WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, UK
As it’s one of the most popular and quintessentially British cheeses, it’s not surprising there’s a museum devoted to the delicious icon that is Wensleydale cheese. Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the centre of Wensleydale country, the Wensleydale Creamery has been the proud custodian of many centuries of cheesemaking in the area since 1992. It boasts a popular visitors’ centre devoted to cheese, as well as a shop selling its award-winning Wensleydale cheese. This is made using traditional methods that have been used since the first local cheeses were made by Cistercian monks in the mid-12th century.
At the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience, visitors can enjoy an interactive journey through the history of cheesemaking in the area, which includes a variety of fun, hands-on activities as well as an opportunity to watch Wensleydale cheese being made by the museum’s master cheesemakers. There is also an innovative openplan demonstration room, where visitors can watch cheese being made, butter being churned and even learn some new recipes from the regular cooking demonstrations, which involve the making of various local cheesy treats.
The Wensleydale Creamery is open every day between 9am and 4pm.