There’s now an array of award-winning wines born from home-grown grapes like bacchus, ortega or chardonnay that not only rival that of neighbouring Europe, but are brilliant expressions of the land that they’re produced on; creating unique vintages and blends that have rightfully earned their place at the dining table.

English sparkling wine is even giving champagne a run for its money. Such is the quality that these vines are producing, that French wine house Taittinger bought up vineyards in Kent in 2015, with their first offering, Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée released in 2023. The result? “A delicious wine and a great addition to the English sparkling scene,” as one critic described it.

With an estimated 1,030 vineyards currently in the country, sales are also going from strength to strength, with 8.8 million bottles of English and Welsh wine sold in 2023.

So what’s led to this change in British wine? A number of things, actually. An increased understanding of viticulture; more innovative people becoming involved in the wine-making scene, and the rising temperatures because of the climate crisis have all resulted in this new, celebrated generation of wines.

And there’s no better place to try out the wines than in the vineyards themselves. While places like Bordeaux, Douro or Tuscany are well-travelled wine-tasting locations, those in the know are now keeping it British, and heading off to wine tours in the rolling hills and rushing rivers of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Somerset and Wales. These locations often offer immersive tasting experiences, boutique stays and Michelin star-level dining amid the vines.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best British vineyards to visit – or their wines to try – from long-established producers like Nyetimber and Chapel Down to exciting newcomers carving out reputations in lesser-known corners of the country.

Can the UK rival California’s famed Napa and Sonoma Valley? It’s a yes from us – and with the additional bonus that an excellent cream tea is never too far away, too.

London

Forty Hall Vineyard

We start, almost unbelievably, in London – Enfield in North London, to be exact – where it’s likely to be one of the only vineyards in the world where tower blocks and skyscraper cityscapes can be seen in the distance beyond the vineyard.

Forty Hall Vineyard – just a 10-minute drive from Enfield Town or Turkey Street train station – was set up as a social enterprise in 2009 by Sarah Vaughn Roberts, who planted the vines as part of a project with the neighbouring environmental school, Capel Manor College.

Set within the stunning grounds of the Forty Hall Estate, a Grade 1 listed Jacobean manor house and its surrounding gardens and parkland, the place is worthy of a day trip in itself. But just past the working farm – where you might spot piglets or cows en route – are the two fields of vineyards.

The 10 acres of land produces about 30,000 bottles a year – though like all the winemakers in this article have commented, this varies according to the weather: 2023, for example, was considered a washout year for many because of the wet weather.

Emma Lundie is head of operations at Forty Hall, and as we wander through the vineyard on a sunny May day, she explains that producing great, certified organic wine is just one part of the not-for-profit project. “The people element is really important to us – we have about 100 people who volunteer to work on the vines all the year,” she says, as they focus on the eco-therapy benefits of time spent in the vines; physical and mental wellbeing, through social connection and gentle outdoor activity. “For a lot of people coming here, whether working or visiting, it’s like a little sanctuary,” she adds.

The must-try bottle here is their London Brut, with, fittingly, apple and pear notes; a real crisp and fruity treat, while their Bacchus sets the bar high for what’s becoming a signature English grape. Book their tasting tours (£21) in advance – there’s two a month from the spring time during their regular farmers markets – and it’s also a nice excuse to pick up some seasonal local fruit and veg while here.

Renegade

Jumping onto a double-decker bus to Walthamstow, there’s another urban winery in the capital city: Renegade. First set up in Bethnal Green in 2016, they moved to another site further out east in 2021, where – using grapes from both around the UK and Europe – they make modern, expressive wines. So while they don’t have a vineyard to tour, they have two venues where you can taste their wines, which all have the stand-out bottle labels featuring eyes of someone who lives in the UK, and also named after them too.

It’s worth searching out Jamie, their bacchus pet nat (naturally slightly sparkling), for an elderflower and apricot-like fizz, or the slightly more minerally still, skin-contact bacchus, Rahul. New for 2025 is their Pig’s Nose Pink, named after Renegade’s founder, Warwick, who described the sort of rosé he wanted to create. Animal-lovers will be pleased to know this wine – like all Renegade’s wines – is vegan.

Kent

OFFVINE

South of the capital, the county of Kent, often dubbed England’s garden, is fast becoming known as the Napa Valley of the UK, with around 120 vineyards currently growing the country’s best wines. This south-eastern region enjoys some of the warmest, sunny weather in the UK, and the chalky nature of the soil – similar to the terroir of the Champagne region in France — allows the grapes to flourish on the vines, which is why it’s arguably the heart of the new British wine production.

It’s something Kent-dwelling Rachel Proctor recognised when she set up OFFVINE, a wine-tasting tour of some of the best independent vineyards in the area in 2024. With the tagline 'you drink, we drive', the tour (from £125) picks up wine enthusiasts from Ashford train station, then ferries them around two or three local vineyards by minivan, stopping halfway for a charcuterie lunch laden with local cured meats and cheeses. It’s a simple, inspired idea; a new generation of wine tasting tours.

“I’m no wine expert,” she says. “But I’ve done my 10,000 hours of tasting and I want more to make it accessible for everyone. My aim is to get people who spend lots of time in wine bars but wouldn’t think to go on a tour discovering English wine. On the tours, you’ll meet the winemaker and hear their story as you taste the wine and enjoy the nature around you.”

Nine Oaks

There are plenty of vineyards to visit in the vicinity of Ashford. Nine Oaks is a young, family-run business who first took over three hectares of farmland to put in vines back in 2020, and asked ChatGPT what vines they should plant. This novel idea has paid off: their pinot noir rosé has won awards at the Independent English Wine Awards, and their Classic Cuvée is another big hitter. “We just wanted to make the best wine we possibly could,” says owner Martyn, which is a great mission statement. There are more exciting plans set for these up-and-coming winemakers, with them shortly opening bottles of their 2022 Blanc de Blancs for the first time. Tours here cost from £16.

Westwell

Westwell – set up by former music label founder Adrian Pike – is another big name in the Kent wine world. Set by the historic Pilgrims Way, close to Canterbury, its wines like the blanc de blancs have also become a legend in their own right, while those who prefer the more natural end of wine will enjoy a glass of its skin contact ortega, their signature on-site grape. Meanwhile, the Little Bit wine (a nod to the song by Lykke Li), is an lively, experimental drink made from the final, hard press of the grapes and is great value at £16 a bottle.

Tours at Westwell cost £28 a person and the large barn on the estate makes it a destination in itself. It’s become a popular location in the local community, hosting events like weekly pizza nights, cinema screenings, theatre productions – even an annual dog show.

Ham Street

Ham Street is one of the newer vineyards on this list, set up by husband and wife duo, Lucie and Jules in 2019. They are fiercely biodynamic, focusing on regenerative farming, and create small batch natural wines that are the toast of the area. Ham Street's chardonnay bacchus 23 (£27) lies somewhere between a natural white and an orange wine; and is perfect for long summer days, or pairing with grilled meats, fish or vegetables – one for the barbecue season. Tours and tastings at its bijou vineyard cost £25 per person, with a minimum of four people.

Chapel Down

Any guide to British wine would be remiss not to include two of the biggest names in the business, Chapel Down and Nyetimber. Chapel Down, one of the UK’s biggest producers of wine, is based near the market town of Tenterden, and its sprawling vineyards attract wine lovers all year long. Boasting 2.4 million bottles of the stuff a year, there’s plenty of unique opportunities to sample its offerings on a visit to their well-established site. There’s the option of taking a self-guided tour (£30), walking through the vines at a relaxed pace, or instead, there’s their vine, wine and dine tour (£110) where a guide will take you through a tasting of five of the signature wines, followed by a three-course lunch at its onsite restaurant, The Swan, whose elevated take on local produce landed it two AA Rosettes. For the more wellness-minded, sign up for the sunset yoga sessions, or in the height of summer, a popular event is the Bacchus Orchestra gig, where the band play classics and show tunes amid the vines. Does the music help the grapes better? Possibly – maybe that’s the reason that Chapel Down’s wines have won so many awards – its rosé brut previously won a platinum award in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Nyetimber

Nyetimber – who have been making wine since 1988 – is the other behemoth of the English wine scene, with its fizz being regarded as the Great British standard and appearing in some of the best restaurants and fanciest events in the country. Its vineyards sprawl across several sites in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, but the main site in West Chiltington, surrounded by its verdant hills, is best visited for one of its celebrated Open Day tours (£50). The two-and-half-hour experience takes in its celebrated vineyards – some of the oldest vines in England – and culminates in a tasting of the best of its sparkling wine. Meanwhile, foodies will want to splash out on its bucket-list fine dining experience (£195). Starting with canapés and classic cuvee in its White Barn, the sumptuous four-course dinner then moves to its 15th-century Medieval Barn: a total bucket-list experience, and the finest way to enjoy its vintages.

Sussex

Tillingham

A little further south, close to the charming seaside town of Rye, is Tillingham. This biodynamic vineyard is perhaps one of the best and most well-known natural wine producers in the country. Their speciality is a qvevri wine, an orange wine that’s fermented in clay pots, as per the centuries-old Georgian process. Its yearly offerings quickly sell out, so real fans know to get in there early to ensure getting their hands on its coveted floral and white fruity col, its vinho verde-like chardonnay or their tangy pet nat. There’s also 11 rooms of boutique accommodation, and if you’re staying overnight, then the tasting menu in the gourmet restaurant is a must. If you’re just stopping by for a wine-tasting (£35), it’s worth timing it for when the pizza oven is fired up, for a casual and cheaper dining experience among the vines.

Norfolk

Flint

To the north-east of Sussex, in East Anglia, Flint are leading the way in ultra-premium but small-batch wines. It's making big waves with its crisp, appley flagship fizz called Charmat, after the method of making the bubbles. While wine tasting tours cost £15 – probably the most budget-friendly on our list – it's also big on social events. Any given month might see a twilight supperclub, a yoga session held in the vines or live music on its lively Flint Friday summer nights.

Somerset

Wraxall

Wraxall’s vines might have been first planted in 1974, but Lexa and David, who took over the site in 2021 have taken the vines – and the wines – to heady new heights since then. Just a stone’s throw from Glastonbury, the couple are all about making great wines and presenting them unpretentiously and with as much accessibility to the public as possible. That’s why they’re equally happy giving vineyard tours and tastings (£30) themselves, or setting up self-guided tastings to let people enjoy it by themselves at their own leisure.

“In five years, we’ve seen some massive changes in how British wines have been viewed,” says Lexa. “I think there’s been more publicity about it, it’s more accessible and personally I think it’s better.”

“We’re noticing that groups of people, like birthday parties or hen parties are asking for English sparkling wine now, rather than prosecco,” she adds. “It feels like a younger generation are enjoying discovering it, while older people are also more open to it,” as evidenced by a recent 70th birthday party held in a marquee in the vineyards.

Wraxall’s on-site accommodation gives a quaint slice of English countryside life with several cottages next to the vineyards, while its green fruit-inspired bacchus – which won Best Still Bacchus in the 2024 WineGB awards – is best popped in its look-out restaurant and lounge situated at the top of the hill of vineyards, with the bucolic greens of the local farms stretching far out into the distance.

Durslade Vineyard

The pandemic and shortly afterwards saw a slew of London-based creatives swap city living for the more relaxed pace of life down in the countryside of Somerset. In particular, the charming village of Bruton, which, thanks to the arrival of the Hauser and Wirth Somerset gallery in 2014, has also made the place an artistic hub over the previous few years. Set within the converted Durslade Farm grounds is Roth Bar – with a steampunk-esque installation above the bar – and the excellent on-site Italian-inspired restaurant Da Costa, with fresh produce grown in the farm cooked to perfection over a wood-fire. The restaurant is also the best place to try the Maid Of Bruton wines, with the grapes grown in the nearby Durslade Vineyard, situated next to the river Brue. Vineyard director Elias Wirth says the site now makes an an average of 12,000 bottles a year: “It feels like the wine is really building a name for itself, I think because there’s not so many vineyards around here, and also because there’s so many restaurants in and around Bruton who are buying our wine. The sparkling wine is probably our most popular.” As is their lively, berry-like rosé, which gives any Provence pink a run for its money.

There’s a nice little nod to the fact the land used to be home to an ancient Roman settlement, who likely also made wine – Elias found a Roman coin once while doing some metal detecting, and its design now adorns the bottles. Plans are afoot for building a feasting and tasting events space above the vineyard – but in the meantime, the wines can also be taken home with other tempting local produce from the Farm Shop on site.

Cornwall

Further south west, the summer climes of Cornwall are also proving to be an ideal spot for a vineyard. Camel Valley – perched alongside the Camel river – is now almost one of the grandparents of the British wine scene, producing wines since 1989, with one of its favourites being the Cornwall brut. It's open for a 10.30am tour every Monday to Friday, from April to September, with tickets costing £20, but for those on a more casual, road-trip time frame, it’s possible to just visit for a glass (or half) of wine on its vineyard terrace where you’ll also be drinking up some incredible views, too.

Wales

Ancre Hill Estates

Over in Wales, Ancre Hill Estates in Monmouth is an exciting young vineyard making some of the UK’s most interesting natural wines. It is certified biodynamic and organic; but this is just a fancy way of saying they make wines with as little intervention as possible; leaving it to be as close to fermented grape juice as it was first made thousands of years ago. Perhaps you’ve seen the Clockwork Orange-themed label of its orange wine; or perhaps the reviews herald their “wildly delicious pinot noir”; but their wine is a must-taste if you’re in this part of the world. The vineyard isn’t currently open for visitors, but is available for sale online, from stockists across the UK – and you might see it pop up in the increasing number of British wine fairs in the country.

Llanerch

We finish the whistlestop tour of British wines with a bit of luxury. Llanerch, west of Cardiff, is a pioneering vineyard hotel. The farm property dates back to the 1800s, but in the 1970s was bought and transformed into a hotel by the previous owners, who also began experimenting with on-site vineyards in 1986 as a retirement project. Now the fruits of their labour can be tried on a trip to their stylish and high-end boutique accommodation. Like much of the aforementioned vineyards, it’s their fizz that’s the standout drink, and their Cariad sparkling brut has pleasing notes of brioche and honey.

There’s no better way to end a tour than with a glass on its rooftop terrace which overlooks the vines, or can be enjoyed as part of its wine-tasting session (£25). Those making a full weekend of it can try even more of its home-grown range at the on-site restaurant, Roots, which does a great Sunday roast, or for the sweet-tooth, pair it with a scone or strawberry and cream tart, as part of its afternoon tea set (£30). And there’s no need to leave pups at home – they’re welcome to join in the dog-friendly area of the restaurant.

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I’ve always shopped without thinking much about where my food comes from. I’m the person who’ll happily grab ingredients for spicy gochujang noodles or fragrant curries, without a second thought. But recently, I started to wonder: what’s the environmental impact of all this? How many food miles am I piling up with my avocado toast and imported ingredients? So, I decided to try an experiment: what would happen if I only ate food grown in the UK for a week? Could I lower my food’s carbon footprint while still enjoying a varied, interesting diet?

The environmental benefits of eating local are obvious – less travel, fresher food and lower carbon emissions. But let’s be real, the challenge ahead isn’t going to be easy. I’m a fussy eater, not a fan of potatoes, and I’ve never really cooked meat. Meal planning feels like an uphill battle, too – seven days of pies and toad in the hole doesn’t sound appealing. And then there’s the social side: It’s hard enough trying to find places with decent vegan or gluten-free options to cater for the group, let alone convincing my friends to accommodate a self-inflicted challenge. Do I sit there while everyone enjoys their plate of curry, heading home later for a bowl of cabbage soup like some kind of sad, self-inflicted martyr?

Well, here goes. Will I survive a week of no imported goodies and find the joy in British produce? Let’s find out.

The rules

1. Focus on British-grown food

While eating seasonally is ideal, I’m not going to turn away a tomato just because it was grown in a polytunnel on the Isle of Wight. I’ll happily include foods grown under cover, like tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs, as long as they come from the UK. The goal here is to support local agriculture and reduce food miles – not lose my sanity over a lack of variety. Farmers’ markets will be my first port of call for fresh, homegrown bits. But on the odd evening when time (or energy) is in short supply, I’m grateful for supermarkets clearly waving the Union Jack on their meat and veg – some helpful marketing that saves me from label-squinting in the chilled aisle.

2. Decide your level of strictness

This is where I have to set clear boundaries for myself. I’m going to attempt to go full ‘purist mode’. This means that I’m cutting out tea (I can hear your gasps through the computer), coffee and even the pepper I put on my chips.

3. Cooking fat - no olive oil, no problem

Olive oil is definitely off the table. Instead, I’m leaning on trusty British butter, rapeseed oil or even old-school options like lard and beef dripping. These fats might be more traditional, but they’ll bring plenty of flavour to my dishes, so I’m excited to see how they transform my cooking.

4. Rethink your carbs

Rice and pasta? Out. Instead, I’ll be exploring grains like barley, oats and spelt. They’re not just for porridge.

5. Herbs and spices - choose wisely

Classic dried spices like cumin and coriander are off-limits, but there are workarounds. I’ll be using herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage – all of which thrive in the UK.

6. (Learn to) Embrace the meat and two veg

The classic British combo of meat (or fish) and vegetables is my new best friend. Pork with apples, mackerel with mustardy greens – these dishes are a breeze when it comes to supporting British produce. Plus, I’m cutting out processed foods by default.

7. Flour: the wildcard

Because wheat is grown in the UK, I’ll be using British flour to make bread, pancakes, scones and other baked goods. I’ll skip the imported toppings, though, and load up on British cheeses, veg and meats.

8. Eggs to the rescue

Eggs are a godsend in this challenge. Frittatas, scrambled eggs or even a good old egg sandwich will keep me going without feeling deprived. Free-range British eggs will be my staple.

9. Plan ahead

This challenge requires serious meal planning. I’ll batch cook things like shepherd’s pie, chicken pie and fish pie (can you tell a theme here...) It’s surprisingly easy to slip up. Things like salt, sugar, vinegar and butter can all be imported, so I’ll be reading the labels carefully. If it’s not from the UK, it’s out.

10. Embrace imperfection

Look, I’m not aiming for perfection. If I accidentally nibble on a piece of chocolate or sip a cup of coffee from a friend, it’s not the end of the world. This challenge is about understanding where our food comes from and how reliant we are on imports. I’ll embrace the bumps along the way and see where this journey takes me.

The week

Monday

I won’t lie; the start date of this challenge was delayed more times than I care to admit. The thought of saying goodbye to my beloved pasta and pints was enough to make me put it off for a bit longer than planned. But, eventually, I had no choice. It was Monday, I was out of food and needed to do a proper shop (perfect timing, really).

Breakfast was easy – scrambled eggs on homemade sourdough. Done. Lunch? Well, I hadn’t done enough prep, so you guessed it... eggs on bread. This time, I switched it up with an egg & cress sandwich, thinking it’d feel like a new experience. But after two egg-based meals in a row, I quickly realised this wasn’t going to cut it for the week. So, for dinner, I made a chicken pie – and let me tell you, this was a masterstroke. I knew it’d cover most of my dinners for the week, and it was a breeze to make. Minimal cooking, minimal washing up and utterly comforting (although I may have overlooked the freak heatwave in May. Eating a hot pie in 25-degree weather felt a bit off, I won’t lie).

Tuesday

Tuesdays mean office days, and for breakfast, I treated myself to my favourite peanut butter overnight oats (cue the joy when I realised Sunpat peanut butter is British – score!).

Alas, the smugness was short-lived. My manager, ever the bearer of inconvenient truths, pointed out that while the brand is indeed British, the peanuts themselves are not. Apparently, the UK isn’t exactly brimming with peanut fields (who knew?). She found it hilarious that I’d never questioned this, but in my defence, I’m a born and bred Londoner. I’ve seen more Pret a Mangers than actual fields. I’m not even sure I could confidently identify a field of anything beyond "green and probably muddy". Lunch was a simple pea & ham soup, and I repeated this on my other office day. Easy, no-thinking-required food.

Wednesday

By Wednesday, though, the cracks were starting to show. The idea of eating chicken pie yet again was making my stomach churn, and after work, I was supposed to play netball and enjoy a post-match victory pint. But, sheer laziness made me stay dry as I couldn’t face researching British breweries. A sad affair, but it was probably better for my bank account (and my liver).

For a treat, I decided to indulge in one of my absolute favourite meals: breakfast for dinner. There’s something delightfully rebellious about it, and it always feels like a treat. Baked beans on toast, with a fried egg, completely drowning in cheddar. A proper comfort meal, and honestly, just what I needed to keep me going through the week. Gorgeous.

Thursday

As you may have noticed, the week was looking very bread-heavy, and I can’t say it really changed much. I was quickly realising that my attempt to reduce air miles was coming at the cost of a balanced diet. And, I’ll admit it – my overly fussy eating habits weren’t exactly helping the situation. Sure, there were plenty of grains and fresh foods available, but none of them were making it onto my plate. I just couldn’t bring myself to eat things like cabbage, broad beans or any of those mysterious British grains.

By Thursday, things took a turn. While shopping for what I thought would keep me on track for the weekend (cottage pie, a classic), I walked past one of those in-store sushi counters. And, well, the temptation was real. I broke. Would you believe me if I tried to argue that I was unaware salmon maki and gyozas were, in fact, not British? Yeah, I didn’t think so. I didn’t even bother pretending; I just grabbed a pack of sushi and tried to convince myself that this was a minor slip-up in my otherwise noble quest for local produce. I suppose this is where the challenge got a bit too real – sometimes, the heart (and the stomach) just wants what it wants, air miles be damned.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

By Friday evening, I was exhausted. After a week of work, the only thing I wanted was to collapse in front of the telly with an absurdly large portion of cottage pie. I tried to balance out the overwhelming guilt from both the portion size and my rather sad “night in for a woman in her mid-twenties” by pairing it with some runner beans (for health, obviously) and a face mask (for a touch of luxury). The rest of the weekend followed suit with a similar, tragic energy. Already spent from the effort of such intense meal planning, and unable to organise or partake in any social events involving food or drink because of the level of admin necessary, I just didn’t go out. So the weekend became less about the diet and more about me questioning all of my life’s decisions over one too many spoonfuls of mashed potatoes.

Unexpected discoveries

Yes it was a week of self-deprivation and difficulty, but there were also some bright points...

Surprising nutritional benefits of British produce 

What I didn’t anticipate was just how rich and varied the nutritional benefits of British-grown food could be. Take leeks, for example. In the past, I’ve always seen them as little more than a simple base for a soup or stew, barely noticing their nutritional perks. But it turns out, leeks are a real powerhouse. Packed with vitamins A, C and K, they’re also full of antioxidants that protect cells from damage and fibre to help keep your digestive system in check. When I added them to my chicken pie, the leek brought a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture that elevated the dish in ways I hadn’t expected.

Then there were the runner beans. I’ll admit, I’ve always found them a little on the rubbery side, but I couldn’t ignore how versatile they are. With a little imagination, they’re the perfect addition to curries and stews, where they soften into a satisfying source of protein, fibre and vitamin C. By the end of the week, I was starting to think of them as a go-to vegetable, rather than an afterthought.

Now, kale. Prior to this week, kale has always struck me as the kind of leaf you’d find on the floor of a forest rather than on your plate. The thick stems had always seemed a bit too chewy for my liking. But here’s the thing: a quick blast in the oven with a drizzle of British rapeseed oil and a sprinkle of sea salt transformed this leafy green into a crunchy, satisfying snack that genuinely scratched the itch for something crispy but healthy. Who knew that something I’d always written off could be so delicious when cooked right?

Reconnecting with traditional British recipes and cooking methods

Another unexpected discovery was how much I enjoyed reconnecting with traditional British recipes. At first, the prospect of "meat and two veg" felt uninspired, but as the week went on, I found myself leaning into classic British comfort food recipes in a way I hadn’t before, especially due to how well they lend themselves to batch-cooking.

By deciding what I wanted for the week, I only had to cook two dinners and that was enough to tide me through. The simplicity of these recipes made me realise how much we’ve lost touch with our culinary roots, in favour of more exotic, trendy meals. Roasting, stewing and slow cooking became a therapeutic ritual, where the focus was on quality, local ingredients, rather than complex seasoning or fancy techniques. I felt like I was truly engaging with food the way it was meant to be – simple, honest and comforting.

Environmental and economic impacts of choosing local over imported foods

By the end of the week, the environmental benefits of eating local became glaringly clear. Not only had I managed to shrink my food’s carbon footprint ("fewer miles, less packaging"), but I also began to feel a connection to the local farming community. It’s funny how buying British produce can make you feel like you’re part of something bigger – a movement towards a more sustainable food system. Knowing my leeks, runner beans and kale were grown just 20 miles down the road – courtesy of my ever-cheerful fruit and veg man at the local farmers’ market – gave me that warm, smug glow that only comes from doing something good without really trying. It’s not just about feeding myself; it’s about backing local farmers who are grafting to grow food in a way that’s kinder to the planet. Delicious and do-gooding – what’s not to love? For example, the UK farming industry has set itself an ambitious target: to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. That’s no small feat when you consider the challenges they face. But it’s a powerful statement of intent that’s helping to shape a future where local food systems can thrive sustainably.

I realised that by choosing local produce, I was directly contributing to reducing the environmental impact of my food choices – lowering transport emissions, reducing packaging waste and supporting a more sustainable agricultural system. It felt like I was making a small but significant difference in reducing my overall environmental footprint.

Conclusion

This challenge reminded me how important it is to know where your food comes from – but also to keep things realistic. Small, thoughtful changes matter, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

If you would like to learn more about what your food carbon footprint, then Good Food has a plethora of planet-friendlier content that you can delve into like how to cut your food carbon footprint, why eating sustainably is good for your health and more.

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Best running hydration vests at a glance

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Jump to section:

• Best running hydration vests 2025
• How should a hydration vest fit?
• When do you need a hydration vest?
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Best running hydration vests 2025

North Face Summit run race day vest 8L

Available from North Face (£150)

Best running hydration vest for long runs

Pros:

• Smart pockets
• Water bottles feel secure

Cons:

• Full water bottles make it heavy
• Hand wash only

Star rating: 4.5/5

This vest was tested on a 10-mile run with a running club. Although the white fabric on it picked up dust quickly thanks to a route through a park and wooded trails, it carried all our tester's essentials with ease. The fit is true to size and the adjustable bungee cords help fine-tune the fit, so it feels secure and stable throughout the run.

Worn on a hot day, the vest impressed with its sweat-wicking performance. The FlashDry technology keeps it breathable and dry against skin, never feeling clammy or uncomfortable.

We especially like the thoughtful pocket design. Two larger pockets at the back could easily fit a hydration bladder or bulkier layers like a jumper or light jacket. The two soft flasks stayed firmly in place while running, thanks to supportive loops and held enough water to keep us hydrated for the 10 miles, though they did add noticeable weight when full.

In total, there are 10 pockets, including eight across the sides and front, some zipped, others open, offering lots of storage for running gels, keys and other small essentials. The smart pocket layout meant we were never worried about anything falling out mid-run. Overall, the vest was comfortable, breathable and well-designed for longer distances. Our only gripe? It has to be hand-washed.

Available from:

• North Face (£150)

Salomon ADV SKIN 5

Available from Salomon (£125), Runners Need (£125)

Best running hydration vest for races

Pros:

• Fits like a second skin
• No bounce
• Slanted pockets

Cons:

• Not cheap
• Keyholder wasn’t secure

Star rating: 4/5

This is an excellent hydration vest for racing, so good that our tester is planning to wear it for their next half marathon. It fits securely, doesn’t bounce and offers multiple hydration options. One standout feature is the large, slanted side pockets, which make it easy to grab gels and snacks as you run.

The chest quick-link system lets you adjust the fit across the chest, while additional adjustability around the hips gives it a second skin feel. It comes with two soft flasks held in place with elastic bands, they’re slightly slimmer than average, so they sit close to the chest without shifting. Like the North Face pack, it also has space for a hydration bladder, with capacity for up to 5L of water

For trail runners or hikers, there are secure sections at the back and sides to stow poles. There’s also a mesh top pocket with a clip and key holder, though we found it wasn’t quite sturdy enough, as our tester's keys slipped out during the run. While this is one of the pricier hydration vests available, its comfort and thoughtful design mean it’s worth paying a little more.

Available from:

• Salomon (£125)
• Runners Need (£125)

Osprey Dyna LT

Available from Ospray (£65), Amazon (£91.68)

Best running hydration vest for PBs

Pros:

• Premium material
• Great ventilation
• Light and compact

Cons:

• No space for a bladder

Star rating: 4/5

Although priced the same as the MP version below, this hydration vest immediately feels more premium and thoughtfully designed. It features smartly layered pockets throughout, including a large wraparound pocket at the lower back, which securely held extra layers during our run.

The pack comes with two 500ml soft flasks that sit comfortably and don’t feel overly heavy when full. However, there’s no space for a hydration bladder, which meant we ran out of fluids more quickly than we'd like, making this vest less suited for long-distance runs or routes without refill stations.

Extra padding around the neck and shoulders was a welcome touch, preventing any chafing. Inside, the 3D spacer mesh kept us cool and sweat-free, while adjustable chest straps made sure it was a bounce-free, secure fit.

The vest is made from recycled nylon, so top marks for sustainability. While the fabric feels high quality, it does mark easily and is hand-wash only. A lightweight, comfortable vest that’s ideal for race day, especially if you're chasing a new PB.

Available from:

• Ospray (£65)
• Amazon (£91.68)

Vango Apex Hydro 10

Available from Amazon (£30), Vango (£42)

Best running hydration vest for hiking

Pros:

• Comes with a 2L bladder
• Large amount of storage

Cons:

• Heavier and sturdier
• No pockets for flasks

Star rating: 4/5

This is more of a sturdy hiking backpack than a lightweight running vest, but for under £50, it offers excellent value. With two main compartments and a massive 10L capacity, it also includes a 2L hydration bladder housed in a separate chamber. The bladder is secured with Velcro, keeping it stable while walking or running and it was easy to refill, though it did feel quite heavy when filled to the max.

We tested it on an eight-mile hike and were impressed by how much it could hold. Alongside the bladder, we packed extra layers and snacks and still had room to spare. We didn’t run out of water until the very end. There are also two zipped side pockets – perfect for storing essentials like your phone, keys and wallet.

The back panel feels more rigid than some of the other packs we tried. While the chest and waist straps didn’t chafe during the hike, we could imagine them feeling less comfortable if we hadn’t been wearing bulky layers. Adjusting the straps took a bit of time at first, but once set up, they offer a good fit. We especially like the sturdy Duraflex buckles on the chest straps.

Airmesh on the straps and back panel help with ventilation, keeping you cool throughout, and a quick cleaning spray afterwards kept it smelling fresh. The polyester fabric is also waterproof and means it could withstand lots of wear and tear. It’s a great choice for long hikes or trail runs, just be aware it’s heavier and less streamlined than others.

Available from

• Amazon (£30)
• Vango (£42)

Lululemon fast and free trail running vest

Available from Lululemon (£118)

Best running hydration vest for trail running

Pros:

• Soft, durable, sweatproof material
• Layered pockets

Cons:

• Flask and bladder sold separately

Star rating: 4/5

Given its premium price, it’s surprising that Lululemon doesn’t include soft flasks or a hydration bladder with this vest. However, its clever design helps justify the cost. There’s room for one 500ml flask on the left chest, and the vest features multiple tiered pockets on the sides and back. We especially liked the double-layered back pocket, which kept extra layers dry and sweat-free during a 10K run.

The side zipped pocket is both sweat and waterproof and kept our phone and keys bone-dry. The adjustable cross-body straps are a standout feature; the elasticated sternum straps clip into place with double clips. We initially thought they’d be fiddly, but they were intuitive and felt secure once fastened.

The vest has a slim, true-to-size fit and the four-way stretch material came in handy on quicker runs, allowing for full range of movement. The fabric feels soft and premium against the skin, and the Glyde material kept us dry during a rainy trail run while also offering protection from the wind.

Available from:

• Lululemon (£118)

Adidas Terrex techrock vest 2.5L

Available from Adidas (£120), Very (£120)

Best lightweight running hydration vest

Pros:

• Super lightweight
• Fits well and easy adjustment

Cons:

• No bladder sleeve

Star rating: 4/5

The first thing we noticed about this vest is how incredibly lightweight it is. Made primarily from the brand’s AEROREADY quick-drying material, it’s not the softest to the touch, but it kept us dry and comfortable throughout the run. It also features reflective details, making it a smart option for evening workouts.

We tested it on a short run, carrying just one 500ml flask. It stayed securely in place thanks to an elasticated cord near the top and was easy to grab mid-stride. While there’s no space for a hydration bladder, the vest makes up for it with plenty of pockets, including some clever double pockets that are perfect for small essentials like keys.

The fit is snug and adjustable, with quick-tightening bungee cords at the front and extra adjustment at the sides. Once on, it was so comfortable our tester barely noticed it until they reached for their phone in one of the pockets. It’s a great choice for shorter runs, but you may struggle without a bladder for longer runs.

Available from:

• Adidas (£120)
• Very (£120)

Montane Gecko VP +

Available from Montane (£120)

Best running hydration vest for training

Pros:

• Weightless
• Room for bladder and flasks
• Odour control

Cons:

• Not sweatproof
• Bottles aren’t as secure

Star rating: 4/5

If you usually avoid running vests but need hydration on the go, this one could be feel different, it’s practically weightless. While the two 500ml bottles do add some weight, they’re still lighter than many others we’ve tried, though slightly less secure.

The vest features three adjustable front straps, which help it sit securely across different parts of the torso and can be repositioned for a better fit. It also boasts multiple easy-to-reach pockets, some with zippers and enough room for a hydration bladder or bulkier items.

One downside was how warm it felt on a sunny test day. Despite the mesh panels, the breathability wasn’t great, and we ended up feeling quite sweaty. That said, a standout feature is the POLYGIENE odour control built into the fabric. Even after several uses, it stayed fresh, something you don’t always get with other vests.

Available from:

• Montane (£120)

MP hydration vest

Available from MyProtein (£65)

Best hydration vest for shorter runs

Pros:

• Cheaper version
• Lots of hydration space

Cons:

• Layered pockets felt bulky
• Redundant bungee cords at back

Star rating: 3.5/5

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the bigger-name brands on the list, MyProtein offers a more affordable alternative. However, it does come with a few compromises, fewer pockets and some noticeable chafing around the neckline.

The overall design is similar to the other vests, with a snug, body-hugging fit and mesh panels that offer decent ventilation during a run. We initially thought the elasticated front clips might be annoying, but they were easy to adjust and felt secure once in place. That said, the front pockets felt bulky, with gels and essentials sitting beneath the hydration flasks, making them tricky to access mid-run.

You can add a 2L bladder into the zipped compartment at the back, while the bungee cords on the back are intended to keep the pack tight, but we found them slightly redundant, side adjustments or additional storage would’ve been more useful.

It’s clear this vest is made from less premium materials: it felt like it might wear down quickly and the fabric was noisy and rustled as we ran. It also caused some irritation around our tester's neck when they took it on longer runs or were wearing fewer layers.

Available from:

• MyProtein (£65)

Kiprun 5L running vest

Available from Decathlon (£49.99)

Best budget running hydration vest

Pros:

• Cheaper price point
• Space for bladder and bottles

Cons:

• Comes up small
• Less premium feel

Star rating: 3.5/5

This budget-friendly option from Decathlon is comfortable enough, but the lower price point is reflected in the materials and fit. The adjustment clips feel a bit clunky and there isn't much flexibility to accommodate extra layers.

However, it offers impressive storage, with space for up to 5L of water via flasks and a bladder, plus 10 pockets in total. We tested it on an 8K training run, while it didn’t chafe, it felt less secure and not as soft or sweat-wicking as some of the more premium vests.

The pocket system is well thought out, with zipped and tiered compartments that make it easy to grab a phone and gels while running.

There’s also the option to attach trail running poles and a large rear pocket for layers or snacks, making it a solid choice for longer training sessions on a budget.

Available from:

• Decathlon (£49.99)

CamelBak Zephyr™ Pro Vest

Available from CamelBak (£145), Running Xpert (£145.99)

Best running hydration vest for men

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable (especially on the back)

Cons:

• Adjustment straps design
• Some chafing

Star rating: 3.5/5

This lightweight vest offers great cushioning at the back, making it a comfortable choice for longer trail runs. However, the design of the adjustment straps, both across the chest and at the sides felt less robust than other brands we tested. They also lacked length, which made the fit feel a bit tight when worn over extra layers. We can imagine the side straps potentially chafing on warmer days with fewer layers underneath.

The two front hydration bottles sat securely and were easy to reach mid-run. There’s also space for a bladder in the back, adding flexibility for longer distances. Most of the vest is made from engineered mesh, which kept our tester cool, and it features reflective trims for added visibility.

We appreciated how stable the vest feels while running, and the waterproof zip pocket at the front kept our tester's phone secure. There’s also a feature for attaching walking poles. While we enjoyed using it for a trail run, the design seems more tailored to men’s bodies.

Available from:

• CamelBak (£145)
• Running Xpert (£145.99)

How should a hydration vest fit?

When you’re running you want your vest to feel as though its part of you, almost a second skin, not another thing that could annoy you throughout the run. Equally, you don’t want it to feel constrictive or be too loose that it could chafe the skin as you run or bounce. This is where good adjustment straps come in – look for ones that have them on the chest and around the waist, meaning you can get that snug, second skin feel, without it chafing. Adjustment straps also need to account for when you’re wearing layers, so make sure they have a lot of give, with the ability to adjust their positioning.

When do you need a hydration vest?

Whatever type of run you’re going on, a hydration vest is a good idea. As we sweat, we lose water and salt from the body, so having water or a hydration drink handy means you’re less likely get dehydrated on your run. However, a hydration vest is a necessity if you’re doing a long run, 10K or more. Many runners like the ease of using a bladder and hydration pack when they’re training for a race, or on race day itself, as it means they can hydrate on the go and don’t have to worry about stopping.

Hydration vests are also great for hikes or trail runs, as these are longer days with more mileage, and you’re also less likely to stumble on anywhere to fill up or buy water. Having a hydration pack on you during warmer conditions, whether you are on a run or hiking also means you can concentrate on your PB, rather than stopping to fill up regularly.

How we tested running hydration vests

As a health and fitness journalist and keen runner, our writer, Sarah Finley, is  always either training for a race or taking part in one, so having a running hydration vest to store her essentials and help her hydrate is invaluable. She had hands-on experiences with all these backpacks, testing them when she went on multiple training runs, short runs, hikes and trail runs, making sure she tested them extensively for comfort and usability.

Most importantly we assessed how much water or hydration they could carry and whether they had room for flasks and bladders. We looked at how accessible this hydration was as we ran or hiked. We also reviewed the convenience on the hydration vests – how easy was it to store gels and snacks, plus other layers, and to grab them on the go? Other factors tested were: adjustability, how much sweat they wicked away, value for money and if they were made from sustainable materials.

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