‘Crude Food’ at the York Food Festival in 2009

Head to the York Food Festival – taking place in some of the city’s best historic venues between 18 and 27 September – and sample some of Yorkshire’s finest food and drink.

This year’s theme is ‘crude food’ – which can be natural or raw, strange-shaped or blemished – but still very tasty. Highlights include urban foraging courses through graveyards and riverbanks, cookery courses, taste workshops and demonstrations, along with farmer’s markets selling organic fruit, vegetables and meat.

Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings, cocktail making demonstrations, follow the festival ‘ale trail’ and enjoy two-course ‘fixed priced’ lunches at a selection of restaurants throughout the city.

Many events are free, check out yorkfoodfestival.com for more details.

Yorkshire Cottages features a wide range of properties in York including ‘The Old Shoulder’, a two-bedroom/two-bathroom property located just a mile from the city walls.

A week from 19 September in this attractive cottage conversion – an ideal choice for two couples planning a break together – costs £435.

The company is also highlighting a number of properties on the outskirts of the city - ideally located to take advantage of York’s ‘Park and Ride’ transport system - including ‘The Coach House’ sleeping four and costing £525 for seven nights and ‘The Tack Room’, sleeping two and priced at £355 for seven nights.

For more information and reservations, visit yorkshire-cottages.info.