Cheese plus London streets is a sweet plan. This 2-hour walking tour pairs cheese tastings with landmark-area wandering, starting by the Statue of Goddess Diana and moving through Mayfair and Covent Garden. I like that you’re not just tasting at random stops; you also get explanations along the way, so you can connect what’s in your bite to how it’s made—whether it’s creamy Stilton or warm, gooey Camembert.
My other big win is the small group setup (max 10), which gives you more time to ask questions rather than shouting over the crowd. One thing to consider: the tour is weather-dependent, and there’s also been at least one reported issue in the supplied reviews involving a guide not showing up—so it’s smart to stay ready on the day and keep your contact details handy.
In This Review
- Key things I’d put on your radar
- Why London’s cheesemongers work best when you walk
- Meeting by the Statue of Goddess Diana (and what to expect before cheese)
- Fortnum & Mason, Mayfair, and your chance at Little Italy-style wandering
- A small reality check at this stop
- Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard Dairy: the palate reset moment
- Price and value: what $63.90 really buys you
- Who this walking cheese tour suits best (and who should think twice)
- Think twice if you hate weather dependence
- How to get the most out of your 3:00 pm cheese afternoon
- Should you book this cheese-tasting walking tour?
- FAQ
- How much does the Taste London: Cheese Tasting & Walking Tour cost?
- How long is the tour?
- Where is the tour meeting point?
- What time does the tour start?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is the ticket mobile?
- What cheese stops are included?
- Do I need to tell the tour about allergies or dietary restrictions?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things I’d put on your radar
- Small-group pacing (max 10): more talking time, less rushing between tastings
- A tasting mix, not just one cheese type: expect Stilton, Camembert, and even drunken cheese
- Walking through distinct London food areas: Mayfair to Little Italy vibes, then Covent Garden
- Real learning built into the stops: guidance on how different cheeses are made as you taste
- Mobile ticket for an easier day: less paper to wrangle as you move across town
Why London’s cheesemongers work best when you walk
London is huge, and food shopping can feel scattered if you try to do it yourself. What I like about this tour is the structure: you get a route with recognizable neighborhoods and specific cheese stops, so you’re not wandering around hoping a shop is the one you want.
The tastings make more sense when they’re paced like this. You’re able to compare textures and styles in sequence: sharper, firmer cheeses like Stilton can stand up to richer, warmer options like Camembert. And when something playful comes up—drunken cheese is part of the planned lineup, paired with sparkling wine—it gives the tour personality instead of turning into a textbook.
Another practical win: because it’s a walking tour, you’ll spend time outside, not just in a tasting room. That matters in London, where even a short stroll can shift you from one street rhythm to the next.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Meeting by the Statue of Goddess Diana (and what to expect before cheese)
Your day kicks off at W1J 9DZ in front of the Statue of Goddess Diana, with the tour starting at 3:00 pm. The first segment is about 30 minutes, and it’s essentially the “get oriented” phase—where you fall in with the group, get set on the route, and (usually) build context for what you’re about to taste.
This first stop is a good setup point because it’s a clear landmark. If you’ve ever shown up early in a London neighborhood and realized the meeting point was described like a riddle, you’ll appreciate something that’s actually visible. From there, you move into Mayfair, where the tour shifts from orientation mode into full-on cheese shopping territory.
Timing-wise, expect a steady afternoon flow. This is not a long all-day food crawl—so it’s best if you keep your expectations realistic: this is a sampler with guided guidance, not a multi-course dining marathon.
Fortnum & Mason, Mayfair, and your chance at Little Italy-style wandering
Next up is Fortnum & Mason in Mayfair, with about 1 hour at this stage of the tour. This stop matters for value because it anchors you in one of London’s most recognizable shopping-and-food addresses. You’re not only getting cheese flavor; you’re getting the sense of how London food culture presents itself—serious, polished, and built for people who like to browse.
After that, the route includes wandering toward the area often called Little Italy, where you’ll connect with some of the cheesemongers. That shift is smart. Cheesemaking and cheese culture aren’t uniform, and moving through different pockets of the city helps you feel that variety. Even if your palate is the main attraction, your eyes and nose catch plenty along the way.
What you should plan to taste here is the tour’s centerpiece lineup: creamy Stiltons, warm gooey Camembert, and the more unusual local-style pairing of drunken cheese with a glass of sparkling wine. The “how it’s made” angle also fits well at this point, because you’re likely to have multiple samples back-to-back. When the guide explains production methods and flavor logic while you’re actively eating, it sticks.
A small reality check at this stop
Because the tour is about tastings (not a sit-down meal), you may want to eat a light meal before you go. This isn’t stated as a full meal experience, and a 2-hour tour moves quickly. If you arrive very hungry, you’ll still enjoy it—but you might wish you had a bit more stomach space.
Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard Dairy: the palate reset moment
The final cheese stop is in Covent Garden, where you’ll visit Neal’s Yard Dairy for about 30 minutes. Then the activity ends back at the meeting point—so you’re getting a guided loop rather than a point-to-point drop off.
Neal’s Yard Dairy is the kind of place that can feel like a palate reset. Even without getting too technical about what’s inside every wedge, the value of this stop is comparative. You’ll have tasted a range earlier, and now you’re in another cheese-focused environment where the guide can help you sort what you liked and why.
Covent Garden also adds an easy layer of context. It’s a neighborhood people naturally associate with food and walking. So when your tour reaches this area, it doesn’t feel like you’re stepping into a random corner; it feels like you’re finishing in a place that already makes sense for food.
The pacing also works. After about 30 minutes here, you’ll be done. That’s a big plus if you still want time to do something else that evening—pub dinner, an early show, or just strolling without a rigid schedule.
Price and value: what $63.90 really buys you
At $63.90 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest thing on London’s food scene. But it’s priced like a guided experience with access to multiple cheese-focused stops in prime neighborhoods.
Here’s where the value comes from:
- You get a 2-hour, small-group structure (max 10), which usually means more interaction and less waiting.
- You’re tasting across several points rather than paying for one shop experience.
- You’re also paying for the “translate my bite into an understanding” factor: the guide explains how cheese is made as you taste.
- The itinerary hits several high-visibility zones: Mayfair, Little Italy-style streets, and Covent Garden.
Also, the mobile ticket is a small but real convenience. In a city where you’re constantly moving and checking meeting points, fewer steps before you start helps keep the day calm.
One practical note: the average booking window is about 44 days in advance. That doesn’t guarantee availability, but it’s a sign this sells out when people plan ahead. If cheese tours are your thing, I’d book sooner rather than later.
Who this walking cheese tour suits best (and who should think twice)
This is a strong fit for foodies who like to learn while they eat. If you enjoy asking questions—about taste differences, production methods, or what makes a cheese pair well—you’ll likely use the small-group size well.
It’s also a decent choice if you want something social but not chaotic. Max 10 travelers means the guide can actually tailor explanations or repeat something for the person who missed it. And because it’s a walking tour, you’ll be active enough to enjoy the change of scenery between stops.
If you’re sensitive about food, you’ll want to pay attention. The tour data says you need to communicate any food restrictions (allergy, special diet, etc.). Don’t assume it will be automatically handled—message the tour operator with clear details when you book so you’re not stuck improvising.
Think twice if you hate weather dependence
The tour requires good weather. That doesn’t mean you’ll be canceled instantly at the first cloud, but it does mean you should plan like London weather matters. If you’re traveling in the sort of week where rain is common, keep flexibility in your schedule.
How to get the most out of your 3:00 pm cheese afternoon
This tour starts at 3:00 pm, so think about your day flow. If you’ve been sightseeing since morning, you might already be in “snack mode.” If you’ve barely eaten, consider a light meal first so you can focus on flavor rather than hunger.
Next, wear shoes you trust. The whole experience is a walking route across multiple neighborhoods. Even if the stops are close enough, you’ll still want comfort because London streets don’t care about your itinerary.
Lastly, treat the guide’s explanations like part of the tasting. If you ask one good question—something as simple as why one cheese is sharper or why a pairing works—you’ll leave with more than a sugar-and-salt memory. You’ll leave with a better sense of how to order cheese in a shop later.
Should you book this cheese-tasting walking tour?
If you want a guided way to sample standout cheeses across Mayfair and Covent Garden, and you like the idea of learning while you taste, I think this is a smart booking. The biggest selling points are the small group size and the variety in the lineup, including Stilton, Camembert, and the more fun drunken cheese with sparkling wine.
I’d book with eyes open if you’re risk-sensitive. There’s a weather requirement, and one supplied review report includes a guide no-show problem. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it is enough to justify being proactive on the day: double-check your details, keep your mobile ticket accessible, and be ready to follow up if something seems off.
FAQ
How much does the Taste London: Cheese Tasting & Walking Tour cost?
It costs $63.90 per person.
How long is the tour?
The tour is about 2 hours.
Where is the tour meeting point?
It meets at London W1J 9DZ, in front of the Statue of Goddess Diana.
What time does the tour start?
The start time listed is 3:00 pm, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.
Is the ticket mobile?
Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.
What cheese stops are included?
The stops listed include the meeting point by the Statue of Goddess Diana, Fortnum & Mason, and Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden.
Do I need to tell the tour about allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes. Guests need to communicate any food restrictions such as allergies or special diets.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
