The invitation landed like a perfectly aged Wensleydale – impossible to resist. A chance to explore the Wensleydale Creamery's new festive offerings? I was there faster than Wallace could spot a wedge of his favourite cheese.

Winter had wrapped the Yorkshire Dales in its most theatrical costume. Snow clung to the hilltops while the valleys basked in glorious winter sunshine, and the countryside unfurled like a perfectly pressed Christmas tablecloth as I drove towards Hawes. It was, quite simply, a cracking morning.

The Wensleydale Creamery has mastered something many establishments struggle with – the art of the warm welcome. As visitors streamed through the doors, the collective murmur of appreciation was unmistakable. The reaction wasn't mere politeness; there was genuine anticipation crackling through the air before Martin Laws's cheesemaking demonstration.

Settling into my seat, I could hear the deep hum of a tanker outside delivering its precious cargo from one of the Creamery's 42 local farmers. Martin opened proceedings with disarming charm: "Where does milk come from?" A young girl supplied the correct answer, though Martin confessed that a teenage boy had recently suggested Tesco – only to be corrected by his younger sister, who insisted it came from the fridge. Whether apocryphal or not, it broke the ice beautifully.



The statistics are impressive: 35 million litres of milk arrive annually, all transformed into 6-9 tonnes of cheese daily. But it's the process itself that captivates – the centuries-old recipes, the starter culture made on site, the careful testing for bacterial content, fermentation, and acidity. Martin's hands worked methodically as he created a small truckle before our eyes; his descriptive language painted the ancient craft in vivid colours.

Most fascinating was learning why Hawes Wensleydale enjoys protected status – the wild flowers of the Dales, fed by limestone-filtered water, create utterly distinctive grassland. Geography becomes taste. Martin also revealed the story behind some of the Creamery's more adventurous flavour combinations – ginger and apricots emerged through experimentation, but the real game-changer came in 1996 when someone had the audacity to add cranberries. That controversial decision now accounts for 25% of the Creamery's worldwide sales. Not all innovations curdle.

After sampling numerous varieties under the watchful gaze of Wallace and Gromit (naturally), it was time for the main event: the Festive Cheesy Afternoon Tea.

This is where the Wensleydale Creamery has struck gold – or rather, struck that perfect pale yellow of their signature cheese. Having become a viral sensation, their Cheesy Afternoon Tea has been given a seasonal makeover and is available until 4th January.

The savoury selection is nothing short of spectacular. Deep-fried Yorkshire Wensleydale and cranberry panko cheese balls arrive like edible Christmas baubles. But the star turn is the Yorkshire Dales Beef Bourguignon – a dish that would make the French nod in respect while acknowledging its Yorkshire superiority. Tender beef, perfectly balanced with mushrooms and carrots, crowned with a tangy Wensleydale blue cheese crumble that's robust yet refined. It's hearty without being heavy, sophisticated yet satisfying.

The Yorkshire Wensleydale and Cranberry, with pork sausage pigs in blankets, prove equally delightful— festive comfort elevated to art. Sticky ginger parkin provides the sweet counterpoint, while the traditional mince pie served with Wensleydale offers that gloriously controversial pairing that true Yorkshire folk insist is nothing short of a revelation.

Raydale Preserves tomato and chilli chutney accompanies the spread with just the right kick of heat – so impressive that a post-lunch trip to the shop proved more than useful as I stocked up on jars of this wonderful condiment. Pan-fried new potatoes with caramelised onions and nduja complete the offering, and while there are additional items available on the menu for those with heartier appetites, the portions are generous without being overwhelming.

We opted for mulled wine and a port that perfectly complemented this festive treat, the warming spices and rich tannins proving ideal companions to the robust cheeses. Yorkshire Tea remains available for those preferring a more traditional accompaniment, while fizz adds sparkle for celebratory occasions.

Originally designed for sharing, the afternoon tea now caters for solo diners too, meaning there's no excuse not to indulge.

Families needn't worry about younger visitors either. Gromit's Afternoon Tea offers age-appropriate cheese adventures, including mac 'n' cheese, chunky chips and honeycomb rocky road, all served with a Gromit mug to take home.

As we departed, the late afternoon sun gilded the surrounding hills. Leaving such convivial warmth felt almost criminal, but replete with cheese and good cheer, we followed Wallace and Gromit's example and wended our way homeward, already plotting our return.

The Festive Cheesy Afternoon Tea isn't just a meal – it's a proper taste of Yorkshire Christmas, served with genuine warmth and more than a smidgen of fun. Book now, because this is one experience that won't be found at Tesco.

For more information on the chessy afternoon tea click here

Wensleydale Creamery, Gayle Lane, Hawes, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, DL8 3RN
https://www.wensleydale.co.uk/