New at the Wensleydale Creamery is a wonderfully hands-on interactive experience that will help you learn all about the process behind the creamy Wensleydale cheese we’ve all come to love.
Cheese-making in this area dates back to the 10th century though it wasn’t until 1897 that the first creamery opened in Hawes, a village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It became known for making top quality dairy products from local milk. More than 100 years on and the new and improved creamery opened back in 2015, and has been a popular day out for visitors to the area ever since.
Did You Know?
Many places can produce cheese called ‘Wensleydale’, but only true Yorkshire Wensleydale is handcrafted here in Wensleydale itself.
The creamery is now such a successful enterprise that it actually contributes £12m to the local economy!
This year the creamery has introduced its new Wensleydale Cheese Experience. It’s a specially designed tour that aims to really get the whole family involved in learning about the ins and outs of the cheese-making process. This new addition to the centre enables you to watch some of the masters at work from a new viewing area.
As you explore the visitor centre there are quizzes and puzzles for children and they will be able to learn about how cows make their milk and can even have a go at driving the children’s milk tanker. The famous duo Wallace and Gromit are notorious for their love of Wensleydale cheese and you’ll see paraphernalia around the tour, including clips of their films and souvenirs to buy.
The Cheese Experience tour will lead you around the workshop and introduce you to the various processes. You’ll get an insight into the history and have the opportunity to ask questions. There are even cooking demonstrations taking place subject to availability, and a little museum to look round. You’ll finish up in the cheese and gift shop where you can enjoy tasters and treats and buy some souvenirs.
The site is not only home to a wonderful café, but also Calvert’s Restaurant, from which you will have the magnificent views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. So, if you fancy making a day of it you can grab a pick-me-up cuppa, or stop a while for something more substantial.
How to find it?
Hawes is really close to Askrigg, so you won’t have a problem finding the Creamery. In fact, it’s just a 15-minute drive away. Head to Bainbridge, and then west along the A684.
Adult tickets are only £2.95 for the Wensleydale Cheese Experience and it is open every day of the week between 10am and 4pm.
Opening times for the different areas do tend to vary so find full details on the website.
