Manchester: Cheese Crawl Food Tour & Tastings with Quiz

Summary

Manchester cheese crawl with tasting stops and playful quiz

You’ll wander Manchester’s streets tasting cheeses you probably can’t pronounce yet (don’t worry, nobody could), meet passionate locals behind the counters, and try your luck at a silly quiz over a glass of fizz. Expect laughter, unexpected favorites, and stories that stick long after the last bite.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my Saturday in Manchester sniffing a hunk of crumbly Lancashire while everyone tried to guess its age (I was way off). The city just smells different when you’re trailing after someone who knows every cheesemonger by name—our guide, Sophie, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to wave at shopkeepers or point out which place does “the best blue if you dare.” She handed us little napkins and I swear my fingers still smelled faintly tangy hours later.

We ducked into a couple of shops I’d walked past a hundred times but never noticed. Inside, the air was cool and sharp—like the first whiff when you open the fridge at home, only better. There was this one bit where we all tried to pronounce “Wensleydale” properly (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). The cheese quiz got competitive fast; someone’s dad knew way too much about French rinds. And yes, there was fizz—nothing fancy but just enough to make us all loosen up and swap stories about our weirdest cheese experiences.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to learn so much about how cheese is made right here in the northwest. Sophie told us about a local celebrity who makes Lancashire that crumbles just right—she even showed us the shop window where he sometimes waves if he’s around (he wasn’t today, but maybe next time). By the end, my stomach was full but somehow I wanted more. There’s something about eating with strangers that makes the city feel smaller and warmer. Still thinking about that punchy blue we tried near St Ann’s Square… might have to go back for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manchester cheese crawl and tasting

• Join 2-hour guided cheese tour
• Visit high class cheese stores
• Sample top quality North West cheeses
• Learn about cheese making
• Meet cheese mongers and shop owners
• Participate in cheese quiz with wine

Top questions

How long is the Manchester Cheese Crawl food tour?

The tour lasts around 2 hours from start to finish.

Are cheese tastings included on this Manchester food tour?

Yes, several cheese tastings are included along the route.

Is there wine or drinks served during the cheese crawl?

The tour includes some fizz served alongside tastings.

Will there be a guide on the Manchester Cheese Crawl?

A professional guide leads the group throughout the tour.

Do I need to arrive early for this Manchester cheese tour?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure so you don’t miss the start.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to meeting points.

Are infants allowed on this food tour in Manchester?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your two-hour walk includes generous cheese tastings from top shops around Manchester, a glass of fizz to sip along the way, playful games and quizzes led by your guide—all wrapped up in good company and plenty of local flavor.