The small market town of Hawes near the head of Wensleydale, through which the River Ure flows eastwards from the Pennines towards the sea, is the location of the only factory that still makes the traditional Wensleydale cheese.Since the Second World War when cheesemakers were obliged to produce a government standard Cheddar-like cheese, it has been produced in factories rather than farmhouses. The factory at Hawes dates from the early twentieth century and by 1990 was the only place in Wensleydale manufacturing the traditional cheese. It was closed by the conglomerate that owned it early in 1992, but was speedily re-opened after a management buy-out, and in 2013 secured a Protected Geographical Indication (PGA) for its product, meaning that only cheese made in the region can legitimately be called ‘Wensleydale’. The visitor centre at the creamery has displays showing how Wensleydale was made by hand in farmhouses, and how it continues to be produced in the factory. There are demonstrations of the methods used, and exhibitions of historical equipment. A coffee shop and a restaurant offer cheese-inspired refreshments.
Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre
Gayle Lane
DL8 3RR Hawes
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1969 - 667664
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