Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
Park-Wide Tastings, Artisan Cheese Trails, and Local Produce Events.

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Posted on 17th August 2026

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Celebrating the rich dairy heritage and artisan producers of the region, the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival returns from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th October 2026. Organized by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, this 10-day event shines a spotlight on local cheesemakers, farm shops, delis, and historic venues.

Unlike traditional single-venue food festivals, the Cheese Festival spans the entire Yorkshire Dales National Park. Local businesses—from traditional creameries in Hawes to countryside pubs, cafes, and estate farm shops—host their own special events, tasting menus, cheesemaking demonstrations, and guided walks throughout the week.

What to Expect Across the Dales 🧀🍷

Visitors can use the official 'Taste of the Dales' map to plan a self-guided culinary tour across the region:

• Cheesemaking Demonstrations & Tours: Learn about traditional methods at iconic sites like the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes and local artisan dairies.
• Special Menus & Cheesy Bites: Local cafes, pubs, and restaurants serve up specially crafted cheesy dishes, fondue evenings, and wine pairings.
• Meet the Maker Pop-Ups: Opportunities to meet local cheesemakers, butter churners, and preservers at farm shops and delis.
• Local Drink Pairings: Discover regional craft ales, Yorkshire gins, chutneys, and artisan breads designed to complement Dales cheeses.
• Guided Farm Walks: Scenic countryside walks connecting local food stops, heritage dairies, and farmsteads.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2026:

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Admission & Booking

VARIES BY VENUE

Many farm shop pop-ups, markets, and tastings are free to attend. Ticketed dining events, workshops, and pairing evenings require advance booking with the individual host business.

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Festival Dates

Friday 9th – Sunday 18th October 2026
• Events run daily across participating National Park venues.

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Interactive Trail Map

Download the 'Taste of the Dales' map via the Yorkshire Dales National Park website to build your personal festival itinerary.

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Dog Friendly

Many participating outdoor farm shops, pub gardens, and walking routes welcome dogs on leads (indoor rules vary by venue).

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Visitor Tip

Combine your trip with visits to popular market towns like Hawes, Grassington, Skipton, and Sedbergh to sample multiple host venues in a single day!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Locations:

Participating venues across the Yorkshire Dales National Park (including Hawes, Skipton, Grassington, Malton, and Settle).

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🚗 Driving & Parking

Exploring by car allows easy travel between rural farm shops and dairies. Pay-and-display parking is available at National Park Visitor Centres (Hawes, Grassington, Aysgarth Falls).

🚆 Public Transport

Connecting rail services run via Skipton, Settle, and Garsdale stations, with DalesBus route connections serving key market towns throughout autumn.