Visit The Courtyard Dairy near Settle, Yorkshire Dales — taste award-winning artisan cheeses, enjoy tastings, and explore the Cheese Museum and café.

A Destination for Cheese Lovers

Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Courtyard Dairy is an award-winning independent cheesemonger specialising in artisan farmhouse cheeses from Britain and beyond.

Located at Crows Nest Barn near Austwick and Settle, the dairy is far more than a traditional cheese shop. Visitors can taste carefully matured cheeses, learn about British cheesemaking, explore a small museum, see the cheese production area, and enjoy food at the on-site restaurant.

Founded by cheesemongers Andy and Kathy Swinscoe, The Courtyard Dairy has become particularly known for supporting small farmhouse producers and maturing selected cheeses on site to develop their flavour.

From Independent Cheese Shop to Award-Winning Destination

Andy and Kathy Swinscoe established The Courtyard Dairy in 2012 after gaining experience working with respected cheesemongers in Britain and France.

Their approach focuses on working closely with small-scale cheesemakers, particularly producers using traditional farmhouse methods. Many cheeses are made by hand using milk from individual herds before being carefully matured by The Courtyard Dairy team.

In 2017, the business expanded to include additional visitor experiences, including its cheese museum, café space, and cheese production room.

Today, visitors can discover:

Artisan British and European cheeses
Traditional farmhouse cheesemaking
Expert cheese maturing
Tastings and specialist advice
A small cheese museum
On-site cheesemaking
Cheese-focused food and dining
Products from independent producers

For food lovers exploring the Yorkshire Dales, it has become a destination in its own right.

Exploring The Courtyard Dairy

1. The Award-Winning Cheese Shop

The heart of The Courtyard Dairy is its specialist cheese counter.

Whole wheels and wedges fill the displays, while knowledgeable cheesemongers help visitors understand the differences between individual cheeses, producers, milk types, textures, and ageing techniques.

Rather than stocking an enormous generic selection, the business concentrates on carefully chosen farmhouse cheeses, with particular emphasis on supporting smaller producers.

Visitors may discover:

Traditional Cheddar
Wensleydale
Blue cheeses
Soft cheeses
Goat’s cheese
Sheep’s cheese
Washed-rind varieties
Rare regional cheeses

Tasting and discussing the cheeses with the team is an important part of the experience.

2. Cheese Maturing and Affinage

Selecting a good cheese is only part of the process.

The Courtyard Dairy specialises in affinage — the careful maturing of cheese to develop texture, aroma, and flavour.

Depending on the cheese, the team may turn, brush, wash, dry, and carefully monitor it while it matures.

This expertise received major recognition in 2026, when The Courtyard Dairy was named the overall winner of the Affineur of the Year Awards.

As a result, a visit offers an opportunity to understand why cheese can continue developing considerably after it leaves the farm.

3. The Cheese Museum

Next to the production room is a small museum devoted to the history and techniques of cheesemaking.

Displays explain subjects including:

Britain’s cheesemaking heritage
Traditional farmhouse production
Milk and pasteurisation
Cheese cultures
Maturing techniques
Cloth binding
Regional cheese traditions

The museum provides useful context before or after browsing the cheese counter.

It also demonstrates why farmhouse cheese can vary according to factors such as milk, animals, pasture, production methods, season, and maturation.

4. The Cheese Production Room

The Courtyard Dairy has taken its involvement with cheesemaking another step by producing cheese on site.

In 2024, Andy and Kathy partnered with a nearby farm to make cheeses in a purpose-built production room beside the shop.

The raw cow’s milk travels less than five miles from a local farm near Keasden Moor and is used to produce cheeses including Wensleydale, Double Gloucester and other styles.

This creates a particularly close connection between local farming, cheesemaking, maturing, and the finished product sold at the counter.

Taste & Shop Award-Winning Cheese

After learning the history, it’s time to taste the results! The Courtyard Dairy stocks over 30 farmhouse cheeses, each made by hand on small farms. You can:

Sample cheeses before you buy — from buttery brie to tangy blue.

Chat with the knowledgeable cheesemongers for pairing tips and flavour stories.

Pick up accompaniments like Yorkshire chutneys, crackers, and wines.

Every cheese has a story — and every bite celebrates true craftsmanship.

Enjoy the Café & Cheesemonger’s Kitchen

Head upstairs to the Cheesemonger’s Café, where the menu showcases locally sourced produce and, of course, cheese!
Try:

Cheese Toasties & Ploughman’s Platters – featuring farmhouse selections.

Baked Raclette & Fondue – melted cheese heaven.

Homemade Cheesecake & Coffee – the perfect sweet finish.

The café overlooks the Dales countryside, making it a beautiful spot for lunch or afternoon tea

See the full menu and booking details on The Courtyard Dairy’s official website

Cheese Tasting Events & Courses

The Courtyard Dairy hosts regular cheese tastings, workshops, and virtual events, where you can learn from expert affineurs (cheese agers).

Guided Tastings: Sample five or more cheeses with wine or cider pairings.

Cheese-Making Courses: Learn to craft your own cheese using traditional techniques.

Cheese & Wine Nights: Perfect for couples or food enthusiasts.

Booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.

Local Produce & Gifts

Beyond cheese, you’ll find a handpicked selection of local artisan products, including:

Yorkshire honey, chutneys, and preserves.

Local gins, ciders, and craft beers.

Handmade cheeseboards, knives, and gift hampers — perfect for special occasions.

Getting There

Address: The Courtyard Dairy, Clapham, near Settle, North Yorkshire, LA2 8AS.

By car: Just off the A65; free on-site parking available.

By train: Settle Station (3 miles) or Clapham Station (2 miles).

By bus: Regular services between Skipton and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open throughout the week (hours vary seasonally)
Entry to the shop is free
The museum is included with your visit

Facilities
Specialist cheese shop
Cheese museum
Restaurant
Cheese production viewing area
Free parking
Accessible visitor facilities

Nearby Attractions
Ingleborough Cave — Spectacular limestone cave
Malham Cove — Dramatic limestone cliff and walking destination
Settle Carlisle Railway — One of Britain’s most scenic railway journeys
White Scar Cave — Britain’s longest show cave

Together, these attractions form part of the Yorkshire Dales Food and Heritage Trail.

Why Visit The Courtyard Dairy?

The The Courtyard Dairy experience offers:

Award-winning British farmhouse cheeses
Interactive cheese museum
Expert cheesemongers and tastings
Behind-the-scenes insight into cheese maturation

Whether you’re a passionate cheese lover, a foodie, or simply exploring the Yorkshire Dales, The Courtyard Dairy offers one of the UK’s most authentic artisan food experiences.
It’s not just a cheese shop — it’s a celebration of Britain’s farmhouse cheesemaking traditions and the skilled producers who keep them alive

See our guide to Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre for another Yorkshire cheese experience.
See our guide to Bettys Café Tea Rooms for a classic Yorkshire food and drink destination.