“The Great British Baking Show” has distinguished itself as a cultural institution over a baker’s dozens of seasons. Also known as simply “Bake Off,” this cult favorite has inspired loads of discussion about favorite contestants and the famous competitions. Even the tabloids have joined in on the fun, digging for itty bitty crumbs of gossip to create explosive three-tiered scandals.
Fans of the beloved reality television show can now visit some of the London-area locations where the show has been filmed when traveling through the United Kingdom. While the private residences of Harptree Court, Somerset and Welford Park, Newbury, Berkshire only welcome visitors on rare occasions, two of the mansions invite tourists to immerse themselves in the magic of Bake Off.
We’re sure once you familiarize yourself with these oh-so-British locations, you’re going to want to grab some cheap flights to London and back so you can take in all there is to see — and eat!
Fulham Palace House and Garden, London
Fulham Palace, the Tudor Courtyard by Michael Coppins licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The rich history of Fulham Palace stretches well beyond its place in Bake Off lore. The palace has spanned a period of over 1,300 years, boasting the distinction of being the home to 113 bishops. In addition to checking out where the show was filmed, visitors will also enjoy touring the many rooms and the historic museum that call the grounds home. The lush 13-acre garden area is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty around you. You will find the Fulham Palace located a short walk from the Putney Bridge stop on the District Line.
Valentines Mansion, London
Valentines Mansion, Front Entrance by the wub licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Over 300 years old, this grade II listed country house is located in the Redbridge area of London. Surrounding the Valentines Mansion, you will find stunning gardens that provide the perfect backdrop for your tour. The mansion and its onsite gardens are open to the public, making it easy to see where some of the most memorable Bake Off scenes were filmed. Highlights of the tour include the Kitchen Garden, the Rose Garden, and the rotating art exhibitions held in the mansion.
Both the Fulham Palace and the Valentines Mansion hosted the show during its first four seasons. In addition to visiting the two mansions, fans of the show can also sample some of the best treats in British baking with a trip to these popular London bakeries.
Peggy Porschen Cakes, Belgravia
Peggy Porschen Cakes by Images George Rex licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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With locations in Belgravia and Chelsea, Peggy Porschen is a convenient place to pop in for a sweet treat. You cannot miss the charming pink exterior that invites you in to sample the deliciousness. The pretty pink parlours offer treats that are as beautiful as their surroundings. Pair your cupcake with a perfectly brewed cup of tea or a sparkling flute of champagne for the ultimate indulgence. You can also book an afternoon tea, featuring a cornucopia of seasonal offerings within the fairy tale setting.
Cutter & Squidge, Soho
What was once a pop-up bakery is now a full parlour. Cutter & Squidge is home to a wide array of sweets and treats. In addition to the many cakes, you will also be able to sample specialty biscuits, award-winning salted caramel, and more. Cutter & Squidge also caters to special diets with options such as the vegetarian marshmallows or wheat-free and vegan tea boxes. The afternoon tea in the Potion Room is the quintessential London experience that should not be missed. You can also choose to enjoy tea at home with one of the themed gift boxes.
Lily Vanilli, Bethnal Green
Lily Jones first got her start catering to the celebrities of the London scene. Located off Columbia Road, the famous Lily Vanilli bakery offers a bevy of savory snacks, custom cakes, and treats for every taste bud. While the bakery is only open Thursdays through Sundays, it is well worth your effort to carve out time to stand in line to sample some of her creations. A stop at Lily Vanilli is the perfect accompaniment to a day a the nearby Columbia River flower market.
The Cake Parlour, Kensington
The Cake Parlour prides itself on using only the highest quality of ingredients in its beautifully crafted cakes. Every detail is considered when designing these true works of art. In addition to the elaborate cakes, the parlour also offers cookies, macaroons, cake pops, and more. The expert bakers are on hand to help you to pick out the perfect treat for your next special occasion.
Primrose Bakery, Camden Town
Martha Swift founded Primrose Bakery in 2004, and has since built a loyal following of customers that swear by the mouth-watering cakes, cupcakes, biscuits, pies, tarts, and more. In addition to an expansive delivery service, Primrose Bakery also offers a comfortable eat-in dining area in Primrose Hill. Want to learn how to decorate your own beautiful cakes? Be sure to look into the many classes offered at the bakery.
So, what do you say? Does London and its environs seem like a great place to plan a sweet vacation, or what? Why not channel that Bake Off enthusiasm and get yourself some uniquely British treats?
Do you have a favorite spot in London for delectable pastries? Let us know in the comments below!
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