A market town of fewer than 30,000 people, sitting roughly halfway between Nottingham and Peterborough in Leicestershire, Melton Mowbray punches well above its weight on the plate. Its nickname — the UK's Rural Capital of Food — isn't marketing fluff: this is the birthplace of the Melton Mowbray pork pie and one of the historic homes of Stilton blue cheese.

The pork pie is the headline act. Made here since the 1700s from hot water crust pastry, uncured fresh pork and a bone stock jelly, it carries Protected Geographical Indication status in both the EU and the UK's Protected Food Names scheme, so a genuine one can only come from this area. The cheese connection is no accident — local dairies once fed their leftover whey to pigs, tying the two signature foods together. Stilton itself, with its crumbly, streaked blue interior and nutty flavour, is credited to a local cheesemaker, Frances Pawlett, in the 18th century.

To taste the classics at the source, head to Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, trading since 1851, where recipes have been handed down through generations and local cheeses sit alongside the pies. For something more contemporary, Montero Lounge serves a varied menu with vegan and gluten-free options and a popular roof terrace. Serious fromage fans should make time for the Melton Cheeseboard, a cheesemonger stocking more than 160 varieties.

The market tradition runs deep here — traders have been selling in the town since the 11th century, and today's market, one of the region's largest, runs every Tuesday and Saturday with produce, meats, cheese and gifts. Browse the independent shops too; Whitehouse Emporium, with its candles and homeware, is a local favourite.

Time your visit around a festival and you'll get the town at full throttle. The East Midlands Food Festival, running for over 20 years and among the biggest of its kind in the UK, brings artisanal pies, cheese, chocolate, street food from around the world, drinks, workshops and a kids' zone. Music fans can aim instead for the Melton SKA Festival, mixing ska, reggae, mod and Northern Soul with food and drink.

Getting there is straightforward. East Midlands Airport is the nearest major hub, with Birmingham a solid alternative, and the town is under an hour's drive from both Nottingham and Peterborough. Public transport links are good enough that you may not need a car, especially if you're staying local. And with Leicester — one of England's oldest cities — only about 20 miles away, it's easy to bolt a city stop onto a food-focused country break.

Melton Mowbray suits travellers who like their holidays edible: weekenders from the Midlands, foodies working through Britain's protected regional dishes, or anyone who'd rather browse a centuries-old market than a shopping centre. Come hungry, and plan at least one meal around a pork pie.