‘Ranger and Rover’ Breaks for Foodies
Planning holidays and breaks can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to figure out the duration of the trip. A survey from RSM UK found that it was a subject many prospective holidayers considered, with 10% of people planning to reduce the amount of short stay trips they take, while 8% planned on cutting back on longer holidays of five days or more.
This is where Ranger and Rover train tickets could help whether you’re planning for a longer or shorter trip. These are train tickets that allow you unlimited train travel within a certain area and period of time, with Rangers valid for a single day while Rovers are valid for more than a day within a limited time period.
Making the most of the local areas means you can make the most of the local cuisines, which is a perfect getaway for foodies throughout the UK. That’s why we’ve put together a travel guide for foodies and enthusiasts to make the most of these tickets.
Cornwall
Coastal regions are prime locales for fresh produce and a great opportunity for budding chefs and seasoned veterans to explore their options. Cornwall is no exception, and food publications state it’s the food and restaurant scene to look out for. It is located on the coast, with chefs using local produce to offer some of the most exciting eating experiences in the UK.
The region is even now home to its own food festival the Porthleven Food Festival, where visitors can try out all of the best cuisine that Cornwall has to offer. With the Cornwall Ranger offering a day of travel around the southwest from £16 for adults and £8 for kids, whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, you can taste test everything the area has to offer.
The Scottish Highlands
While Glasgow and Edinburgh are considered the biggest draws for tourism in Scotland, the Highlands have a lot to offer when it comes to dining. From traditional dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties to seafood or classic fish and chips, all use local ingredients.
The Highland Rover pass allows travellers to get four days’ worth of travel over eight consecutive days for £95, so you can truly make the most of the beautiful scenery and delicious eateries.
The Lake District, Cumbria
Not only does the Lake District boast some of the most stunning scenery and rolling landscapes in England, but it also has a food scene that many consider unequalled. In fact, the restaurants have a combined 15 Michelin stars across 13 restaurants, which is the most of any location outside of London.
This makes the area a foodies’ dream, and the Lakes Day Ranger allows foodies to experience the Lake District for a day. Adult tickets are priced at £29.90 and children at £14.95, or you can get a family ticket for £58.80, meaning that you can fit in as many of these highly rated restaurants offering world-class food.
Ben Mercer, road bike enthusiast and director at bike business: Leisure Lakes Bikes, has emphasised how important it is to make the most of a day exploring the northwest:
“There’s so much to experience in every area of the UK, which is why ranger and rover tickets are a fantastic option for drinking (and eating) in all sorts of areas and their amazing restaurant scenes. Plus, if you bring a road bike with you on the train, you’ll be able to cover more ground quicker!”
Northumberland Coast, Northumberland
The North East of the UK has a lot to offer when it comes to food culture; from Newcastle upon Tyne’s restaurant week to Teeside’s famous parmo, there’s a lot to choose from. However, one area you may not have thought about for the best-emerging food scenes is the Northumberland Coast, which offers all kinds of seafood and cuisines to enjoy. Plus, Northumberland has been named as having one of the best UK restaurants for 2024 in Pine, offering a staggering 19 courses for seasoned foodies to sink their teeth into.
Transpennine Express offers rover tickets for the northeast of England for both four in eight days and seven days, with adult tickets priced at £120.90 and £138.80, respectively. These tickets allow for total freedom to explore all the amazing food spots available throughout the region.
Local cuisine in the UK is the best it has ever been, and the beauty of ranger and rover tickets means you can truly explore what’s available and sample the offerings. With a bit of research on the area you’re thinking about travelling to and some due diligence with your budget, you can plan a delicious getaway to experience emerging culinary scenes throughout the UK.