If you’re holidaying in the Yorkshire Dales, no stay is complete without a visit to the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes. Famous for crafting the iconic Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese—a firm favourite of Wallace & Gromit—the Creamery offers much more than cheese-making. It’s a full-flavoured day out that blends local heritage, hands-on experiences, and mouthwatering food, all in the heart of the beautiful Dales.
Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast, a family seeking a fun and educational outing, or just someone in search of the perfect bite with a view, the Wensleydale Creamery promises a day to remember.
Nestled in the picturesque market town of Hawes, the Wensleydale Creamery is a cornerstone of Yorkshire’s rich dairy tradition. Cheesemaking in Wensleydale dates back to the 12th century, and the Creamery proudly continues that legacy using milk from local farms and age-old techniques.
While its hero product is the creamy, crumbly Yorkshire Wensleydale, the range goes far beyond that. You’ll find inventive flavour pairings like Wensleydale with cranberry or ginger, rich mature cheddars, tangy blue cheeses, and indulgent oak-smoked varieties—all crafted with care and quality.
There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, making it a brilliant day out for all ages and interests.
1.The Cheese Experience
Dive into the world of cheese in the interactive visitor centre. Learn about the process from cow to curd, watch skilled cheesemakers in action, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Wensleydale cheese so special.
2. Cheese Tasting Room
This is where the magic happens for your taste buds. Try dozens of different varieties in the dedicated tasting room, with friendly staff on hand to guide you through flavour profiles and pairings.
3. The Creamery Shop
Browse the shelves for award-winning cheeses, locally made chutneys, artisan crackers, and Yorkshire-themed gifts. It’s the ideal spot to stock up on goodies for your holiday cottage or to take home a slice of the Dales.
4. The 1897 Coffee Shop & Calvert’s Restaurant
Whether you want a light lunch, a hearty meal, or a slice of Wensleydale cheesecake, you’re in for a treat. The food is made using local ingredients, and the views across the surrounding fells make every bite even more enjoyable.
5. Fun for the Whole Family
Kids will love the hands-on displays, cheese-making demonstrations, and outdoor play areas. On select days, they might even meet the friendly Wensleydale Mouse mascot—a hit with little ones!
The Wensleydale Creamery is located in Hawes, just a scenic 40-minute drive from Swaledale—and the journey is all part of the experience. If you’re staying in Reeth, Muker, Gunnerside, or Keld, we highly recommend taking the route over the breathtaking Buttertubs Pass.
We recently wrote about this iconic road in our Scenic Drive Over Buttertubs Pass blog – it’s one of the most beautiful routes in the Dales, with winding climbs, sweeping moorland views, and plenty of photo opportunities. Allow time to pull over, take in the scenery, and enjoy the ride—it’s a great way to start or end your visit to the Creamery.
Once in Hawes, you’ll find more to explore: cobbled streets, welcoming tearooms, quirky independent shops, and lovely walks including a short detour to Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall, or a gentle stretch along the Pennine Way.
The Wensleydale Creamery is passionate about sustainability and supporting its community. By using locally sourced milk and producing everything on-site, they reduce food miles and help maintain the unique farming landscape of the Dales. When you buy Wensleydale cheese, you’re not just enjoying delicious dairy—you’re also supporting local farmers and rural traditions.
A visit to Wensleydale Creamery fits perfectly into a stay at one of our Swaledale holiday cottages. Whether you’re after a cosy retreat for two or a spacious family cottage with room for a cheeseboard or two, we’ve got a place you’ll love coming back to.
Book your stay with Holiday Home Yorkshire and enjoy everything the Dales has to offer—great walking, cycling, views, and of course, cheese!
👉 Browse our cottages
👉 Visit Wensleydale Creamery
You could also combine your visit to the Wensleydale Creamy with a trip to the Countryside Museum or Aysgarth Falls.
