Unusual Culinary Experiences On Your UK Road Trip

Food can quickly become one of the best parts of a road trip. There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of discovering new favourite flavours, aromas and textures and learning about a place through its food culture. But some cafes and restaurants take this concept to the next level and beyond. Check out some of the most unusual culinary experiences you can have on your motorhome trip through the United Kingdom.

The Kings' Banquet at Winterfell

Ever wished you could be a part of Game of Thrones? Now’s your chance! Get whisked away to Winterfell with a banquet at the Cuan, Northern Island. This is where the stars of Game of Thrones stayed for some of the series, just down the road from Winterfell Castle. Dress up in Stark cloaks, pose for pictures, and enjoy a banquet fit for kings and queens. On the menu are delights like freshly baked Winterfell bread, cod cakes, honey-roasted chicken and gravy, and iced blueberries in sweet cream. These dishes are directly inspired by food described by George R. R. Martin in his iconic books.

But that’s not all. You can even stay at the Cuan Hotel - where the stars relaxed and slept - and walk in your favourite Stark’s shoes. If you’ve had your fill at the banquet, you can walk down the road to explore filming sites at Winterfell Castle or go in for seconds with a mouth-watering ‘Ned’s Picnic’ experience outside the castle.

To discover the magic of Winterfell, hire an RV in Belfast and drive for less than an hour southeast.

Dans le Noir, London

They say when one of your senses is taken away, the others become heightened… Well then, imagine dining in the pitch black, unable to see what’s on your plate in front of you. This is what happens when you dine at Dans le Noir in London, where your meal is hosted and served by visually impaired staff. Get ready to leave all your preconceived ideas about dining at the door and surrender to the flavours of things you can’t see - but boy, can you taste them!

While the menu is, of course, kept a secret until the event, you can choose a meat-based, pescatarian or vegetarian/vegan option, so there’s something for everyone. Each menu is changed every three months to keep things fresh and surprising. Part of the fun is guessing what you are eating and drinking, and then at the end, finally being told exactly what you’ve consumed!

Hire a motorhome in London and make the trip to this amazing restaurant for an incredible culinary experience, which will also help deepen your understanding of blindness and disability.

The Clink, Wales

You might not expect to get an amazing meal at a prison, but if you visit The Clink Restaurant at the HM Prison in Cardiff, get ready to throw all your biases out the window.

This restaurant is staffed by prisoners within prison grounds, giving them the opportunity of employment and rehabilitation. They work towards qualifications in food prep, food service and customer service, which helps them secure jobs upon their release. And it has more than just the feel-good factor - the food is really good too! It has won awards and uses fresh, organic produce from around Wales as much as possible.

You will be served a delicious menu by the prisoners-in-training, which might feature classics like baked citrus cod, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, fruit crumbles and so much more. Just note that no alcohol is available at the restaurant, as it is banned on prison grounds. Enjoy a mocktail instead!

To get to The Clink, you can hire a campervan in Bristol and drive less than an hour west.

Inverlochy Castle, Scotland

Head to the Scottish Highlands and dine like an olden-day royal at Inverlochy Castle. Queen Victoria herself spent a week at this picturesque spot in 1873, enjoying the peaceful lush grounds, so you know it has got to be good. Views of evergreen trees, a private loch and the 1345-metre-high Ben Nevis mountain are sure to soothe your soul.

At the castle's Albert and Michel Roux Jr Restaurant, savour a 5-course menu based on modern British cuisine, featuring a perfect pinch of French influence. Your dining experience is safe in the hands of the famous cheffing father and son duo, Albert and Michel. Whether it’s the finest cut of beef or a delicate souffle, you won’t leave unsatisfied.

Start in the Great Hall for a drink by the roaring fireplace, then head to the dining rooms where you can lounge upon elegant furniture gifted to the castle by the King of Norway. Elaborate painted ceilings and chandeliers will provide the finishing touch to your royal dining experience.

Hire a motorhome at Inverness and drive 1.5 hours southwest to reach this beautiful castle.

Circus, London

Are you ready for your dinner to come to life and explore the UK with your RV hire? Then give Circus in London a visit. Not only will you enjoy a smorgasbord of Pan-Asian delights, but you’ll also be treated to glamorous and jaw-dropping circus performances. The exact line-up is always kept a surprise, but expect anything from aerial performers and contortionists to acrobats, fire-breathers, hula-hoopers, burlesque and drag performers on stage.

Choose from a variety of food styles: the vegan tasting menu and the chef’s tasting menu are both a hit. Whatever you choose, expect to sample a number of delicious morsels along the way.

Which unique dining experience has your tummy rumbling? Or have we missed one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to sift and select from the best motorhome rental deals from Luton, from Birmingham, from Bristol, and satisfy your cravings for UK adventures!