The UK produces some of the finest cheese in the world, from ancient territorial varieties like Stilton, Cheddar, and Cheshire to innovative new creations from a growing number of artisan cheesemakers. The country's cheese festivals celebrate this rich heritage and thriving contemporary scene, offering tastings, expert talks, and the chance to buy directly from the people who make these remarkable products.
Major cheese festivals
The Great British Cheese Festival, Cardiff
Held at Cardiff Castle, the Great British Cheese Festival is one of the UK's most established cheese events. The festival brings together over 100 exhibitors, including some of the country's finest artisan cheesemakers. Alongside the cheese stalls, there are tutored tasting sessions, cheese-and-wine pairing workshops, and demonstrations from cheese experts. The castle setting adds a memorable backdrop, and the event typically runs over a weekend in September.
The Artisan Cheese Fair, Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire has strong claims to be the capital of British cheese, being the home of Stilton production and a centre for dairy farming. The town's Artisan Cheese Fair brings together cheesemakers from across the UK and Europe, offering an exceptional range of cheeses for tasting and purchase. The event is held in May and is a must-visit for serious cheese enthusiasts.
Frome Cheese Show, Somerset
The Frome Cheese Show is part of the larger Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Somerset is the heartland of Cheddar cheese production, and the show features competitive classes for farmhouse Cheddar alongside other varieties. The agricultural show atmosphere, with livestock, horticultural displays, and country pursuits alongside the cheese, makes this a quintessentially British day out.
The Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling, Gloucestershire
No guide to UK cheese events would be complete without mentioning the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling near Brockworth in Gloucestershire. Held on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday each May, this event involves competitors chasing a 9-pound round of Double Gloucester cheese down a near-vertical hill. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese.
The event is chaotic, frequently injurious, and utterly compelling to watch. It has been held for at least 200 years, though its exact origins are disputed. The steep gradient of Cooper's Hill means that falls, tumbles, and spectacular wipeouts are inevitable. Spectating is free but the hillside gets extremely crowded. Arrive early and be prepared for muddy, uneven ground. The event has no official organiser and no health and safety provisions, which is very much part of its character.
Regional cheese events
Nantwich International Cheese Awards
The Nantwich International Cheese Awards, held in Cheshire each July as part of the Nantwich Show, is one of the largest cheese competitions in the world. Over 5,000 entries from more than 30 countries are judged, and the event includes a cheese marquee where the public can sample and purchase competition entries. Nantwich's cheese heritage is deep, with Cheshire cheese having been made in the surrounding area for centuries.
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, Dorset
This charming market town festival celebrates the cheesemaking heritage of the Blackmore Vale in Dorset. The event features local and national cheesemakers, cookery demonstrations, and cheese-themed activities for families. The relaxed, community-focused atmosphere makes it one of the most pleasant cheese events in the South West.
Cheese at farmers' markets and food festivals
Beyond dedicated cheese events, many of the UK's best artisan cheeses can be found at farmers' markets and food festivals throughout the year. Borough Market in London has several excellent cheese stalls, including Neal's Yard Dairy, which champions British artisan cheese. Regional food festivals, such as the Abergavenny Food Festival in Wales and the Ludlow Food Festival in Shropshire, always feature strong cheese selections. For more on food events across the UK, our street food and food festivals guide covers the broader scene.
Cheese-making courses and experiences
For those who want to go beyond tasting, cheese-making courses are available at farms and dairies across the UK. These hands-on experiences teach the fundamentals of turning milk into cheese and range from half-day introductions to multi-day intensive courses. Providers include the School of Artisan Food in Nottinghamshire, various farm dairies in Somerset and Wales, and smaller independent cheesemakers who open their doors for workshops.
Some farms also offer open days where you can tour the dairy, meet the animals, and see cheese being made. These visits are particularly rewarding for families with children, as they connect the finished product to the animals and the land in a way that supermarket shopping simply cannot. For family-oriented outings, our family events guide includes activities suitable for all ages.
The state of British cheese
The UK cheese industry is in a period of extraordinary creativity. While traditional territorial cheeses remain the backbone of production, a new generation of cheesemakers is experimenting with washed rinds, blue moulds, raw milk, and continental techniques to create cheeses that would have been unimaginable a generation ago. The rise of artisan cheese shops, cheese subscription boxes, and online retailers has made it easier than ever to access these products.
Attending a cheese festival is the best way to explore this diversity. You can taste cheeses from across the country, speak directly to the people who make them, and discover varieties that rarely appear in shops. The passion and knowledge of British cheesemakers is remarkable, and their enthusiasm for sharing it with visitors makes every festival visit both educational and delicious.
Practical tips
Bring a cool bag and ice packs if you plan to buy cheese, especially at summer events. Cheese does not enjoy sitting in a warm car for hours. Start by tasting milder cheeses and work your way toward stronger varieties to avoid overwhelming your palate. Ask the stallholders for recommendations and stories behind their cheeses. Most cheesemakers are passionate communicators who love discussing their craft. For general event-going advice, our festival planning guide has tips that apply to food events too.
British cheese is world-class, and the festivals celebrating it are among the most enjoyable, flavourful events on the UK calendar. Whether you are a dedicated turophile or simply enjoy a good piece of cheese on a cracker, there is a festival that will deepen your appreciation and broaden your taste.
