The England Blog

Farmer's Choice - From Our Farms to Your Table

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:48:34 GMT

What do you think of the horsemeat scandal? Fed up with it, or outraged? Whatever you think, if one thing can be taken from it it’s how important it is

Wiltshire - An Ancient County

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:10:23 GMT

Prehistoric stone circles, steam trains, quaint villages and endless open spaces - Wiltshire is an ancient county worth exploring.

Oyster Festival

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:24:51 GMT

Celebrating a delicacy that was once food for the poor: the Whitstable Oyster Festival

Northumberland

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:08:05 GMT

From empty beaches to remote mountain scenery to ruined castles and churches, Northumberland has it all!

Monarchs England Never Had

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:34:10 GMT

Outmanoeuvred, killed, died or disappeared before they could be crowned - these are the monarchs England never had.

Devon: The Glorious County

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 15:55:47 GMT

Beloved of poets and holidaymakers alike, Devon is warm (for England), friendly, inviting and as spectacular inland as along its famous coast.

Get into Pirate Mode with Sir Francis Drake and The Golden Hind

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 11:21:02 GMT

If you don't know what to do with yourself and your kids, one of these holidays, why not get into pirate mode? Not just any pirate, mind, but the dread pirate Sir Francis Drake... the scourge of the Spanish and brave circumnavigator of the world. Actually, go see his ship: there's a replica in Southwark, London, and one afloat in Brixham Harbour in Devon. How they managed to stay sane for three years in such cramped conditions escapes me. And I'm not entirely sure how Queen Elizabeth I could have dined on the quarterdeck. There's barely enough space to swing the proverbial cat. Add a table, chairs and the queen's volumious skirts and you're in trouble...

English Marmalade

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 21:46:16 GMT

Start your day the English Way - with home-made English Marmalade.

Traditional teapots - made in England

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:03:52 GMT

The loss of manufacturing in the UK worries me immensely. I was looking for a traditional teapot and found exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately it was

Exploring the Cotswolds

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 09:51:59 GMT

I would love to visit England, spending most of my time in the Cotswolds. What's the best way to travel around, rent a car maybe? Answer The Cotswolds

England Recipes

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 13:35:43 GMT

What are the most loved recipes in England? Answer: That's a really difficult question! There are so many traditional recipes in England, that's it's

History of Christmas in England

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:38:40 GMT

How did Christmas start in England? I am doing a project on England in reading and social studies and I have to write a paragraph about it but i cant find

Yorkshire Pudding

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:30:38 GMT

Yorkshire pudding - one of the most cliched dishes in English cuisine, but so what? Take another look and see if you haven't missed a trick. Apparently, there are 101 uses for a Yorkshire Pudding and only very few of those involve eating it.

A Roast Goose Recipe fit for the Christmas Table

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:46:45 GMT

Roast goose was once England's favourite festive dish and each cook would have a roast goose recipe in her repertoire. And now that goose is making a comeback on the Christmas dinner table, it's time to revive the best of them.

Sausage Rolls

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:24:58 GMT

Picnic food or party food? With a litte variation in wrapping, sausage rolls can be both!

Traditional English Food

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:17:33 GMT

If you thought English Food was a joke - stop laughing! Find out how good the old classics really are and how to make them.

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:04:24 GMT

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival: celebrating cheesemaking in Dorset and Somerset.

Robert Loomes Watches

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:39:21 GMT

Robert Loomes manufacture English made mechanical wristwatches in Stamford, Lincolnshire. So far as I am aware they are the only firm to do so. www.robertloomes.com

Norfolk Food and Drink Festival

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:37:28 GMT

The EDP Adnams Norfolk Food & Drink Festival 2012 runs from Saturday 1st September to Sunday 7th October and is the largest event of its kind in the UK.

Essentially England News

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:20:31 GMT

Essentially England News brings you all the latest information about England and the site straight to your inbox.

Essentially England - Exploring English History and Traditional English Food

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:34:40 GMT

Essentially England: A goldmine of information for lovers of English history and traditional English food.

Castle Weddings: Getting Married in a Ruined English Castle

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:12:08 GMT

There's nothing more romantic than a fairytale wedding in an English castle. Fortunately, given England's long history, we have quite a few to choose

How to Buy English Food Abroad

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:56:43 GMT

I'm often asked how and where one can buy English Food abroad or online, so in response to the many questions, here's an ever-growing list of places where you can shop.

Holiday Cottages in Kent: Thomas Paine's Cottage, Sandwich

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:30:50 GMT

Once the home of Thomas Paine, this is top of my list of historical holiday cottages in Kent. These days, it makes a fine holiday retreat for a family.

Holiday Cottages in Kent: The Lookout, St.Margaret's-at-Cliffe

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:18:03 GMT

Perched on top of the White Cliffs of Dover, this is one of the most wonderful holiday cottages in Kent!

Holiday Cottages in Kent: The Lighthouse, Herne Bay>

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:03:57 GMT

Have you ever wanted to stay in a lighthouse? One of the most wonderful holiday cottages in Kent makes it possible. You can bring the whole family, too!

Holiday Cottages in Kent: Hambleton Lodge, Staple

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:48:07 GMT

One of the oldest holiday cottages in Kent, Hambleton Lodge is a quaint, 300-year-old holiday haven for a family.

Holiday Cottages in Kent: The Forge, Sandwich

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:42:47 GMT

Holiday cottages in Kent come in many shapes and sizes. This one is just right for a couple wanting to explore historic Sandwich and the rest of the garden of England.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: The Water Mill, Tissington

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:22:47 GMT

Many holiday cottages in Derbyshire are a little outside the ordinary and this one is no exception: a former water mill restored and equipped to provide holiday accommodation for up to 7 people.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: Town End Cottage, Warslow

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:18:09 GMT

One of the many holiday cottages in Derbyshire just right for a couple or young family. Explore the Manifold Valley, with walks right from the door.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: Orchard Cottage, Holmesfield

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:13:17 GMT

Away in a manger? Holiday cottages in Derbyshire come in all shapes and sizes and this romantic hideaway for two was once a stable.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: The Old Barn, Birchvale

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:07:34 GMT

Holiday cottages in Derbyshire can be many things and this one's an old barn with a beautiful view, lovingly restored to provide holiday accommodation for 6-8 people exploring the Peak District.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: The Old Angel, Winster

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:58:39 GMT

This 17th century coaching inn is one of the prettiest holiday cottages in Derbyshire. And big enough for a crowd.

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: The Malt Shovel, Alton nr. Matlock

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:09:51 GMT

A filmstar amongst holiday cottages in Derbyshire: the Malt Shovel starred in Peak Practice!

Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire: The Gothic Temple, Kedleston

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:05:37 GMT

Ever wanted to stay in a romantic folly? There are plenty of holiday cottages in Derbyshire, the heart of the beautiful Peak District, and this Gothic Temple is one of the quirkiest.

Watercress Soup Take II: A Light Lunch

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:44:49 GMT

Watercress Soup can be turned into a perfect light lunch by using light stock and a little sour cream.

Watercress Soup Take III: A Hearty Lunch

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:42:53 GMT

Watercress Soup can be a hearty, warming lunch - just add potatoes and celery to the mix.

Train Travel in England

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:13:57 GMT

Train travel in England - explore England's most beautiful sceneries on rails.

Shepherds Pie

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:46:36 GMT

Shepherds Pie, made from minced lamb in tasty gravy and mashed potatoes, is truly thrifty comfort food

Traditional Sausage Rolls

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:42:10 GMT

Puff pastry sausage rolls, crisp on the outside and filled with flavoursome hot sausage meat, make ideal party food. Just make sure you serve them hot!

Seasonal foods and food festivals in England: July

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:22:23 GMT

It's summer in England and here are food festivals and the best seasonal food you can find in July

Facts about England

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:51:59 GMT

Need some facts about England? From time to weather, landscape to industry - here they are!

England Visa Information

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:02 GMT

England visa information for visitors. Find out if you need a visa to visit and where to get it.

Cottage Pie

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:16:41 GMT

Cottage Pie: made with ground beef in gravy and mashed potatoes, baked until hot and bubbling. It's pub lunch par excellence

Blackberry Jam: the taste of autumn

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 17:11:34 GMT

For the true taste of autumn try blackberry jam. Great on toast, in pies and even as a cake filling.

Apple Dumplings

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:53:49 GMT

Apple Dumplings must have been the original surprise pudding. And they still delight everyone presented with them for the first time.

How to Make Lemon Curd

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:38:55 GMT

A luscious, lemony filling or spread - traditionally made lemon curd is a great kitchen standby!

Ideas for More Unusual England Holidays and Tours

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:02:15 GMT

Driving, walking, boating? History lover or food buff? Following in the footstep of your favourite film? Ghost hunting? This page features tours and ideas for your England holidays.

An Interview with Howard Goodall

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:51:43 GMT

Howard Goodall: while promoting his new album The Seasons, the composer kindly answered a few questions for Essentially England.

5 Star Hotels in London from San Domenico House to Threadneedles

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:45:56 GMT

5 Star Hotels in London: London's finest hotels from San Domenico House to Threadneedles.