Published: 28 July 2025

It’s wild venison season. At Holker Hall & Gardens, that can only mean one thing: it’s time to break out the recipe book.

A lot of people shy away from venison, but It’s just richer, leaner, more sustainable, and highly nutritious, with high levels of protein, iron, and B vitamins. But more importantly than all of that, it’s simply bursting with deep, gamey flavour.

Like with any ingredient, though, if you’re going to try something new, you need the right recipes. So, these are our top ten favourite wild venison recipes to get you started.

10 Wild Venison Recipes to Try This Autumn

Venison and Blackberry Stew

This is a rich and warming recipe, perfect for autumn evenings. Combine diced venison shoulder with onions, garlic, and red wine. Add in seasonal root veg, and slow cook. When you’ve got about 25 minutes left on your cooking time, stir through a handful of blackberries for a sweet and earthy twist. Serve with creamy mash.

Pan-Seared Venison Haunch with Red Wine Jus

We love this recipe for its fast elegance. Simply sear venison haunch steaks until they are medium-rare. Once they’ve rested, and serve them with a red wine and rosemary reduction. This works fabulously when served with dauphinoise potatoes and buttered greens.

Venison Ragu with Pappardelle

Looking for a healthier alternative to beef? Slow-cooked minced venison makes a hearty, flavourful meat ragu. Finish with fresh thyme and parmesan for a rustic Italian dinner.

Spiced Venison Koftas

This beautifully simple Greek-inspired recipe is one of our favourites for relaxed lunches with family and friends. You can start by blending ground venison with warming spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, to create beautifully flavourful koftas. Shape them into balls or lozenges and pop them on the barbecue or grill. Serve in flatbreads with yoghurt, mint, and pickled red onions for a fresh and fabulous feast.

Venison and Juniper Pie

If pie and mash is your thing, you’ll love this gamey take on a British classic. Combine slow-cooked venison, mushrooms, carrots, and juniper berries beneath a buttery shortcrust or puff pastry lid. Cook until the pastry is golden and flaky, and serve with a heap of buttery mash.

Royal Holker Haggis with Neeps and Tatties

Try our very own Royal Holker Haggis, a special version crafted with wild venison by Dales of Kirkby Lonsdale. Serve traditionally with mashed swede and potatoes for a twist on a Burns Night favourite.

Venison Burgers with Caramelised Onion Relish

For a fancy take on fast food, mix minced venison with herbs and a touch of fat for juicy burgers. Pan-fry your patties and place on a toasted brioche bun with mayo. Top with sharp cheddar, caramelised onions, and rocket. You’ll never be tempted by high street chains again!

Venison Stroganoff

This is ideal for a quick midweek meal. Start by fast-cooking strips of venison loin. That done, make a creamy mustard and mushroom sauce. Add the venison strips to the sauce and serve with rice or buttered noodles.

Wild Venison Wellington

If you are looking to lift your dinner party game, this recipe is hard to beat. Begin with a venison loin, and wrap it in mushroom duxelles, Parma ham, and puff pastry. Then bake the lot until the pastry is beautiful and golden. Et voila – you have yourself an elegant, indulgent, and undeniably impressive meal for any guests.

Venison Chilli

Think slow-cooked, smoky chilli made with diced venison shoulder, chipotle, and dark chocolate. Perfect with rice, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Join us at Holker Hall & Gardens to celebrate Wild Venison Week – 24th to 28th September

Celebrate the exceptional taste and health benefits of wild venison during Wild Venison Week at Holker Hall & Gardens, featuring premium, sustainably managed game from the Holker Hall & Gardens Estate – one of Cumbria Life Magazine’s “Foodie Fifteen” star local producers.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you’re here for the food, the knowledge, or the ingredients, Wild Venison Week is a celebration of wild food done right. Learn from our experts, enjoy a flavoursome seasonal menu, and take home something truly special from our estate.

Join us at Holker Hall & Gardens from 24th–28th September for Wild Venison Week.