Visiting the UK

Welcome to the UK! We hope we can make your visit as pleasant as possible.

Staying at, and eating in, hotels

When planning your holiday, if staying in a hotel, or other establishment where you will be catered for, you will need to ask if they are able to provide for a gluten-free diet. When you arrive at your hotel check again with reception, and at your first meal, with the head waiter. Many of the larger hotels prefer to discuss, and may ask you to decide in advance, which dishes from the evening menu can be made gluten-free.

Eating in restaurants

Eating out in the UK is easy as long as you ask the right questions. Ask the head waiter or chef which dishes are gluten-free and suitable. You can also find gluten-free restaurants on our online Eating Out Without venue guide. Simply log in to the Members only area and follow the links.

Remember to check carefully and, if in doubt, do not eat it!

Avoid or check carefully soups, dishes containing flour, served in sauce or gravy, croutons, breadcrumbs or rusk, sausages, pasta, batter and pastry.

Where to buy gluten-free food in the UK:

Supermarkets
A range of gluten-free foods can be bought in supermarkets. You will find that most supermarkets have a "Free-from Aisle" where you will find foods that are suitable for people with a variety of different food allergies and intolerances. The gluten-free food available does vary but you should be able to find bread, biscuits, pasta, cakes and pizza bases in this section of the supermarket.

Any food that contains gluten must now be clearly labeled (see reading labels) so you can also buy food form elsewhere in the supermarket safely. We recommend that you purchase our Gluten-Free Food and Drink Directory. This is a list of food products that are gluten-free and suitable for someone with coeliac disease, and which can be purchased in supermarkets and other food shops. You can order a copy of the directory by calling our Helpline on 0870 444 8804 or buy it online at our shop.

Pharmacies
Some basic gluten-free, specially prepared foods can be purchased from pharmacies. Some of the larger pharmacies (chemists) will have a display of gluten-free items for you to choose from, while others will be able to order products for collection the following day. These special gluten-free foods are expensive, so ask the price before you place an order.

Health food shops Health food shops often sell gluten-free food including breads, biscuits, cereals and gluten-free flours.

Specialist gluten-free food manufacturers
If you are staying longer in the UK some of the specially produced gluten-free products can be purchased by mail order. Visit our gluten-free products and services list.

Longer stays - local information

Coeliac UK has a wide network of local groups throughout the UK who have detailed first hand knowledge of where to eat and buy gluten-free in the area. You can find and contact them here.

Further information

For further information to help you cope with your gluten-free diet while in the UK, you can buy leaflets from our shop.