London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour

London: Cheese Tasting Walking Tour offers a delightful journey through the city’s finest cheese shops, delis, and dairies, all within a compact 2-hour walk. For just $74.08 per person, you’ll explore iconic spots like the Royal cheesemonger and some of London’s top artisan delis, sampling a variety of English, French, and Italian cheeses. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour combines education, authentic flavors, and a bit of British humor — sometimes cheesily so.

What we particularly love about this experience is the intimate size — limited to just 10 people — which ensures plenty of time for personalized stories and questions. Plus, the focus on pairing cheeses with wines and other accompaniments elevates the tasting beyond mere sampling. On the flip side, if you’re sensitive to cheese or have specific dietary restrictions, this tour might not be suitable, as it includes a few specific cheeses, and there’s no option for allergies or lactose intolerance.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, curious travelers wanting to explore British culinary traditions, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed, guided stroll in a lively part of London. With stops in Mayfair, Soho, and ending at Seven Dials, you’ll get a flavorful peek into London’s artisanal food scene without the hassle of planning or heavy-duty shopping.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Visit renowned cheesemongers and delis with expert guides.
• Tastings Included: Enjoy a variety of cheeses, from British to French and Italian.
• Educational: Learn about cheese pairing with wine and other accompaniments.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 people for a more personal and engaging experience.
• Convenient Location: Starts outside Green Park tube station, ending in Seven Dials.
• Accessible & Flexible: Wheelchair accessible, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Cheese Tasting Walking Tour in London

If you’re like us, food adventures in a city as diverse as London often reveal the best local flavors and stories. This Cheese Tasting Walking Tour is a perfect example of that. It combines sightseeing with a culinary focus, making it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy authentic tastes while strolling through some of London’s most charming neighborhoods.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins outside Green Park tube station, a central spot on Piccadilly, that’s easy to reach from most parts of London. The first visit is to the Royal cheesemonger, a shop historically favored by the monarchy — including Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles. Here, we loved the chance to sample two fine English cheeses and hear about the shop’s storied past. As one reviewer noted, “It’s fascinating to see where the Royals shop, and the guide’s stories make it even more special.” The shop’s selection highlights the best of British cheese craftsmanship.

From there, the journey takes you to F&M’s delicatessen, famous for its French cheeses. Sampling a fine French cheese here offers a lovely contrast to the British varieties, and you’ll get tips on how to pair these cheeses with different wines and bread. The guide shares insights into French cheese-making traditions, which adds depth to the tasting.

Next, the tour moves to an Italian delicatessen where you’ll try their “drunken cheese” — a playful name for a cheese infused with wine or spirits, which is a fun and flavorful experience. The Italian stop injects a little international flair into your London cheese adventure, and the guide will explain what makes these cheeses special.

Finally, a visit to a local dairy shop near Covent Garden allows you to sample some classic British cheeses, rounding out the experience. We especially appreciated the focus on artisan producers, which gives you a taste of the small-scale, high-quality cheeses that often go unnoticed in supermarkets.

The Tasting Experience

Throughout the tour, you’re encouraged to savor each sample—sometimes with a sip of wine or a bite of crusty bread—while your guide, possibly a cheese enthusiast, shares behind-the-scenes stories. The guide’s knowledge is a highlight — “Our guide, Sarah, was incredibly passionate and full of fun cheese jokes that kept us smiling,” one reviewer shared.

The included bottle of water keeps you refreshed, especially after tasting several rich, bold cheeses. The tour typically lasts about 2 hours, which is a perfect length for a relaxed yet engaging experience, fitting neatly into a day of sightseeing or as a stand-alone culinary highlight.

Practical Details & Tips

• The small group size (max 10 people) ensures plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized comments.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader audience.
• Comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking through busy neighborhoods.
• It’s wise to bring a mask or protective covering, respecting health guidelines.
• Since the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or those with food allergies or intolerances, plan accordingly.

Pricing is quite fair when you consider the quality of the tastings and the expertise of the guide. For just over $74, you’ll enjoy multiple samples, visits to iconic shops, and a lively, educational experience — far more engaging than just wandering into a cheese shop alone.

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The Value of the Experience

While the price might seem modest, it packs a lot of value—great local knowledge, exclusive tastings, and a chance to learn about pairing cheese with wine and accompaniments. The tour doesn’t include any purchases you make, but it’s a perfect opportunity to discover some specialty cheeses you might want to buy later, perhaps as authentic souvenirs or gifts.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies, curious travelers, and those who enjoy guided walks with a culinary twist. It’s particularly appealing for anyone interested in British cheeses and how they compare to European varieties. If you enjoy small groups, personalized attention, and authentic tastings, this tour will meet your expectations.

However, if you have dietary restrictions, food allergies, or lactose intolerance, you may want to consider alternatives, as this tour involves specific cheese samples. Also, it’s not suited for children under 12, so families with younger kids might seek other experiences.

The Sum Up

The London Cheese Tasting Walking Tour offers an authentic, engaging way to explore London’s vibrant culinary scene, focusing on artisan cheeses with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a good choice for those who want a compact yet rich tasting experience combined with some urban sightseeing.

You’ll love the opportunity to visit storied shops favored by royalty, sample cheeses from multiple European traditions, and learn helpful pairing tips. The small group size and expert guides make it a personal, memorable outing, especially if you’re interested in food and local traditions.

On the downside, the experience is limited to cheese lovers and those comfortable with walking through busy streets. It’s also not suitable for children under 12 or travelers with specific dietary needs. But if you’re eager to learn about London’s cheese scene and taste some of the best local and European cheeses, this tour is a smart pick.

In short, it’s a flavorful slice of London life, perfect for curious food travelers wanting a taste of British craftsmanship, with enough variety and storytelling to keep your palate and curiosity satisfied.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy each cheese sample and hear stories from your guide.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Green Park tube station on the Piccadilly South side exit and ends back at the same meeting point in Seven Dials.

Are the cheese samples included in the price?
Yes, the price covers all cheese samples, visits to artisan cheesemakers and delis, and a small bottle of water.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves walking through neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 12 due to the nature of the tastings and adult-oriented content.

This Cheese Tasting Walking Tour provides a fun, tasty, and informative glimpse into London’s artisanal cheese scene, all while enjoying the city’s lively neighborhoods. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply looking to add a flavorful touch to your London visit, it’s a lovely way to indulge your senses and learn more about the city’s culinary heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: