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The National Trust Book of Scones: 50 Delicious Recipes and Some Curious Crumbs of History
Scone obsessive Sarah Clelland has gathered 50 scone recipes from National Trust experts around the country, and has written a quirky guide to 50 National Trust places to delight and entertain you while you bake or eat those blissful treats. Eccentric owners, strange treasures, obscure facts—it's all here. Whip up a Triple Chocolate Scone while you read about the mechanical elephants at Waddeston Manor, savor an Apple & Cinnamon Scone while you absorb the dramatic love life of Henry Cecil of Hanbury Hall, or marvel at a Ightham Mote's Grade 1 listed dog kennel while you savor a Cheese, Spring Onion and Bacon Scone. 50 of the best scones in history and 50 of the best places to read about—you’ll never need to leave the kitchen again. Includes dual measures.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 11, 2024
As one of the few cook books which I bought in English I simply had to add this one. At least it's not only about baking but also includes a short text about the National Trust property it was collected from which is a real nice addition for my next UK visit (whenever that will be).
The recipes are easy and delicious and I really, really appreciate that they are listing European measurements and that I don't have to deal with Fahrenheit. So now I only have to worry how to get those ingredients that are not easily found on the continent like self-raising flour or black treacle .
The recipes are easy and delicious and I really, really appreciate that they are listing European measurements and that I don't have to deal with Fahrenheit. So now I only have to worry how to get those ingredients that are not easily found on the continent like self-raising flour or black treacle .
April 10, 2022
I love scones
December 28, 2018
A delightful collection of recipes, accompanied by illustrations of scones so tantalizing you can practically taste them! Each recipe is introduced by a quirky fact about a National Trust property so you learn as you bake. I'm excited to try the classics as well as the unusual: Horseradish scones, Stilton and Cranberry scones and Wet Nelly scones. Highly recommended. A great gift.
August 26, 2020
I don't list my cookbooks here on Goodreads unless I've really read them pretty much through and through. I own at least 300 cookbooks, plus perhaps 40-50 other food-related books. I tag recipes I want to try but will never have the time to cook/bake even half of them in this lifetime. I even created my cookbook of favorites recipes (101 of them!) for my brother and his bride back in the 1990s - my copy of which has grown to 2 very wide binders (1 is 3" wide, the other 2" - had to split it into 2 binders recently because of the bulk, plus needed more room...)
I love reading about chefs, home cooks, restaurants, etc. - but I seldom do a thorough read, as in reading the text plus at least going through a complete scan of ingredients. The NATIONAL TRUST BOOK OF SCONES was one of those times that I had to go that whole route-- because I do love scones, and the "quirky history" of each scone recipe (all from National Trust properties throughout England) was so much fun to read! Some were even laugh-out-loud scandalous! And all were interesting looks into the history of Great Britain.
I haven't yet baked any of the scones but that will happen most likely when summer is over, when I enjoy baking most - autumn, my favorite season! The recipe for "Pumpkin Pie Scones" that comes with its "history page" re a National Trust site Hughenden in Buckinghamshire might be my first foray into this cookbook's offerings. Can't wait because all its offerings are tempting!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy baking (especially if you enjoy a scone now and then) or simply because it's a fun, short read that include some interesting history.
I love reading about chefs, home cooks, restaurants, etc. - but I seldom do a thorough read, as in reading the text plus at least going through a complete scan of ingredients. The NATIONAL TRUST BOOK OF SCONES was one of those times that I had to go that whole route-- because I do love scones, and the "quirky history" of each scone recipe (all from National Trust properties throughout England) was so much fun to read! Some were even laugh-out-loud scandalous! And all were interesting looks into the history of Great Britain.
I haven't yet baked any of the scones but that will happen most likely when summer is over, when I enjoy baking most - autumn, my favorite season! The recipe for "Pumpkin Pie Scones" that comes with its "history page" re a National Trust site Hughenden in Buckinghamshire might be my first foray into this cookbook's offerings. Can't wait because all its offerings are tempting!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy baking (especially if you enjoy a scone now and then) or simply because it's a fun, short read that include some interesting history.
April 13, 2021
This book is a delight in every possible way—it shares brilliant snippets of British history, it takes the reader on a tour of fifty National Trust Property gems, it's adorable with its illustrations and anecdotes, and of course, the recipes are to die for if you're a scone lover. I cannot wait to try every single recipe in the book, and I look forward to the day when I can visit England again, because I know of about fifty places that are going on my itinerary.
December 29, 2017
A delightful compilation of scone recipes for those who enjoy a proper English Afternoon Tea. Each recipe is accompanied by a description of the National Trust property where these recipes were found. If she does another book like this, I shall volunteer to be a research assistant.
March 29, 2020
I've tried several of these recipes and they've all turned out really well so far (even if I don't follow them to the letter). I also really enjoyed the bits of history about the various National Trust properties that accompanied each recipe.
January 1, 2022
This is a fun little book with some great recipes, and bits of history about scones, and their origins.
It is a British book, so temperature and measurements have to be converted if you are in the US, but it’s definitely worth doing because the scones sound delicious!
It is a British book, so temperature and measurements have to be converted if you are in the US, but it’s definitely worth doing because the scones sound delicious!
December 29, 2018
A lovely, easy to read recipe book. Lots of ideas and new ingredients to add to make a scone with a little difference.
November 19, 2019
A fun book and a quick read. Part travel book, part cook book, it will have you planning an adventure and baking scones.
January 18, 2022
What a lovely little book. So many lovely scone recipes that I’m very keen to make and now lots of new places on my want to visit list. Hopefully this year will be a busy year with tasty treats!
April 4, 2023
Oh yes please. This lady is speaking my language. Great recipes and clever historical tidbits.
February 3, 2018
A book that had to be written... and I came to the end with a sense of dismay... clearly another 50 at least to go. Sarah Clelland appears to have come late to the National Trust, with the first inklings of incipient middle age perhaps, and as a Johnny-Come-Lately could be irritating. However, her brand of rabbiting on seems to work and she has indeed extracted some curious and unhackneyed crumbs of history to share from her visits and inexhaustive reading. She somehow manages to give a flavour of the National Trust itself, beyond individual properties.
Now, when it comes to scones, I am the Taliban of Cream Teas and so much as a sultana is an abomination. However, the recipes are enticing - simple, because all based around a scone dough, but also the flavour combinations, savoury and sweet, make sense and I look forward to trying them. And to a sequel.
Now, when it comes to scones, I am the Taliban of Cream Teas and so much as a sultana is an abomination. However, the recipes are enticing - simple, because all based around a scone dough, but also the flavour combinations, savoury and sweet, make sense and I look forward to trying them. And to a sequel.
September 2, 2017
What a fun little book! My daughters love having tea parties, and they love scones--whether it's for a tea party, or just a snack or even an accompaniment for dinner. We've thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every kind of scone you can imagine!
I started with the Singing Hinnies. They're quick and easy to make, and kids love hearing them 'sing' on the griddle. They're quite delicious, as well.
I enjoy the savoury scones probably better than the sweet, though some of my kids definitely prefer sweet. That's the great thing about this book--it has a great variety of both. For the savoury lovers, try the Ploughman's Scones or Welsh Cheese and Herb Scones. Cheese, Spring Onion and Bacon Breakfast Scones are a great alternative to your "normal" breakfast.
If sweet scones are your favorite, there's everything from chocolate varieties to fruits, honey and more.
I have yet to try a National Trust cookbook that I didn't fall in love with, and this one is no different. It is utterly delightful and so much fun to cook from. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I started with the Singing Hinnies. They're quick and easy to make, and kids love hearing them 'sing' on the griddle. They're quite delicious, as well.
I enjoy the savoury scones probably better than the sweet, though some of my kids definitely prefer sweet. That's the great thing about this book--it has a great variety of both. For the savoury lovers, try the Ploughman's Scones or Welsh Cheese and Herb Scones. Cheese, Spring Onion and Bacon Breakfast Scones are a great alternative to your "normal" breakfast.
If sweet scones are your favorite, there's everything from chocolate varieties to fruits, honey and more.
I have yet to try a National Trust cookbook that I didn't fall in love with, and this one is no different. It is utterly delightful and so much fun to cook from. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2020
One of the skills I’m working on in the lockdown - scone baking! 😅
But really, scones is the best breadie food that I can safely and comfortably eat with my braces these days (feeling like an old lady here).
I got into scones last Christmas in Yorkshire, where it became our go-to choice in the afternoon, after a walk in the countryside. This book provides me with 50 new-to-me recipes! So far, I’ve tested just one, and the scones turned out delicious!
In addition to recipes from various regions of Britain, the author also provides us with her impressions of visiting this or that manor located in the area where a recipe comes from, which is a good idea, but tediously executed. I like the accessibility of recipes and modern design of the cookbook. Recommended.
But really, scones is the best breadie food that I can safely and comfortably eat with my braces these days (feeling like an old lady here).
I got into scones last Christmas in Yorkshire, where it became our go-to choice in the afternoon, after a walk in the countryside. This book provides me with 50 new-to-me recipes! So far, I’ve tested just one, and the scones turned out delicious!
In addition to recipes from various regions of Britain, the author also provides us with her impressions of visiting this or that manor located in the area where a recipe comes from, which is a good idea, but tediously executed. I like the accessibility of recipes and modern design of the cookbook. Recommended.
October 4, 2023
The book is a collection of blog posts about various National Trust sites in the UK. We have visited about seven or eight sites in our three visits to the UK, but only one of the fifty mentioned in the book. (We would have had one more on our list if it hadn’t been for an unfortunate incident involving Budget Rent-a-car, but that’s another story!)
The book also included fifty scone recipes. Whenever we visit a National Trust Tea Room, cream tea is a priority, which of course includes scones!
The author is engaging and reading through the book heightens my desire to return to England and prowl through more of these properties, a real treasure of English heritage. And so far we’ve tried three of the recipes, all delicious. Next on my agenda is to have a go at making clotted cream. And more scones!
The book also included fifty scone recipes. Whenever we visit a National Trust Tea Room, cream tea is a priority, which of course includes scones!
The author is engaging and reading through the book heightens my desire to return to England and prowl through more of these properties, a real treasure of English heritage. And so far we’ve tried three of the recipes, all delicious. Next on my agenda is to have a go at making clotted cream. And more scones!
August 21, 2017
OK, so I admit I haven't made any of the recipes yet. And it would have been lovely, for American readers, to have a page on converting grams of flour to cups, and so on.
Nonetheless... the scone recipes appear insanely delicious (lemon & coconut! beetroot!) and the descriptions of each property are delightfully witty and just the right length. I've been to Dunwich, where it seems many of the recipes originate. They're famous for their scones, and even have a Scone of the Month club for true fans.
I'm really, really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting floury.
Nonetheless... the scone recipes appear insanely delicious (lemon & coconut! beetroot!) and the descriptions of each property are delightfully witty and just the right length. I've been to Dunwich, where it seems many of the recipes originate. They're famous for their scones, and even have a Scone of the Month club for true fans.
I'm really, really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting floury.
April 25, 2021
I’m still working my way through the recipes but I’ve tried at least ten by now and they’ve all been tasty and successful. I’ve repeatedly visited the Welsh cheese and herb recipe using different cheeses and different herbs depending on what I’ve had available.
Yesterday I made the rhubarb and stem ginger ones. Last week Honey, ginger and sunflower. I made Hot Cross scones over Easter. And Stollen scones over Christmas.
I’ve bought copies for two friends, and another two friends have bought themselves copies based on my Instagram posts of scones.
Yesterday I made the rhubarb and stem ginger ones. Last week Honey, ginger and sunflower. I made Hot Cross scones over Easter. And Stollen scones over Christmas.
I’ve bought copies for two friends, and another two friends have bought themselves copies based on my Instagram posts of scones.
July 23, 2018
I love this cookery book. All proceeds go to the national trust and the receipts are fairly decent. It has little write ups on each of the locations they come from. Downside is that this book is for the national trust of England and Wales so no Scottish receipts. Oh well! I can steal one of those off my grandmother.
January 28, 2021
While this is a recipe book, it is also a history book! I loved all the stories of the different properties owned by the National Trust of England. Some of the places I have been and the stories make me want to go back! Some places I have never been, but now, my drive to make good scones is at it's peak! I'm off to bake!
June 25, 2021
A delightful, fun, salivatimg read
This book delivers exactly what it promises: scone recipes and interesting fscts about 50 National Trust properties. Each chapter is short, fun, and contains a recipe. I drooled several times while reading and can't wait to try some of these recipes!
This book delivers exactly what it promises: scone recipes and interesting fscts about 50 National Trust properties. Each chapter is short, fun, and contains a recipe. I drooled several times while reading and can't wait to try some of these recipes!
October 24, 2018
I haven't tried any recipe now but they seems interesting, lot of variety. I like the anecdote about the parcs the author visited. The illustrations are fine. I think it misses some photography. I'll update this review once I'll have tried some recipes!
March 19, 2022
This book holds the recipes for 50 scones and they do really look delicious. I think my favorite part was the little story about a different property in the National Trust. Very humorous and I wish I knew more about these properties. But alas, I’m far far away.
December 29, 2022
What a lovely book. I now want to make different scones every day for at least a month, and the descriptions of, and snippets about, all the National Trust properties makes me want to draw up a to-do list!
April 2, 2023
Delightful backstories for each recipe, but the recipes themselves need urgent translation for US bakers unaccustomed to metric measurements. Particularly good is the wide variety of flavors, sweet and savory.
August 24, 2024
Baking & knowledge - great combo!
The recipes look excellent, and the stories about the provenance of the scones are very interesting. I can’t wait to try a few of these and share them with my friends.
The recipes look excellent, and the stories about the provenance of the scones are very interesting. I can’t wait to try a few of these and share them with my friends.
December 23, 2025
Personally one of the best books I've read that has easy instructions to follow and the scones are delicious, (although I am biased about my own baking) 😂
Deffo a fab book for a newbie any way!
Some really interesting versions of scones too.
Deffo a fab book for a newbie any way!
Some really interesting versions of scones too.
October 28, 2017
Absolutely delightful little book! Would make a truly wonderful Christmas present. A five star baking book, well worth a five star review.
January 7, 2020
Fun history about National Trust estates. Cooked Blueberry and Lemon Scones (Hanbury Hall & Gardens), yummy. Instructions easy to follow and precise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews