Cheese on the move in London. This 2-hour crawl is a fun way to sample all tasters included cheeses while doing a guided cheese trivia quiz, hopping from St. James’s to Mayfair and ending in Covent Garden. One thing to plan for: during busier periods, the pace can feel a bit brisk and you may wait outside as cheese gets cut and handed out.

I like that this is built for small groups—max 8 travelers—so you actually get to talk, ask questions, and finish with shop recommendations you can use later. Guides such as Nick, Jack, Monterey Jack, Bettina, and Perla have been praised for keeping the mood light while you learn the styles behind what you’re tasting.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Tastings are the whole point: the tour is designed around multiple cheese stops, with tastings included at each one
• Fortnum & Mason Mayfair counter time: expect truffle cheeses and Stilton, plus the classic counter vibe
• Soho pairing focus: Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen is all about wine-and-cheese, with drunk cheeses on the menu
• Cheese trivia and a quiz-style game: expect facts, jokes, and a cheese-based quiz to keep things moving
• 2 hours, four stops, about 30 minutes each: good for a midday break without committing to a full afternoon

London Cheese Crawl at a glance: what you’re really paying for

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a short walk that turns London’s cheese scene into a bite-sized route you can follow. You’re looking at about 2 hours total, with four stops and roughly 30 minutes per stop, so you get variety without spending the whole day standing in lines.

The price is $63.98 per person, which sounds specific because it is. The value comes from the structure: tastings are included, and the tour is built around multiple cheeses rather than one single stop where you nibble a bit and go. You should also factor in that you’re paying for the guide’s role—direction, pacing, and the little stories that make the tasting more memorable.

You’ll do it in English, using a mobile ticket, and you’ll finish back where you started. And because this is a walking route through central London, it’s a great match for people who like food stops, quick context, and then freedom afterward to wander on their own.

Meet at Diana Fountain: getting there without stress

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

This matters because London routes can be tricky midday. If you’re arriving from a train or Tube station, plan to get there a few minutes early so you’re not juggling directions right when you’re trying to start tasting. The tour notes it’s near public transportation, so you shouldn’t have to fight for a location once you’re in the area.

Group size is capped at 8 travelers, which is small enough that you’re not stuck behind a herd. Still, you’ll want to dress for standing and walking. If it’s cold or windy, bring a layer—some stops can involve waiting while cheese is prepared.

Also, service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. If you have allergies or a special diet, you’ll need to communicate restrictions ahead of time so the tasting plan can be handled safely.

St. James’s start: where the cheese stories begin

The crawl kicks off in St. James’s, and the vibe here is all about orientation. You get the walking flow of the tour, then you’re immediately in tasting mode. The phrasing around curd nerd energy is spot-on: you’re not just eating—you’re learning how cheese fits into London’s culture.

What’s genuinely useful at this stage is how the guide sets up the rest of the route. If you pay attention early, you’ll understand what you’re tasting later—why certain cheeses smell the way they do, what mature means on the palate, and how different styles pair with the kinds of shops you’re visiting.

This also sets expectations for the pacing. St. James’s is your first stop, so the tour gets going fast. If you tend to take your time, don’t worry—you’ll still have time to eat and look around, but it’s not a slow stroll.

Finally, this opening stop is a warm-up for the quiz and trivia that keeps showing up during the afternoon. It’s one of the ways the tour turns into an experience instead of just a series of snacks.

Fortnum & Mason in Mayfair: truffle cheese meets classic Stilton

Next up is Fortnum & Mason in Mayfair, one of the most famous department-store names in London. The tour focuses on the cheese counter here, where you can taste truffle cheeses and Stilton—including a Stilton tied to a well-known cheesemonger who’s been in the same spot since the early 18th century.

Why this stop is worth it: Fortnum & Mason isn’t just a place to buy cheese. It’s a symbol of how cheese culture became part of high-end British shopping. When you taste truffle-forward cheeses right here, it helps you connect the fancy reputation to real flavor—earthy, aromatic, and unmistakably different from everyday supermarket styles.

You also get an extra layer of interest from the shop’s legendary status. The tour highlights truffle cheeses from where the Queen gets her groceries, and while you don’t need royal references to enjoy cheese, it does give context for why the store’s counter feels like a destination.

A practical note: central London can get crowded, and you might find yourself tasting close to foot traffic depending on the day. If you’re sensitive to crowds or cold air, wear comfortable shoes and accept that this is a very public, high-energy area.

Soho at Lina Stores: drunk cheeses and wine pairing

After Mayfair, the crawl heads to Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen, described as part of London’s little known Little Italy. This stop shifts from the big-store grandeur to something more compact and neighborhood-feeling.

The menu focus here is on drunk cheeses, paired with wine. That pairing detail matters. Drunk cheeses aren’t just a gimmick; the idea is that aging and flavor development take on a different character when wine gets involved. If you like trying new styles instead of only sticking with what you already know, this is one of the most fun stops on the route.

Why I think you’ll enjoy it: it’s a change of pace. The tour gives you a contrast between the polished, iconic counter at Fortnum & Mason and the more playful, specialty deli approach in Soho. You end up with a better mental map of London cheese culture—both the heritage side and the creative, experimental side.

You’ll also get more of the same guided energy. This is usually where the quiz and the cheese trivia start to feel less like homework and more like a game you want to win.

If you’re watching your portion size, this is still a tasting stop, not a full meal. You’ll leave fed, but not stuffed—expect to plan dinner later.

Covent Garden finale: finishing strong with baked comfort

The last stop is Covent Garden, a lively area where street performers and market energy mix with upscale shops. The tour frames this as the place to complete the cheese adventure.

On the menu, one of the final comfort hits is baked Camembert. This kind of tasting makes a lot of sense at the end of a walk: warm, creamy, and forgiving after time on your feet. The other cheese styles mentioned across the tour include matured goats cheese and the earlier truffle and Stilton tastings, so you’ll feel like you experienced multiple “modes” of cheese rather than only one category.

If you’re the type who wants a souvenir flavor, this finale is where you can decide what you’d actually buy again. The guide’s job isn’t just to bring you to places—it’s to make you notice what you liked and why, so you can shop smarter later.

Covent Garden also gives you options right after the tour. You’ll already be in a great area for a casual bite, a drink, or a slow wander. And since the tour ends back at the meeting point, you’re not left figuring out transportation the hard way.

The cheese trivia quiz: how it makes the tastings stick

Cheese tours can become random eating if the guide doesn’t connect the dots. Here, the tour is built around cheese trivia and a quiz-style game. In practice, that means you’re not just tasting—you’re listening for patterns.

The quiz element also helps with memory. You’re more likely to remember what you enjoyed if you connect it to facts and comparisons. It turns the afternoon into something interactive, especially if you like light competition or simply enjoy a guide who keeps things moving with jokes.

Some guides incorporate a game that’s described as service station or cheese, which works because it makes you think quickly about what you’re tasting and how it differs from the last bite. Even if you miss some details, you’ll still walk away with a clearer sense of how each cheese fits into a bigger flavor map.

If you’re traveling solo, this kind of game can also make it easier to talk to the small group around you. And because the group cap is 8 travelers, conversation doesn’t vanish after the first minute.

Portions, pace, and hygiene: the real-world considerations

Two hours is a great length. It’s also short enough that pacing matters. If you’re in London during a busy season, expect that some stops can feel time-tight. One common theme is that when groups get larger than expected, cheese portions can feel sparser and the route can run faster than ideal.

There’s also the reality of street-level tasting. You might do tastings while standing near other pedestrians, and on chilly days you’ll feel the cold. If you get cold easily, wear layers and keep a small plan for re-warming after the tour.

Hygiene is another point you should keep in mind. On some busy stops, food preparation and handoffs can look less formal than you’d expect at a restaurant. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it is worth thinking about your comfort level. If you’re cautious, bring hand sanitizer and use it after tasting.

Finally, if you have allergies or dietary limits, communicate early. The tour explicitly asks you to share restrictions (allergies and special diets), because tastings need to be matched to what you can safely eat.

Is it worth $63.98? Value check for cheese lovers

For $63.98, you’re not just buying cheese. You’re buying:

• Guided selection of multiple cheeses
• A route that strings together classic and specialty shops
• Tastings bundled so you don’t face surprise add-ons
• Context through trivia and a quiz format

If you love cheese and you hate guesswork, the value is strong. You’re trying styles—like truffle cheeses, Stilton, drunk cheeses, matured goats cheese, and baked Camembert—that many people wouldn’t confidently pick on their own without guidance. You’re also getting a small-group format that helps the guide actually respond to questions.

If you’re someone who only wants a big sit-down meal, you might find the total food amount less than you expected. This is a tasting walk, not a full dinner. But if your goal is education and several different flavors in a single afternoon, this tour fits that job.

Also, the tour is often booked ahead—on average 41 days in advance. That’s a hint: if you want a spot at your preferred time, book sooner rather than later, especially in peak travel months.

Who should book this London cheese walk?

Book this if you:

• Love cheese and want to taste a mix of styles in a short walk
• Enjoy trivia, jokes, and interactive food moments
• Want a ready-made route through central London areas like Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden
• Like having shop recommendations for later shopping

You might think twice if you:

• Want a slow-paced, sit-and-stay kind of food experience
• Are sensitive to crowds, cold standing, or quick transitions between counters
• Need very specific food handling and prefer a more formal meal setting (still doable, but plan ahead)

This tour can be a fun “first day” food moment or a “last day” farewell. Either way, it gives you a strong baseline for what you’ll enjoy from London cheese counters afterward.

Should you book London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour?

If your idea of a perfect London afternoon is walking, sampling, learning a few cheese facts, and leaving with favorites you can buy later, then yes—this is a smart pick. The pricing makes sense because tastings are included and the tour is built around variety, from truffle and Stilton to wine-influenced drunk cheeses and baked Camembert.

If you’re the type who hates feeling rushed or standing outdoors while cheese gets prepared, look at your timing and crowd expectations. Go prepared with layers, and ask questions early so you’re not trying to catch up when the group moves.

FAQ

How long is the London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $63.98 per person.

How many stops are on the tour?

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

What cheeses do I get to taste?

The menu includes truffle cheeses, Stilton, drunk cheeses, matured goats cheese, and baked Camembert.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The tour starts at the Constance Fund fountain of Diana (London SW1A 1RN) and ends back at the meeting point.

What group size should I expect?

There is a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are admission tickets required at the stops?

The tour states admission tickets are free at the stops, and the highlights say all tasters are included, so you should not need to pay extra for tastings.

Can I join if I have food allergies or a special diet?

You should communicate any allergies or special diet needs ahead of time, since the tour requires guests to share restrictions.

What happens if 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.