Cheese is a food that’s enjoyed in a variety of forms by a variety of peoples throughout history. Every nation has its own distinct take on it – and some nations have a whole panoply of them.
If you’re a fan of cheese, then you’ll want to add a few key destinations to your travel bucket list. Cheese can be a key element in all of your holidays. But exactly where might you visit, and why?
Britain’s Booming Cheese Tourism Scene
The most famous cheese-related location in the UK is probably Cheddar Gorge, in Somerset. There are guided tastings to seek out, here, as well as countless varieties of the nation’s favourite cheese. On the other hand, the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience is always worth visiting, thanks to live demonstrations and guided tours.
You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of cheese-related hotspots throughout the country. According to research from the IMARC Group, the agrotourism sector will grow by around 11.9% every year between 2025 and 2030 – and cheese is a major factor in that success.
Europe’s Legendary Cheese Routes
There are a number of amazing cheese locations in Europe, too. In Normandy, you’ll find classic techniques for making Livarot and Camembert, practised in the same way as they were centuries ago. Head to Sicily, and you’ll find pecorino ageing on giant racks, inside mineral-soaked limestone caves.
Or, if you prefer your cheese to have holes in it, you might head over to the Emmetaler Cheese Route, which will guide you through the valley where this most famous of Swiss cheeses is made.
In each case, getting acquainted with these locations, and the artisan cheesemakers who work in them, will provide a chance to enjoy not just amazing produce, but gorgeous scenery, too.
Luxury Cheese Retreats and Global Surprises
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, there are some truly luxurious cheese experiences to be found. You might put £5,000 down on a high-end English Cheese Odyssey, and stay in North Cadbury Court. The trip will acquaint you with some of the country’s most reputable cheesemakers.
On the other hand, if you’re a serious aficionado, you might head out to parts of the world that aren’t widely known for their cheeses. In Brazil and Canada, for example, you might find local varieties that will help you broaden your horizons, and perhaps even spread the word to other connoisseurs of this much-loved dairy product.
