THE makers of the renowned Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese have opened the first phase of a revamped cheese experience visitor centre.

The Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes, has invested millions in the factory and visitors can now enjoy a new interactive family experience, including learning about the art of cheese making and being able to watch the cheese made in the new creamery facility.

In development for almost eight months, with the project due for completion in 2016, the first completed areas offer entertainment for the whole family with a host of hands-on games and activities.

Children will also be able to have fun driving the children’s milk tanker and can learn all about how a cow makes milk.

The creamery now sells its cheese worldwide, as earlier this year figures showed that UK dairy exports had reached an all-time high.

The Wensleydale Creamery sends its cheese as far as Singapore and Kuwait and the traditional crumbly and creamy product is a regular at high-end deli counters and hotels.

David Hartley, managing director at the Wensleydale Creamery, said: “With a heritage that spans centuries and family roots that are firmly set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, we’re looking forward to welcoming the first visitors into our new Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience.

“The multi-million pound investment in our creamery and visitor experience marks a significant milestone for cheese-making in the Dales, but despite our business growth and international acclaim, the tradition and artisanship of hand-crafting Yorkshire Wensleydale is still very much alive today.

“The Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience will educate families on the timeless techniques we use to handcraft our award-winning cheese with lots of fun along the way.”

Other new additions to the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre this summer include homemade ice cream milkshakes, a sparkling soda range, coffee shop children’s menu and the Wensleydale Creamery’s newest Yorkshire Yogurt (CORRECT) range.

Yorkshire Yogurt (CORRECT) was launched in June and uses local milk and fruit toppings, and follows its recent launch of its own churned butter.

For more information on The Wensleydale Creamery and the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience visit www.wensleydale.co.uk.