Tuck-in

Surrey takes its reputation as a gastro hub outdoors this summer with a number of food and drink festivals.

Surrey has a thriving foodie scene and what better way to celebrate the summer - and the scenery - than with a visit to one of the area’s outstanding food festivals.

Pub in the Park

Reigate kicks off proceedings with Pub in the Park (July 11-13). Bringing three days of mouth-watering dishes to Priory Park from top chefs including festival founder Tom Kerridge, TV favourite Simon Rimmer and former Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown. 

There will also be entertainment from Dizzee Rascal, Will Young and Gok Wan who will be performing a DJ set. Get ready to tuck in to produce from The Abbey Inn by Tommy Banks, Sticky Mango, temper, and The Butcher's Tap & Grill, alongside returning favourites such as Hangfire BBQ and The Green Man.

Tickets are available per afternoon/evening session and start at £49.50 per adult. Visit: pubintheparkuk.com

Cheese & Chilli Festival

Guildford’s Shalford Park is the venue for the Cheese and Chilli Festival (July 19-20), the one and only event in the UK that brings together the amazing flavours of cheese and chilli in a festive atmosphere!

The legendary Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave will be back in action this year at the Cooking Theatre where you can also enjoy a mix of cooking demos and insightful talks from local cheese and chilli producers, all eager to share their passion and expertise - and the Theatre will once again host the crowd-favourite Chilli Challenge! 

In a slight change from the norm, you will also find wrestling competitions, a tasting tent, live music and children’s entertainment.

Tickets start at £12 per adult. Visit: cheeseandchillifestival.com

The Surrey Food Festival

Old Deer Park in Richmond is the setting for the Surrey Food Festival (July 26-27). Launched in 2016, this is one of the highlights of the summer season. There is a huge amount on offer including a marketplace packed with independent traders, a gin bar complete with more than 20 artisan tipples, and a Kids Zone which has entertainment acts, garden games, balloon modelling and a selection of rides. Plus music all day from a selection of local - and not-so-local - acts.

Tickets start at £15 for two adults for two days. Visit: thelocalfoodfestival.com

Sausage & Cider Festival

Over to Stoke Park in Guildford next for the Sausage & Cider Festival (August 2). There’s an array of amazing food and drink on offer plus plenty of ways to join in and have fun while you are there. With more than 30 varieties of cider on offer, and 20 types of sausage - this event certainly does what it says on the tin! 

Alongside this, there are sausage-eating competitions, a foodie market to explore or you could try your hand at axe throwing. The whole event wraps up with a silent disco to help you burn off all those glorious bangers! 

Tickets start at £25.50 per adult. Visit: sausageandciderfest.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival 

The sumptuous royal residence provides the backdrop for the annual Hampton Court Palace Food Festival (August 23-25), offering a summer bank holiday weekend featuring entertainment for all the family in the beautiful palace gardens.

There will be a host of delicious street food sellers to visit, plus amazing pop-up bars serving tasty tipples, refreshing craft beers and exquisite wines.

With more 150 fantastic brands and producers taking part, you'll be able to get your hands on everything from mouth-watering cheeses and sausages to brownies and churros. 

What's more, the entrance ticket will give you access to the historic palace, the former residence of Henry VIII, his wives and children.

Tickets start at £30.90 per adult. The event is free for members. Visit: hrp.org.uk