Lancashire Love Artisans Food Tour with Guide

Planning a foodie adventure that combines authentic local flavors with scenic countryside and engaging storytelling? The Lancashire Love Artisans Food Tour offers just that—a well-rounded, immersive experience showcasing some of the region’s most talented artisan producers. This guided day trip from Lancaster is designed for those who enjoy good food, great company, and a dash of local history.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the knowledgeable guide Katie keeps the energy lively and informative, turning each stop into a mini story about Lancashire’s culinary culture. The variety of tastings—from cheeses to craft beers and gins—gives you plenty of opportunities to discover new favorites. Plus, the scenic drives and charming villages make it a balanced blend of food and scenery.

However, keep in mind that the tour spans about 7 hours, with roughly three hours of travel and stops, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a full day out and are prepared for some walking and seated tastings. If you’re a dedicated food lover or casual explorer eager to learn about regional producers, this is a strong choice.

Good To Know

• Authentic Artisan Focus: Direct visits to local producers such as cheese centers, distilleries, and breweries.
• Expert Guide: Katie’s knowledge enriches the experience with stories about history, legends, and local culture.
• Diverse Tastings: From Lancashire cheeses to craft beers and gin flights, covering a spectrum of flavors.
• Scenic Route: The tour includes beautiful views of the Lune estuary, Forest of Bowland, and rural villages.
• Value for Money: At just over $200, it includes seven tasting experiences, transport, and insights.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personal attention and a friendly vibe.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Lancaster Castle and Atkinsons Coffee Roasters

Your day begins at Lancaster Castle, a historic site with centuries of stories. Within walking distance, you’ll meet your guide Katie at Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, a renowned local coffee and tea merchant. Here, you’re greeted with freshly brewed coffee or tea and a selection of baked goods, setting a warm, welcoming tone. It’s a perfect way to kick off the day, blending history with modern artisan craftsmanship.

Insight from reviews: One visitor shared, “Katie was a delightful host—friendly, chatty, very knowledgeable—and the perfect person to introduce us to local producers.” The free admission makes this start both charming and accessible.

Glasson Dock and the Lune Estuary

Next, a scenic 20-minute drive takes you along the Lune estuary to the historic Glasson Dock. The guide highlights the area’s maritime history while you enjoy views of salt marshes and the bay. The stop offers a chance to pick up some local specialties from a smokehouse—perfect for taking home some of Lancashire’s finest smoked fish or other delicacies.

Traveler tip: The views here are stunning, and the shopping opportunity means you can grab authentic local products, making the experience tangible rather than just visual.

Forest of Bowland – Nature and Food

Moving inland, you’ll visit the Forest of Bowland, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The highlight is a stop at a cozy country inn, where sharing platters of local cheeses, meats, and bread are served alongside craft beers, gin, or wine. This is a true taste of rural Lancashire, with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

From a review: “Fantastic from start to finish. Great food and drinks, and Katie’s knowledge of the area made it even better,” one guest remarks, emphasizing how the stops offer more than just tastings—they’re conversations about local tradition.

Goosnargh – The Cheese Capital

No artisan tour of Lancashire would be complete without a visit to the Cheese Centre of the Kingdom in Goosnargh. Here, you’ll sample some of Lancashire’s legendary cheeses, with plenty of tasting options. This stop is especially popular, as visitors love discovering the distinctive flavors of Lancashire cheeses, which have a storied reputation.

Insight: The cheese tasting is the highlight for many, with one reviewer calling it “legendary,” and it gives you a genuine flavor of Lancashire’s dairy expertise.

Wild Fox Distillery – Gin on the Farm

The Wild Fox Distillery offers a tasting experience on the farm, with the chance to sample artisan craft gins. The family-run distillery provides insights into the gin-making process, adding a personal touch. For those over 18, this is a chance to try a selection of gins or other spirits, with the option to purchase bottles directly.

From a review: “The gin tasting was a real highlight, and the shop had some fantastic options,” a visitor notes, highlighting the authentic, small-batch charm of this stop.

Garstang – Medieval Markets and Ice Creams

As you head back towards Lancaster, Garstang, known as the world’s first Fairtrade Town, offers a glimpse into local history and modern ethics. Along the way, enjoy farm-made ice creams, perfect for a sweet break. The town’s past as a Viking and Roman settlement adds an extra layer of interest, making this stop both tasty and educational.

Cockerham – Brews and Local Drinks

The final stop at a craft brewery on a farm offers beer flights or alternative drinks like local gin, wine, or soft drinks. It’s a fitting way to conclude a day of tasting, with relaxed conversations and a chance to soak in the countryside views.

Insight: The tour’s flexibility means those who prefer non-alcoholic options aren’t left out, and the group size keeps the experience intimate and friendly.

What’s Included and How It Feels in Practice

For $200.19, the tour provides seven food and drink experiences—an impressive spread that covers cheeses, beers, gins, ice creams, and sharing platters. The inclusion of a guide and air-conditioned transportation ensures comfort and local insights throughout the day.

The tour’s timing—starting at 11:00 am and lasting about 7 hours—gives ample opportunity to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The 3-hour drive time might seem long, but it’s part of the scenic charm, with Katie entertaining guests with stories about Lancashire’s legends and history along the way.

From reviews: Guests appreciate Katie’s friendly, knowledgeable approach, often describing her as “delightful, chatty, and very organized,” which makes the day flow smoothly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Foodies eager to explore artisan producers will find this tour a treasure trove of local flavors. History buffs who enjoy a blend of scenic views and storytelling will also be satisfied. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and tastings, with a small group size that fosters a relaxed, conversational atmosphere.

While the price might seem high, the variety and quality of experiences—plus the chance to take home some artisan goodies—make it a good value for anyone craving an authentic taste of Lancashire.

The Sum Up

The Lancashire Love Artisans Food Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at the region’s food and drink scene. From cheeses in Goosnargh to gin on the farm, and scenic drives through picturesque villages, it’s perfect for curious food lovers and anyone wanting to learn about Lancashire’s local craftsmanship.

The guide Katie’s friendly, knowledgeable style makes each stop feel like catching up with an old friend—adding warmth to the tasting experiences. The small group size ensures personalized attention and plenty of conversation, making the day feel more like a shared adventure than a tour.

If you enjoy discovering hidden local gems, sampling high-quality artisan foods, and soaking up countryside views, this tour delivers a memorable day out. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate storytelling alongside their tastings, and who want to take home a taste of Lancashire’s finest produce.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is the tour start time? The tour begins at 11:00 am from Lancaster Castle and runs for approximately 7 hours.

Are dietary requirements accommodated? You are advised to contact the provider before booking to specify dietary needs, but generally, the stops include a range of options.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol? Absolutely. Non-alcoholic options like soft drinks are available at stops offering gin or beer tastings, and the tour includes plenty of food tastings for all.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Is it suitable year-round? Yes, the tour runs in all seasons, giving you flexible options to explore Lancashire’s flavors regardless of the weather.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a sense of curiosity. The tour involves some walking, and you’ll want to capture the beautiful scenery.

Are children allowed? The tour is best suited for adults, especially since some stops involve alcohol tastings. Over 18s only for gin and alcohol-related experiences.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How physically demanding is the tour? Moderate—expect some walking and sitting, but nothing too strenuous. It’s designed for most travelers in good health.

This Lancashire artisan tour is a fantastic way to indulge in regional flavors, learn about local traditions, and enjoy scenic countryside—all with the comfort of a guided, small-group experience.