Itinerary Planner

On the Trail of ... Cheshire's Cheese

On the Trail of ... Cheshire's Cheese

Cheshire is home to the country’s oldest named cheese, in fact, it was first recorded in Roman times. And Cheshire cheese has been one of our favourites since the reign of Elizabeth I – irresistibly crumbly, creamy and salty. But these days Cheshire isn’t only known for the county’s signature cheese. Today’s local artisans draw on influences from around the globe. Take a tour to find out more.

Why is salt essential to cheese? It’s one of the questions that will be answered at “A Brine Romance: Salt and Food”, a new exhibition this autumn at Lion Salt Works near Northwich (20 October to January 2021). Find out why the mineral – of which this county has the country’s largest reserves – is crucial to the great taste of cheese at this fun and fascinating museum set in one of the world’s last inland open-pan salt works. Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6ES (01606 275066, http://lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk)

The Bourne family has been making cheese since 1750 using traditional techniques passed down over six generations. Oak smoked, cloth bound and even blue Cheshire are among the types crafted by hand at HS Bourne near Malpas from milk from the farm’s herd of Friesians. Stock up on Bourne cheeses at local farmers’ markets in Nantwich, Tarporley, Knutsford, Sandbach, Macclesfield and Rode Hall. You can even can book to see how the cheese is made at the Bourne’s dairy, although visits are currently suspended because of the pandemic. HS Bourne, The Bank, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 7AL (01948 770214, www.hsbourne.co.uk).

It’s only fitting that one of Chester’s best-loved independent shops is dedicated to selling cheese. The Cheese Shop was founded more than 30 years ago by Carole Faulkner, a farmer’s daughter and former cheesemaker who focuses on British cheeses from small-scale producers that she personally visits. These specially selected cheeses are carefully stored in the cellar of this small shop close to the city wall, ensuring a constant supply of delectable offerings are available to buy. The Cheese Shop, 116 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT (01244 346240).

Churns, vats, curd mills and cheese presses are among artefacts that offer a visual guide to centuries of local cheese-making at the Cheese Room in Nantwich Museum. What gives the cheese its salty tang, is it through salting or due to the brine springs beneath the local pastures grazed by cows? This is the place to find out the answers to these questions and more. Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5BQ (01270 627104, www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk).

We’re so dedicated to the art of making cheese in Cheshire, we’re home to one of Britain’s leading institutions for teaching all things dairy. The next generation of cheesemakers learn their craft at Reaseheath College near Nantwich and the industry also comes here to keep knowledge and skills updated. But you don’t have to be a full-time student or corporate player to go deeper into the science because budding cheesemakers can sign up for short courses, too. Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DF (01270 625131, www.reaseheath.ac.uk).

Please check websites for the latest on opening times, access and Covid-19 safety measures.

Product Information

  1. Lion Salt Works

    Northwich

    Cheshire’s salt – the precious mineral on which this county sits – has been prized since Roman times.

    Add Lion Salt Works to your Itinerary

    It’s a story brilliantly told at the Lion Salt Works, one of the last open-pan sites in the world, an intriguing warren of stove, boiler and pan houses renovated to reveal how salt was extracted from the underground brine lakes and transformed into a coveted commodity. Immerse yourself in the high-tech wizardry of Salt Pan 3, which recreates the steamy and dangerous conditions where bare-chested men toiled over great vats of the boiling brine. Stand at the bar in the old Red Lion pub, where the workers were once served refreshing pints of beer with a replenishing pinch of salt. Spot the worker’s boots encrusted with salt crystals and the sardine tins that, curiously, wages were paid in. Then step out on the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal, where salt was once hauled to Liverpool’s docks, the gateway to the world.

    Contact Details:

    Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6ES

    Tel:

    01606 275066

    Website

    Web Site

  2. H. S. Bourne

    Malpas

    The Bourne family has been hand-making fine Cheshire cheese since 1930. Unlike many other cheese makers who use industrial production methods, we still use traditional 'hands on' techniques to produce cheeses which have been awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the British Cheese Awards, prizes at the Nantwich International Cheese Show and Gold and Silver Medals at the World Cheese Awards.

    Add H. S. Bourne to your Itinerary

    The Bourne family has been hand-making fine Cheshire cheese since 1930. Unlike many other cheese makers who use industrial production methods, we still use traditional 'hands on' techniques to produce cheeses which have been awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the British Cheese Awards, prizes at the Nantwich International Cheese Show and Gold and Silver Medals at the World Cheese Awards.

    Contact Details:

    H S Bourne, The Bank, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7AL

    Tel:

    +44 (0)1948 770214

    Website

    Web Site

  3. Nantwich Museum

    Nantwich

    Nantwich Museum, a vibrant community museum where visitors can learn about the early settlement of the town, the importance of salt, the local dairy and other industries, events and people that have shaped the town's history.

    Add Nantwich Museum to your Itinerary

    Nantwich is a beautiful, historic market town boasting fine examples of Tudor and Georgian architecture.  The town centre has many independent shops including a grocer’s and a cheese shop, and we have the countryside on our doorstep with both the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Weaver nearby.

    At Nantwich Museum we tell the stories of the town and its people. Find out what a salt ship is and explore our dedicated Cheese and Dairy Room. You can find out about clock making, shoe and clothing production, as well as the impact that the Great Fire of Nantwich of 1583 and the Battle of Nantwich (1644) had on the town.

    There is always something new to see with our wonderful Millennium Gallery accommodating a changing programme of art and history-based exhibitions. A smaller Community Gallery provides opportunity for local individuals and groups to display their work. Every summer the Museum also curates its own history-based exhibition. This year our Research Group has delved into the history of the site of the town’s former gas works, uncovering its early use and showcasing some interesting and slightly unusual gas appliances. Running in parallel to a Summer of Science festival, there is a jam-packed diary of events.

    A range of events, activities, talks and walks run throughout the year and dressing up, trails, books and games are also available for young and old alike.

    An education offer for schools, including our popular Fire of Nantwich and Battle of Nantwich workshops, is available, and a Dementia Friendship Group meets twice a month with participants enjoying a whole range of activities including arts, crafts and music.

    We have 60+ volunteers helping with all aspects of the running of the Museum, making this a friendly and vibrant place to visit.

    Information about all our current events and exhibitions can be found on our website, as well as details about how you can become a Museum member.

     

    Contact Details:

    Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5BQ

    Tel:

    01270 627104

    Website

    Web Site

  4. The Cheese Shop

    Chester

    Visit us online or in person to see our great range of cheeses. With a wide selection of ewes, goats, vegetarian and unpastuerised cheeses - you won't know where to begin!

    The Cheese Shop. Photo Credit: The Cheese Shop

    Visit us online or in person to see our great range of cheeses. With a wide selection of ewes, goats, vegetarian and unpastuerised cheeses - you won't know where to begin!

    Contact Details:

    116 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HT

    Tel:

    01244 346240

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Lion Salt Works (53.2752,-2.49549)H. S. Bourne (53.00808,-2.8332)33.59
H. S. Bourne (53.00808,-2.8332)Nantwich Museum (53.06569,-2.52079)19.69
Total Distance *53.27 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.71 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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