Families looking for a fun and flavour-filled day out this October half term can head to The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese. The award-winning visitor attraction is serving up a mix of hands-on activities, tasty dining and, of course, plenty of cheese.
Children under 16 can enjoy free entry to the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience every weekend, and from 18 October to 2 November for the half-term break. Inside, visitors can explore the Creamery’s cheesemaking story through live demonstrations and watch the skilled team at work. In the Taste of Yorkshire room, guests are invited to sample a range of handcrafted cheeses, discover how they are made and learn about perfect flavour pairings.
Those in search of a hearty meal can stop by Calvert’s Restaurant, where a new seasonal menu celebrates Yorkshire produce and the Creamery’s own cheeses. For younger visitors, the newly launched Gromit’s Afternoon Tea (£12 per child) offers a playful twist on a classic. The menu includes a cheesy crumpet, Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese, chunky chips, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes and a honeycomb rocky road, served with milk or fruit squash in a keepsake Gromit mug.
Adults can enjoy the Cheesy Afternoon Tea (£19 per person), which features savoury favourites such as Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese, a three cheese quiche and a Yorkshire Wensleydale & Ginger cheesecake. A new seasonal addition, the Apple & Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries cake, brings a sweet autumnal flavour to the experience, served with a pot of Yorkshire Tea.
The celebrations continue with National Cheese Toastie Day on Monday 27th October, marked by two limited-edition toasties available from 25th October to 2nd November in the 1897 Coffee Shop. Choices include Wensleydale Blue with Yorkshire Dales Roast Beef and Port & Red Onion Chutney, or Yorkshire Wensleydale and Red Leicester with Yorkshire Dales Roast Ham.
For something even more indulgent, Calvert’s is serving the ‘Yorkshire Lad’ Croque Monsieur, a pan-fried ham and cheese toastie with mustard, mayonnaise and a rich cheese sauce made from Wensleydale, Yorkshire Cheddar and Red Leicester, served with chunky chips and a salad garnish.
No visit would be complete without stopping by the Cheese & Gift Shop, where guests can sample the full cheese range, pick up local accompaniments and browse gifts, homewares, craft beers and spirits, all celebrating the best of Yorkshire.
For full details and to plan your visit, go to www.wensleydale.co.uk.
