A cheesy day out at the flagship cheese experience

The Wensleydale Creamery is a proper landmark in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. It's known as the UK's flagship cheese experience, which basically means it’s the top spot for all things cheese. During the October half term, it becomes the perfect destination for a family adventure. And here’s the best bit: children under 16 get free entry to the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience. This brilliant offer runs every single weekend, and for the whole of the half-term break, from the 18th October right through until the 2nd November. That's a fantastic saving for a family looking for fun treats without breaking the bank.

Discover the heritage of crumbly Wensleydale cheese

A visit here is more than just tasting delicious food; it’s about discovering the story behind one of Britain's most famous cheeses. The creamery has a rich heritage, and visitors can see it all up close. Live demonstrations run throughout the day, where experts show how the famous creamy and crumbly Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese is made. It’s fascinating stuff, watching the team work their magic. After the demonstrations, the Taste of Yorkshire room is the next stop. Here, a guided cheese sampling session lets everyone try different varieties and learn about what makes each one special. It’s a great way to find a new favourite. Guests can even get a peek into the creamery itself from a special viewing gallery, watching the skilled cheesemakers hard at work. It’s a real look behind the scenes at the heritage of cheese making.

An indulgent afternoon tea for the whole family

Let’s talk about the food, because the treats on offer sound incredible. Calvert’s Restaurant has a new seasonal menu full of the best local Yorkshire produce, but the real showstoppers are the afternoon tea options. There’s something for everyone, making it a perfect indulgent experience for the whole family.

For the younger visitors, there’s a brand-new Gromit’s Afternoon Tea. It’s a playful and cheesy feast designed especially for children.

• Cheesy crumpet
• Creamy Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese
• Chunky chips
• Cucumber sticks and cherry tomatoes
• A honeycomb rocky road for dessert
• Served with milk or squash in a Gromit mug!

And for the grown-ups? They can enjoy the Cheesy Afternoon Tea. This isn’t your average afternoon tea; it’s a celebration of all things cheesy and delicious.

• An oozy, indulgent Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese
• A classic three-cheese quiche
• The signature Yorkshire Wensleydale & Ginger cheese cheesecake
• A new seasonal treat: an Apple & Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries cake
• All served with a proper pot of Yorkshire Tea

This fantastic afternoon tea experience is a great way to relax and enjoy some of the best food Yorkshire has to offer during the October half term.

Things get toasty for National Cheese Toastie Day

As if that wasn’t enough, the start of the October half term also marks National Cheese Toastie Day on Monday, 27th October. And honestly, where better to celebrate than at the home of Wensleydale cheese? The 1897 Coffee Shop is serving two limited-edition cheese toasties all week, from 25th October to 2nd November. Visitors can sit back and enjoy incredible views of the autumnal Yorkshire Dales while tucking into one of these amazing creations.

The options for these special cheese toasties sound amazing: one features creamy, mellow Wensleydale Blue with Yorkshire Dales Roast Beef and a tangy Port & Red Onion Chutney. The other is a classic combination of Yorkshire Wensleydale and Red Leicester cheese with Yorkshire Dales Roast Ham. For those wanting something even more indulgent, Calvert's is serving up the new ‘Yorkshire Lad’ Croque Monsieur. It’s a seriously cheesy, pan-fried ham and cheese toastie with a three-cheese sauce, served with chips. A perfect cheesy treat for a chilly October day.

Don't forget the gift shop

No trip to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes would be complete without a visit to the Cheese & Gift Shop. It’s the perfect place to pick up some treats to take home. Visitors can sample the full range of over 20 different cheeses, from the iconic crumbly Yorkshire Wensleydale to other unique flavours. The gift shop is also stocked with local goodies, including chutneys, craft beers, spirits, and lovely homewares. It's the ideal way to take a real taste of Yorkshire home, making the memories of a brilliant family day out last even longer. With so much to see, do, and eat, it's a top choice for this October half term.