The West and South West of England have long been synonymous with world-class cheese, from the rolling pastures of Somerset to the lush fields of Devon. This region’s cheesemaking tradition is rooted in centuries-old methods, family-run dairies, and a deep respect for the land and its herds. Today, these counties are home to some of the UK’s most acclaimed artisan cheese producers, many of whom open their doors for immersive tours and tastings. For those seeking a gourmet, hands-on cheese experience, these factories offer a unique window into the art and science of British cheese.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Cheddar, Somerset
Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only producer making authentic Cheddar in the village of Cheddar itself. Visitors can watch traditional cheesemaking in action from a viewing gallery, explore the maturing stores, and sample a range of clothbound, unpasteurised Cheddars at the tasting bar. The visitor centre’s film and displays provide context on the heritage of this world-famous cheese. Reviews praise the “fascinating process” and “exceptional flavour,” and the ambience is rustic, educational, and steeped in local pride.
Lye Cross Farm, Wrington, Somerset
Just a few miles from Cheddar, Lye Cross Farm is run by the Alvis family, who have been making cheese here since 1952. The farm’s 4,300 acres of pasture support a herd of over 1,000 dairy cows, producing milk for a range of traditional and organic Cheddars. Tours offer a glimpse of the milking parlour, cheese production, and the “Cathedral of Cheese” where truckles mature. Tastings showcase the farm’s award-winning Cheddars and other regional cheeses. Visitors describe the experience as “welcoming and informative,” with a strong sense of family tradition and sustainability.
Quicke’s, Newton St Cyres, Devon
On the edge of Exeter, Quicke’s is renowned for its clothbound Cheddars, made using heritage recipes and milk from the farm’s own cows. The Cheese Tour includes a guided walk through the dairy, a tutored tasting of Quicke’s range, and a visit to the famed cheese store. Guests also see the milking parlour and enjoy a two-course lunch at a nearby pub featuring Quicke’s cheese. The ambience is both pastoral and modern, with visitors calling it “a wonderful morning” and “a masterclass in artisan cheesemaking.”
Bath Soft Cheese, Kelston, near Bath
Bath Soft Cheese is a small, family-run dairy producing award-winning cheeses from their own herd of cows. The farm offers guided tours of the cheesemaking rooms, maturing cellars, and milking parlour, followed by a tasting and lunch in their café. The cheese selection includes the eponymous Bath Soft, Wyfe of Bath, and a classic blue. The setting is bucolic, with a farm shop, café, and play area for families. Reviews highlight the “delicious cheeses” and “friendly, knowledgeable staff,” making it a relaxed yet gourmet day out.
Westcombe Dairy, Evercreech, Somerset
Westcombe Dairy is famed for its traditional, unpasteurised Westcombe Cheddar, made using raw milk and matured in cloth. The dairy offers tours where guests can see cheesemaking up close, visit the ageing rooms, and enjoy tastings of Cheddar, Duckett’s Caerphilly, and Ricotta. The experience is described as “authentic and hands-on,” with a focus on the craft and heritage of Somerset cheese. The farm shop and occasional feasts add to the sense of community and celebration of local food.
Pitchfork Cheddar by Trethowan Brothers, North Somerset
Just five miles from Cheddar, the Trethowan Brothers’ dairy produces Pitchfork Cheddar, an award-winning, organic, unpasteurised cheese made using traditional methods. The dairy is committed to the Slow Food movement and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process, from curd mixing to cloth binding. Tastings reveal the cheese’s complex, earthy notes. The atmosphere is artisanal and passionate, with visitors noting the “dedication to heritage” and “exceptional quality.”
These cheese factories in the West and South West of England provide more than just tastings—they offer a deep dive into the region’s agricultural roots, craftsmanship, and evolving food culture, making each visit a memorable gastronomic journey.
