Explore the best 10 fall foraging trips across the UK

Engage in kayaking and fishing along the coast of Dorset.

Fore Adventure hosts outdoor activities near Studland Bay on the Jurassic Coast. They offer diverse experiences: a half-day kayak foraging adventure around Old Harry Rocks at £65, ideal for vegans and vegetarians, focusing on collecting wild plants and seaweed. Their Fishing and Foraging experience, priced at £70, involves catching crustaceans and fish like black bream, sea bass, and mackerel. Additionally, they offer the Foraging and Feasting package for £140, which includes a delightful two-course meal for those seeking an enriched adventure.

Furthermore, Fore Adventure provides a comprehensive two-day experience merging wild camping, sea kayaking, and coastal foraging at a cost of £290.

Across Britain, Wild Food UK conducts seasonal half-day foraging workshops that educate participants on identifying edible plants, mushrooms, fruits, roots, and flowers. These guided walks often commence at local pubs or glamping sites, offering an opportunity for a weekend getaway. For instance, the Peak District workshop kicks off at the charming Miners Arms in Eyam, while one of the Cumbrian courses starts at the Eden Valley Glamping site near Carlisle. Similarly, the North Yorkshire workshop begins at the Little Seed Field glampsite in Nidderdale.

During these walks, participants indulge in homemade refreshments like hogweed and wild garlic soup, alongside elderflower champagne. The workshops conclude with a delightful wild food lunch.

In Monmouthshire, Wern-y-Cwm, a Grade-II listed farm nestled within 30 acres of wildflower meadows, now offers self-catering accommodations and yurts. The farm provides guidebooks on foraging and local flora and fauna. Owner Laura Tenison shares insights on exploring for fruits, mushrooms, and nuts. Additionally, Laura collaborates with Liz Knight of Forage Fine Foods to conduct engaging half- or full-day foraging workshops set in the picturesque Black Mountains.

In Shropshire, the Hawkstone Park Follies hosts an immersive nighttime foraging experience across its extensive landscape. Torch in hand, participants explore the terrain for mushrooms, hoping to discover bioluminescent fungi that glow in the dark. The experience includes enjoying a mug of wild mushroom soup amid the enchanting setting. Guests can extend their stay by booking the newly renovated Coppice Cottage, offering picturesque views of the park.

In Hampshire, wild food expert Peter Studzinski leads a three-hour fungi foraging expedition within the New Forest National Park. Following the forage, participants enjoy a mushroom cooking demonstration and a light lunch. Later, guests explore the charming town of Stockbridge nestled in the scenic Test Valley. In the evening, Chef Phillip Bishop crafts a mushroom-inspired dinner at the historic Greyhound on the Test hotel. Guests have the option to upgrade for an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s rooms.

In Kent, a foraging expedition along the beaches and berry-rich spots near Sandwich and Deal is conducted under the guidance of wild food chef Lucia Stuart. After the adventure, the group transforms their finds into herbal cocktails and a gourmet lunch at the Pilot’s House in Deal. Accommodations are available at The Rose, a historic restaurant and boutique hotel.

The Retreats Group offers discounted courses in Pembrokeshire, conducted by Craig Evans of West Wales Coastal Foraging. The coastal expedition spans four hours, exploring beaches, rocky shores, and tidal mudflats for edible plants, mussels, and crabs. Guests can stay at one of three historic hotels: Twr y Felin, Roch Castle, or Penrhiw Priory.

Blair Castle in Perthshire hosts a three-hour foraging session led by expert Tamara Colchester. Participants explore 15 wild, edible, and medicinal trees, flowers, and plants, followed by a herbal afternoon tea with cakes and biscuits made from the harvested ingredients. Families can enjoy 90-minute children’s walks focusing on mushrooms, wild greens, berries, and wildlife exploration. Accommodations are available at Glen Glack’s five lochside woodland cabins.

Caroline Davey’s Fat Hen: The Wild Cookery School in Cornwall offers foraging days exploring Cornwall’s natural treasures, followed by meals prepared from the gathered ingredients. The autumn events include the Forage and Feast at the Gurnard’s Head and the Seaweed and Picnic, both priced at £65.

Webbe’s cookery school in Rye hosts a chanterelle foraging experience led by Paul Webbe in November. Participants embark on a mushroom-hunting adventure, followed by a collaborative preparation of a seven-course lunch. Guests can opt to stay at the Starcroft Farm Cabins, a newly established site ideal for honing foraging skills. The cost for the experience and lunch is £130.