorset
Fore Adventure organizes outdoor experiences in the vicinity of Studland Bay, situated along the Jurassic Coast. They provide several options, including a half-day kayak foraging adventure around Old Harry Rocks for £65, which is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and emphasizes gathering wild plants and seaweed. The Fishing and Foraging experience, priced at £70, incorporates fishing for crustaceans and various fish species like black bream, sea bass, and mackerel. For those looking to enhance their experience, the Foraging and Feasting package, available for £140, includes a delightful two-course meal.
Additionally, Fore Adventure offers a comprehensive two-day adventure that combines wild camping, sea kayaking, and coastal foraging for £290.”
Wild food lunch, Britain-wide
Throughout the year, Wild Food UK offers half-day foraging workshops, where individuals can learn about the identification of edible plants, mushrooms, fruits, roots, and flowers. Many of these guided walks kick off at local pubs or glamping sites, allowing participants to transform the experience into a weekend getaway. For instance, the Peak District course commences at the Miners Arms in Eyam, a charming 17th-century pub that also offers accommodations. Meanwhile, one of the Cumbrian courses begins at the Eden Valley Glamping site near Carlisle, and the North Yorkshire course starts at the Little Seed Field glampsite in Nidderdale.
During the foraging walks, participants can savor homemade refreshments, which may include delicacies like hogweed and wild garlic soup and refreshing elderflower champagne. The experience culminates with a delectable wild food lunch.
DIY foraging, Monmouthshire
Wern-y-Cwm, a Grade-II listed farm nestled within 30 acres of untamed wildflower meadows near Abergavenny, has recently unveiled a selection of self-catering accommodations and yurts for guests. On the premises, you’ll find guidebooks dedicated to foraging and local plant and animal life. The owner, Laura Tenison, is available to provide guests with valuable insights on where to explore for fruits, mushrooms, and nuts.
Furthermore, Laura has collaborated with Liz Knight of Forage Fine Foods to present half- or full-day foraging workshops set in the picturesque Black Mountains. The family-friendly foraging morning includes engaging activities like crown-weaving, potion-making, and cake-decorating, making it an enjoyable experience for all.
Night foraging, Shropshire
Hawkstone Park Follies, a sprawling 40-hectare landscape adorned with 19th-century towers, bridges, caves, and gullies, provides the breathtaking backdrop for this immersive two- to three-hour nighttime stroll. Armed with torches, foragers venture out in search of mushrooms, with the hope of stumbling upon elusive bioluminescent fungi that emit an enchanting glow in the darkness. The experience package encompasses a comforting mug of wild mushroom soup accompanied by homemade bread.
For those seeking an extended stay, guests can book the newly renovated Coppice Cottage, a charming one-bedroom accommodation offering picturesque views of the park.
Fungi feast, Hampshire
Peter Studzinski, an expert in wild food, is guiding a three-hour fungi foraging excursion within the picturesque New Forest National Park in Hampshire. Following the forage, participants can enjoy a mushroom cooking demonstration and a light lunch. Afterward, there is free time to explore the charming town of Stockbridge, nestled in the scenic Test Valley.
In the evening, guests are treated to a mushroom-inspired dinner crafted by Chef Phillip Bishop at the historic Greyhound on the Test hotel. For those seeking an extended experience, diners have the option to upgrade to an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s 10 rooms, with seven located above the restaurant and three in an adjacent cottage.
Herbal cocktails and fine dining, Kent
Under the guidance of wild food chef Lucia Stuart, an adventurous foraging expedition is set to take place along the beaches and berry-abundant locations in the vicinity of Sandwich and Deal. Participants will scour the area for treasures like sea buckthorn, horseradish root, various wild herbs, and sea kale.
After the foraging adventure, the group will convene at the Pilot’s House, a charming 200-year-old property in Deal, where they will transform their findings into delectable herbal cocktails and a gourmet lunch. For those looking to relax afterward, accommodations are available at The Rose, a similarly historic restaurant and boutique hotel located on the bustling high street.
Seafood walk, Pembrokeshire
The Retreats Group, which oversees three historic hotels located on the St. David’s Peninsula, has collaborated with West Wales Coastal Foraging to offer discounted courses. Craig Evans, an experienced forager, leads a four-hour coastal expedition encompassing beaches, rocky shores, tidal mudflats, and estuaries in pursuit of edible plants, mussels, crabs, and more. These courses, totaling a dozen each year, are conducted during extreme low tide when a greater portion of the lower shoreline is exposed, allowing for the discovery of deep-water species. The group then prepares and cooks their finds on a handcrafted Solva stove, also known as a Swedish candle, right on the beach.
Guests have the option to stay at one of three historic hotels: Twr y Felin, a former windmill; Roch Castle, a 12th-century gem; or Penrhiw Priory, a 19th-century priory.
Foraging, cake and afternoon tea, Perthshire
Blair Castle, situated on the Atholl Estates on the fringes of the Cairngorms, offers visitors the opportunity to participate in a foraging experience. Led by expert Tamara Colchester, this three-hour session is designed as a meditative and sensory walk through the castle’s gardens and surrounding grounds. Participants will gain insights into 15 different wild, edible, and medicinal trees, flowers, and plants, delving into the folklore associated with them and learning how to prepare these treasures. The experience culminates in a delightful herbal afternoon tea, featuring cakes and biscuits crafted from wild ingredients.
For families with shorter attention spans, there are 90-minute children’s walks available. These walks concentrate on mushrooms, wild greens, berries, and the exploration of animal tracks and other wildlife signs. Guests can opt to stay on-site at Glen Glack in one of the five newly constructed lochside woodland cabins, inspired by traditional bothies.
Seaweed feast, Cornwall
Caroline Davey, whose upbringing involved a deep connection to foraging, merged her two great passions – food and nature – leading to the establishment of Fat Hen: The Wild Cookery School, located near Penzance. At her school, she regularly hosts foraging days, allowing participants to explore Cornwall’s natural abundance, and afterwards, they indulge in meals crafted from their gathered treasures. During the autumn season, notable events include the Forage and Feast at the Gurnard’s Head on October 11th, priced at £65. This experience involves a coastal path exploration followed by a delectable four-course meal. Another option is the Seaweed and Picnic half-day experience on October 29th, also priced at £65. During this event, guests gain knowledge about edible seaweeds and how to incorporate them into their diets, then go on to harvest sea vegetables and savor a lunch based on seaweed ingredients.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private foraging and cooking days can be arranged as well. Accommodations at the renowned Gurnard’s Head (with double rooms starting from £155) are celebrated for their culinary offerings, and stays that include a three-course dinner and breakfast begin at £205 for two on midweek stays starting from October 29th.
Chanterelle hunting, East Sussex
In November, Webbe’s cookery school in Rye offers a unique chanterelle foraging experience. Led by Paul Webbe, a skilled chef and mushroom connoisseur, participants will embark on a quest to find these coveted mushrooms and receive guidance on safely identifying and gathering other wild fungi. Upon returning to the kitchen, everyone will collaborate in the preparation of a sumptuous seven-course lunch. While staying in Rye is an option, visitors also have the choice of driving just half an hour to reach the newly established Starcroft Farm Cabins, nestled in a meadow with native hedgerows—an ideal setting for putting their newfound foraging skills to the test.
The cost for the foraging experience and lunch is £130, with a £50 fee for accompanying guests.
