Great British Bake Off: Six UK holidays for baking fans
The Great British Bake Off is back and has us thinking about where we can get our fix of all things floury in the UK this summer.
From soggy bottoms to perfect buns, holiday home rental site HouseTrip has rounded up the best bake-cation locations across Britain to give you a taste of Britain's baking past this summer.
Whether you fancy a visit to the location of the famous Hovis Gold Hill advert or would like to know the rumours behind how Eton mess got its name, these are the destinations to visit and sample your favourite pastries, cakes and breads.
1 Hovis Bread: Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset
The famous Hovis advert was filmed in 1973 on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and it was an advert that earned itself a slice of British history. (Little-known fact: it was filmed by Oscar winning director Ridley Scott). Shaftesbury is the highest town in Dorset, offering stunning views of the Dorset countryside. One of the neighbouring towns, Gillingham, has a rich history that dates back over thousands of years and the town has enjoyed mentions in numerous literary works including the work of Thomas Hardy. Stay at No.3 Powlett Road Central Bath, from £177 per night (sleeps four).
2 Bakewell Tart: Bakewell, Derbyshire Dales
The Bakewell Tart is said to have been created after a chef mixed the wrong recipe at the Rutland Arms in the small town of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales in England. The tart is made from short crust pastry filled with sponge cake, a layer of jam and an egg and almond filling which is then topped with white fondant icing and a red cherry. The surrounding area boasts the beautiful Chatsworth house, a thrilling cable car ride with amazing views of the Dales, as well as a wealth of other places to visit including historic houses, beautiful gardens, steam railways and a family theme park. Stay at Knowles House, from £385 per night (sleeps 12).
3 Eccles Cake: Eccles, Greater Manchester
Named after the English town of Eccles, an Eccles cake is a small, round cake filled with currants and made from flaky pastry with butter, sometimes topped with Demerara sugar. The town of Eccles is situated in the City of Salford in Greater Manchester, only 3.7 miles west of Manchester city centre. For sports mad fans who aren't Bake-off obsessed, the famous Old Trafford, home to Manchester United football team and Manchester City's football grounds are both nearby. Stay at Luxury Furnished Studio Apartment, from £118 per night (sleeps two).
4 Eton Mess: Eton, Berkshire
Eton mess is a traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, pieces of meringue and cream, which is traditionally served at Eton College's annual cricket game against the pupils of Harrow School. Eton and Windsor have an eclectic mix of history, culture, heritage and fun making them lovely short break destinations. Known the world over, Windsor Castle and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort are 'must-see' attractions, as well as the infamous Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440 which is teaming with history and an impressive array of former students. Stay at Luxury Cottage waterfront views, from £538 per night (sleeps seven).
5 Kendal Mint Cake: Kendal, Cumbria
Kendal Mint Cake is a confection flavoured with peppermint, which originates from Kendal in Cumbria, England. It is popular among climbers and mountaineers as a source of energy. The town of Kendal is situated to the South of the Lake District and only a few miles from the sea. It boasts plenty of history with two castles, two museums and a host of historical buildings and bridges to explore. Stay at The Tack Barn, Kendal, from £57 per night (sleeps two).
6 Scones: Devon and Dorset
Contrary to popular opinion, it is thought that scones may well have originated in Scotland, with the first known print reference being in 1513, from a Scottish poet. However, they are more widely known as a speciality of Devon and Cornwall and are famously offered for sale in tea rooms served with jam and clotted cream across the counties. Both counties are known for their quiet coves, sandy beaches, great wildlife and rolling countryside offering stunning views and a multitude of places to explore. The Dorset and East Devon Coast, also known as The Jurassic Coast, was the first 'natural' World Heritage Site. It spans 95 miles of dramatic coastline and includes a range of world-renowned fossils of all types. Stay at Rural Barn Conversion, from £69 per night (sleeps five).
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