Cheese, but with a walking plan. This London cheese crawl turns shopping streets into a 2-hour tasting route with trivia and a cheese quiz, and you pay once for the bites.

I particularly like the no-hidden-fee setup: the tastings are included, so you can focus on enjoying the cheese instead of adding up add-ons.

One thing to consider: the tour is timed and can run fast on crowded days, and a few guests have noted waits while cheese gets cut and served.

Key highlights at a glance

• All tastings included in one upfront price, with no surprise add-ons
• Classic London stops across Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden
• Cheese quiz and trivia that keep the walk playful, not lecture-y
• Big flavors in small bites, from Stilton to truffle and drunk cheeses
• Small group cap (up to 8) for easier conversation at the counters
• Guides bring the jokes, with hosts like Nick, Jack (Monterey Jack), Bettina, Perla, and Nic leading past groups

A 2-Hour Route Through London’s Cheese Counters

This is not a sit-down tasting. It’s a walking food tour that strings together major cheese stops across central London, with short hangs at each counter. You’re out for roughly two hours, and the plan is built around multiple tastings rather than one long meal.

I like the way this tour uses the city as the “story.” Each stop is tied to a cheese type and a bit of context, then you move on. It makes it feel active, even when you’re standing in line for your next sample.

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. It’s also set up for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Price and value: what your $63.98 buys

At $63.98 per person for about two hours, the honest value question is simple: do you leave full of variety? Here, the answer is yes because all tasters are included. You’re not paying extra at each shop just to try what everyone else is eating.

The menu focus is classic cheese world plus a few fun curveballs. You can expect samples that cover truffle cheeses, Stilton, drunk cheeses, matured goats cheese, and baked Camembert. That range matters because you’re not repeating the same flavor profile five times.

There’s also practical value in the planning. Instead of you hunting for a cheese counter, figuring out what to order, and paying as you go, the tour points you to places that are already set up to serve tasters. It’s a time-saver in a city where good food can mean long lines and even longer decision-making.

Stop 1: St. James’s warmup and cheese-nerd energy

You start at the Constance Fund fountain of Diana (London SW1A 1RN). That’s a clear meeting spot, right where many central walks begin, so you can get oriented quickly before you head off.

This first leg in St. James’s is about setting the tone. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and it’s pitched directly at cheese lovers, from curd nerds to turophiles. Even before the big shop counters, the tour’s structure signals that you’re in for trivia and playful learning.

What you should expect from the start: a low-pressure introduction where the guide frames what you’ll taste and how to pay attention. It’s the part that makes later stops easier to enjoy because you’ll know what to look for.

Potential drawback: because the tour is only about two hours total, the early minutes can feel like they move quickly. If you prefer long wandering time at the beginning, you might wish the tour had a slower start.

Stop 2: Fortnum & Mason in Mayfair for truffle and Stilton

Next you head to Fortnum & Mason in Mayfair, and this is the stop that many people picture when they think of London food shopping. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and the emphasis is on big-name cheese styles.

From what you’ll taste, this stop is built around two standouts: truffle cheeses and Stilton. You’ll also see blue cheese showing up in the mix, and there’s mention of truffle cheeses tied to the store’s storied reputation. The Stilton piece is paired with a detail that makes it feel anchored in time—this cheesemonger has been in the same spot since the early 18th century.

Why this matters for your experience: truffle cheeses and Stilton aren’t just flavors; they’re different ways of experiencing cheese. Truffle often brings aroma and a richer, perfumed angle, while Stilton hits you with depth, salt, and texture. You learn how to compare cheese by category, not just by taste.

A practical note: Fortnum counters can be busy, and part of enjoying this tour is accepting that you’ll be sharing space with other shoppers. If you’re sensitive to crowds, take a light layer and plan to move with the group.

Stop 3: Soho’s Lina Stores for wine pairing and drunk cheeses

Then it’s off to Soho, stopping at Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen. The tour frames this stop as London’s little known Little Italy vibe, and the theme is pairing: wine and cheese go together here.

Your tastings include drunk cheeses, which is exactly the kind of weird-fun food detail that makes a cheese crawl memorable. Drunk cheese typically leans into aged flavors with an added twist, and the wine pairing angle makes it feel intentional rather than random experimentation.

This stop is also where the tour’s humor tends to show up most. Past guides have worked the room with cheesy jokes and light competition style energy, so you’re more likely to remember this section than a standard tasting where you just stand, chew, and move on.

What I like as a planning tip: Soho is lively, and the tour timing helps you sample without getting lost in the neighborhood yourself. You get the food story and the route all in one package.

Possible drawback: if it’s crowded, you may spend more time waiting in line than you’d expect for 30 minutes. That can affect how much conversation you get with your guide. Still, the variety is usually worth it if you’re there to taste broadly.

Stop 4: Covent Garden to finish with final bites

The last stop lands in Covent Garden, with another 30-minute tasting window. This is where the tour winds down and you get final samples to close the loop.

Your sample menu includes matured goats cheese and baked Camembert, both of which are a great end-of-tour choice. Matured goats cheese tends to offer a tangy, assertive profile—something that helps you reset your palate after richer samples. Baked Camembert, on the other hand, gives you comfort-food energy and a warm finish.

Why this ending works: you’re not just finishing because the tour clock says so. The variety of the final tastings helps you leave with a last impression that’s easy to remember when you’re back in your hotel.

Also, ending back at the meeting point keeps it straightforward. You don’t have to figure out a new endpoint or transportation puzzle at the end.

If you like to plan your afternoon, Covent Garden is a good place to pivot after the tour. You’ll be in a central, foot-friendly area where you can continue wandering.

The cheese quiz and trivia: fun learning, not homework

This tour isn’t only about eating. It includes cheese trivia and even a cheese-based quiz. That matters because it turns your tasting into a game. You’re more likely to pay attention to what you like and why when there’s a quiz element nudging you to notice details.

It also keeps the guide’s role active. In the best cases, hosts like Nick, Jack (including the name Monterey Jack), Nic, Bettina, and Perla have been reported to keep things entertaining with jokes and fast-paced explanations. That kind of energy makes a short tour feel longer—in a good way.

Here’s how I’d approach it: don’t worry about getting answers right. Use the quiz as a prompt to compare the cheeses you taste. That way, even if you’re not a cheese expert, you’ll still walk away with personal knowledge.

One consideration: if you prefer fully quiet food time, the quiz and trivia might feel a little “structured.” For most cheese lovers, though, it’s part of the charm.

Guides and pacing: when the walk feels smooth vs. rushed

The tour is designed for a small group, with a maximum of 8 travelers. A smaller group helps you ask questions and get attention at the counters, especially when staff are cutting portions and moving people through.

Still, real life happens. Some experiences have been described as faster-paced than expected, and a few guests have noted pauses while cheese is cut and served. On busy days, you might spend some of your 30 minutes waiting outside in cooler weather.

My practical advice: wear layers and plan for a bit of standing. Even with small group sizes, tasting tours involve timing, and timing can mean brief delays.

Also, bring your curiosity. If the guide asks a question during the quiz, lean in. That’s where you’ll get the most out of the trivia and the cheese history snippets.

What you’ll actually taste: a practical flavor map

Let’s translate the sample menu into a simple guide to what each bite is likely to feel like:

• Truffle cheeses: aromatic and luxurious, more intense than plain-style cheeses
• Stilton: rich, bold, and tangy, a classic “blue cheese” experience
• Drunk cheeses: playful and offbeat, often tied to wine-aging and aroma notes
• Matured goats cheese: tangy and earthy, usually sharp with age
• Baked Camembert: warm, creamy, and comfort-forward, great for a final stop

This mix is smart because it covers both “classic London choices” and “fun what’s that like?” moments. You’re not only sampling safe picks; you’re getting a range that shows how broad the world of cheese really is.

If you’re trying to decide what to order on your own later, this tour helps you build a mental shortlist. You’ll know which category you like: pungent blues, aromatic truffle styles, tangy goats, or warm baked cheeses.

Who should book this cheese crawl (and who might not)

I’d point this tour toward three types of travelers:

1. Cheese lovers who want variety without planning
2. People who like food as a guided story, not just random tastings
3. Travelers who enjoy short walks and want a structured afternoon in central London

It’s also a good choice if you want a compact activity that fits a schedule. At roughly two hours, you can fit it before dinner or before another attraction.

Who should hesitate: if you hate crowds and long lines, or if you need very slow, linger-and-chat pacing, timed tasting tours can feel tight. Also, if you’re sensitive to waits while food is being prepared or portioned, know that can happen.

Finally, if you have allergies or special diets, the key step is to communicate those needs with the operator. The tour requires you to communicate food restrictions (allergy and special diet information).

Should you book the London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour?

If you love cheese and you want a simple, guided route through real central London shopping areas, this is a strong pick. The biggest reason is the included tastings—you’re paying for the experience, not nickel-and-diming at every stop.

Book it if you want a fun mix of classic cheeses like Stilton, plus more playful options like drunk cheeses, with entertainment from guides such as Nick, Jack (Monterey Jack), Bettina, Perla, and Nic. The cheese quiz and trivia also add a light competitive edge that makes it easier to remember what you liked.

Skip or think twice if you’re extremely crowd-averse or you need leisurely pacing. This is a walking tasting tour with time limits, so on busy days, the experience can feel more rushed than calm.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The start time is 12:00 pm, and the meeting point is the Constance Fund fountain of Diana, London SW1A 1RN.

How much does it cost?

The price is $63.98 per person.

Are tastings included or do I pay extra at the shops?

All tasters are included, so there are no hidden fees for the tastings.

How many stops are there, and where do they take place?

There are four stops: St. James’s, Fortnum & Mason, Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen, and Covent Garden.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need to print anything?

You’ll have a mobile ticket.