Quicke's Cheese Tour and Cheese Shop

The Tour

The Quicke family's farm outside Exeter makes traditional clothbound Cheddar. The two-hour tour starts with a welcome talk on the family's history, then moves to the Dairy Viewing Room to watch the cheesemakers shape each truckle by hand, with a tutored tasting of the range there. Next come the cheese stores, which Quicke's calls its Cathedral of Cheese, where you learn about the mould garden and how cheese is graded, and the milking parlour, with a word from the farm team about the herd. You finish at the Cheese Shop with a free tote bag and a wedge of Cheddar, then drive a short way down the road for a two-course seasonal lunch at The Beer Engine from 12:30pm.

Cheesemaking is not always running on tour days. When it is not, there is a short film and a detailed talk instead.

2027 Dates and Booking

Friday 7 and 14 May, 18 and 25 June, 2 and 9 July, and 10, 17 and 24 September. Book online through the Quicke's website. Bookings are final with no refunds; you can move to another date once, at least 21 days ahead, within the same year. Gift vouchers are £55 and include the tasting, tote bag with cheese and the lunch. Private tours for groups of 10 to 24 adults can be arranged by emailing [email protected].

Who It Suits

Children over 12 are welcome with a ticket. The route is muddy and uneven, so wear trainers or walking boots, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Dogs cannot come. The Cheddars use animal rennet and lard, so they are not vegetarian; ask in advance and the farm will serve Devonshire Red, Double Devonshire or goat's milk cheese at the tasting and arrange a vegetarian lunch.

The Cheese Shop

Outside tour days you can still call in to taste and buy at Home Farm. The shop sells the Quicke's Cheddars and goat's cheese, crackers, chutneys, charcuterie and English wines. It opens Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm, except bank holiday weekends, and is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. Phone 01392 851 000.

Getting There

Home Farm is just outside Exeter off the A377, reachable by car or bus. By train, Great Western Railway stops at Newton St Cyres, a short walk from the farm. There is plenty of parking, and footpaths lead around the estate and the Newton St Cyres Arboretum.