28 Fascinating English Blue Cheeses To Discover Today

Blue cheese represents a fascinating culinary marvel that transforms ordinary dairy into an extraordinary taste experience.

Passionate food lovers consistently marvel at its complex flavor profile and distinctive characteristics.

Intense aromas and striking visual patterns define this remarkable category of cheese.

Microbial cultures create remarkable transformations during the aging process, developing deep blue-green veins throughout the cheese's interior.

Sophisticated palates appreciate the bold, tangy sensations that emerge from careful fermentation techniques.

Remarkable textures range from creamy and soft to crumbly and sharp, offering diverse sensory experiences.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate the nuanced craftsmanship behind these remarkable dairy delicacies.

Here are 22 unique English blue cheeses that will tantalize your taste buds:

Which English Blue Cheese Types Are Worth Sampling?

England’s blue cheeses range from creamy and mild to robust and sharp. Find out which types are a must for every blue cheese enthusiast or cheese plate adventurer.

Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue bursts with vibrant orange hues and bold blue veining, distinguishing this British cheese from all others.

Crafted in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, the cheese blends Cheshire and Stilton characteristics into a unique dairy experience.

Pasteurized cow's milk transforms into a creamy masterpiece during 10 to 12 weeks of aging.

Annatto provides the signature carrot-orange color that catches your eye instantly.

Natural rinding develops a smooth texture packed with intense flavors.

Strong aromas complement the sharp and tangy profile of each bite.

Wine enthusiasts recommend pairing this robust cheese with Pinot Noir or Riesling.

Blue veins threading through the orange body create a stunning visual and taste sensation that lingers delightfully on your palate.

Blue Wensleydale

Blue Wensleydale cheese delivers a complex flavor profile originating from Yorkshire's Hawes town, boasting distinctive blue veining through its dense, hard texture.

Thomas Nuttall crafted this pasteurized cow's milk cheese in the late 19th century, creating a mellow and creamy delicacy.

Maturing for six months develops its rich aromas and nuanced taste characteristics.

Sharp and salty notes complement its acidic undertones, making it versatile for culinary applications.

Prosciutto and pear salads provide excellent pairing opportunities for this English cheese.

Light red wines enhance its sophisticated flavor profile.

Its cloth-wrapped rind protects the intricate interior, signaling traditional cheesemaking methods.

Connoisseurs appreciate its balanced and intricate taste sensations.

Oxford Blue

Oxford Blue delivers a spicy, sharp punch of flavor from cow's milk cheese crafted in Buckinghamshire, England.

Baron Robert Pouget and Steve Peace pioneered this semi-soft blue cheese at the Oxford Cheese Company in 1994.

Creamy textures complement its intense salty and tangy profile, creating a complex taste experience.

Strong aromas distinguish this distinctive dairy product from other blue cheese varieties.

Mild white wine perfectly balances the cheese's robust characteristics.

Connoisseurs recommend serving Oxford Blue at room temperature to maximize its rich flavor nuances.

Passionate cheese enthusiasts savor this distinctive Buckinghamshire specialty with great enjoyment.

Devon Blue

Devon Blue rocks as a semi-hard artisan cheese bursting with complex flavors from raw Ayrshire cow milk.

Master cheesemakers Ben Harris and Robin Condgen craft this exceptional cheese at Ticklemore Cheese with meticulous care.

Blue mold develops during a patient 6 to 8-month maturation process, transforming the milk into a robust wheel.

Its dense and crumbly texture promises a unique mouthfeel that cheese enthusiasts crave.

Earthy aromas blend seamlessly with spicy and smooth undertones, creating a rich flavor profile.

Buttery notes dance across your palate with each bite.

British cider serves as the perfect companion, complementing the cheese's intense character.

Cheese lovers will discover an extraordinary taste experience in this carefully aged blue cheese.

Stilton

Stilton reigns supreme as Britain's most prestigious blue cheese, crafted exclusively in three Midlands counties with centuries of dairy tradition.

This iconic cheese boasts three distinctive varieties: White, Blue, and Vintage, each offering unique flavor profiles and textures.

White Stilton emerges as a creamy, cylindrical delight made from full-fat pasteurized cow's milk, developing a natural moist crust.

Its taste unfolds with bright acidity and fresh cream notes, complemented by an open, crumbly texture that melts smoothly on the palate.

British cheesemakers follow strict protected designation of origin rules, ensuring authentic production methods.

Passionate dairy experts carefully age the cheese to develop its signature complex character.

Connoisseurs worldwide recognize Stilton as a pinnacle of English cheese craftsmanship.

Gourmet restaurants and home kitchens celebrate this versatile cheese as a true culinary treasure.

Cornish Blue

Cornish Blue conquers taste buds with its creamy, sweet profile and supreme World Cheese Awards victory in 2010.

Crafted from pasteurized cow's milk in Cornwall, England, this dense and moist blue cheese boasts mild, buttery characteristics.

Versatility defines its culinary potential, seamlessly enhancing dishes from crusty bread to new potatoes.

Soft aromas complement its smooth texture, inviting gastronomic exploration.

Chutney makes an excellent companion, adding depth to its subtle flavors.

Cheese enthusiasts recommend serving it young for optimal taste experience.

Port wine provides a perfect pairing, elevating the cheese's nuanced profile.

Regional pride shines through this exceptional blue cheese's balanced and approachable nature.

Yorkshire Blue

Yorkshire Blue captivates cheese lovers with its creamy, spreadable texture and distinctive blue veining, crafted from local cow's milk in North Yorkshire.

Shepherds Purse carefully produces this semi-soft cheese, aging it for eight weeks to develop complex flavors.

Mild and buttery notes dance across the palate, complemented by subtle sweetness and strong aromatic undertones.

Cheesemakers skillfully create a natural rind that enhances the cheese's rich character.

Versatile in culinary applications, Yorkshire Blue elevates soups, sauces, and baked dishes with its unique profile.

Smooth and indulgent, the cheese melts beautifully into various recipes.

Each bite reveals a carefully balanced flavor experience that reflects traditional Yorkshire cheesemaking techniques.

Gourmets appreciate its distinctive blue-veined appearance and creamy consistency.

Blacksticks Blue

Blacksticks Blue bursts with intense flavor as a distinctive British blue cheese crafted in Lancashire by Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses.

Pasteurized cow's milk transforms this creamy cheese into a tangy sensation during its eight-week aging process.

Spreadable and smooth, the cheese boasts a natural moldy rind that hints at its complex character.

Cheesemakers carefully develop its rich, creamy profile that balances bold blue notes with a silky texture.

You can savor this cheese spread on crusty bread or crackers for a quick snack.

Restaurants frequently incorporate it into gourmet dishes for added depth.

Its robust flavor complements salads and makes an exceptional addition to cheese boards.

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses continues to perfect this unique Lancashire specialty with traditional cheesemaking techniques.

Cote Hill Blue

Cote Hill Blue bursts with bold character as a distinctive raw cow's milk cheese from Lincolnshire that melts luxuriously with intense blue veining.

Crafted by passionate artisan chargrill, this award-winning blue cheese delivers exceptional complexity through its creamy, runny texture.

Its powerful aroma hints at sharp, salty undertones blended with smooth peppery notes that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated flavor profiles make it perfect for elevating lasagne and baked potato dishes.

Professional cheese judges recognized its superior quality by awarding it Super Gold at the 2014 World Cheese Awards.

Handmade using traditional methods, this cheese reflects the rich dairy heritage of its English countryside origins.

Small batches ensure each wheel maintains remarkable depth and intensity.

Lincolnshire's unique terroir contributes to the cheese's distinctive character and memorable taste experience.

Dovedale

Dovedale blue cheese stands out as a creamy, smooth British delicacy crafted from full-fat cow's milk across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Staffordshire.

Mild and distinctive, this cylindrical cheese develops its signature blue veins during a three to four-week ripening process.

Unique brining techniques set Dovedale apart from traditional dry-salted British cheeses.

Soft and approachable, the cheese pairs wonderfully with figs and pancetta.

Bakers love incorporating Dovedale into tarts and Yorkshire puddings.

Its clean flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for cheese boards.

Blue veining adds visual interest and complexity to the cheese's appearance.

Smooth texture and balanced taste ensure Dovedale's popularity among cheese enthusiasts.

Kentish Blue

Kentish Blue emerges as a distinctive artisan cheese crafted with passion by a dedicated family dairy in Kent, using raw milk from their Holstein Friesian herd.

Carefully hand-pierced during production, this blue cheese develops rich, complex flavors through a meticulous aging process lasting approximately three months.

Skilled cheesemakers create each wheel with traditional techniques that transform fresh milk into a creamy, tangy delicacy.

Rich blue veins weave through the smooth texture, offering a balanced and nuanced taste profile.

Characteristic of British blue cheese traditions, Kentish Blue delivers a mild yet distinctive flavor that sets it apart from more aggressive blue varieties.

Local farmers take pride in their sustainable approach, maintaining a close connection between their land and the final product.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate its creamy consistency and subtle blue undertones.

Regional culinary experts often recommend pairing this cheese with crisp white wines or crusty artisan bread.

Bath Blue

Bath Blue captivates cheese enthusiasts with its supreme championship status at the 2014 World Cheese Awards, distinguishing itself as an exceptional English blue cheese crafted from creamy cow's milk.

Matured meticulously in traditional stone rooms for 8-10 weeks, this remarkable cheese develops a natural rind and smooth texture that sets it apart from other varieties.

Its flavor profile delivers strong, clean notes that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Handcrafted in England, Bath Blue represents the pinnacle of artisan cheesemaking techniques.

Soft yet complex, the cheese boasts a distinctive character that reflects its careful aging process.

Connoisseurs appreciate its rich, tangy undertones and velvety mouthfeel.

Cheese lovers seek out this award-winning delicacy for its unparalleled quality and exceptional taste.

Brighton Blue

Brighton Blue electrifies cheese lovers with its distinctive blue-green veins threading through a creamy, semi-soft Sussex-born delicacy.

Crafted from pasteurized cow's milk, this English cheese boasts a natural edible rind that adds depth to its complex flavor profile.

Mild yet tangy, the cheese melts smoothly across your palate with subtle earthy undertones.

Artisan cheesemakers carefully develop its signature blue-green marbling during the aging process.

Produced exclusively in Sussex, the cheese reflects traditional British dairy craftsmanship.

Connoisseurs appreciate its balanced texture between crumbly and creamy consistency.

Serving suggestions include pairing with crisp white wines or crumbling over salads.

Small-batch production ensures each wheel maintains exceptional quality and regional character.

Isle Of Wight Blue

Nestled off England's southern coast, Isle of Wight Blue stands as a remarkable artisan cheese crafted by Rich Hodgson using pasteurized cow's milk since 2006.

Boasting a complex flavor profile, this blue cheese features a stunning natural rind that blends green, blue, grey, and white mold tones.

Beneath its unique exterior, the cheese reveals a dense and creamy texture punctuated by distinctive blue veining.

Smooth and rich, the cheese delivers a balanced tangy punch that distinguishes it from other British blue varieties.

Handcrafted with meticulous care, each wheel reflects Hodgson's dedication to traditional cheesemaking techniques.

Small-batch production ensures exceptional quality and consistent taste.

Milk sourced from local Isle of Wight dairy farms contributes to its regional character.

Cheese enthusiasts prize this distinctive blue for its nuanced flavor and artisanal origins.

Stichelton

Stichelton delivers a bold, unpasteurized blue cheese experience crafted in Nottinghamshire with traditional methods that honor classic Stilton production.

Joe Schneider carefully creates this unique cheese using raw cow's milk and animal rennet, maintaining authentic cheesemaking techniques.

British regulations prevent the cheese from being labeled Stilton due to pasteurization requirements, inspiring its distinctive name derived from Old English words stichl (style) and tun (village).

Artisan cheesemakers selected the name to preserve the cheese's heritage while distinguishing it from protected Stilton varieties.

Creamy and sharp, Stichelton features intense blue veining and a complex flavor profile that develops during careful aging.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate its rich, tangy notes and smooth texture that melts beautifully on breads or crackers.

Small-batch production ensures exceptional quality and depth of flavor.

Passionate dairy craftsmen continue this traditional English cheesemaking approach with meticulous attention to every production detail.

Huntsman

Huntsman cheese defies traditional cheesemaking by ingeniously layering two classic English cheeses, Double Gloucester and Stilton, into a visually stunning and flavor-packed masterpiece.

Carefully crafted by hand at Long Clawson Dairy Limited, this unique cheese features alternating bands of golden orange and blue-veined white, creating a dramatic marbled appearance.

Pasteurized cow's milk forms the base of this exceptional product, which typically comes in 3-5 intricate layers.

Stilton nestles at the cheese's core, surrounded by Double Gloucester on the exterior, delivering a complex flavor profile that balances sharp, salty, and nutty notes.

Melted over steaks or sliced for salads, Huntsman offers versatile culinary potential.

Its dense yet creamy texture makes it a standout choice for cheese platters and gourmet presentations.

Barkham Blue

Barkham Blue delivers a luxurious punch of tangy flavor, representing a creamy English blue cheese crafted in Berkshire by Two Hoots Cheese.

Jersey and Guernsey cows provide rich milk for this exceptional wheel.

Distinctive blue-green veins weave through its smooth interior, creating a visual and taste sensation.

Underneath a rustic moldy rind, the cheese offers a buttery texture that melts gracefully on your palate.

Soft and complex, Barkham Blue balances sharp blue cheese characteristics with subtle creamy undertones.

Berkshire's cheesemaking tradition shines through in every carefully aged bite.

Artisan production ensures each wheel maintains high-quality standards.

Cheese enthusiasts prize this award-winning blue for its unique flavor profile and exceptional craftsmanship.

Blue Cheshire

Legendary blue cheese from England, Blue Cheshire bursts with crumbly texture and bold blue veining that sets it apart from other dairy delights.

Crafted exclusively from cow's milk, this traditional British cheese follows ancient hand-crafted techniques passed down through generations.

Distinctive natural rind encases a creamy yet dry interior marked by striking blue streaks running throughout its body.

Cheese makers carefully age this product to develop its complex flavor profile.

Cheshire region's dairy heritage contributes to the cheese's unique character.

Mild yet tangy notes distinguish Blue Cheshire from more aggressive blue cheese varieties.

Spreadable consistency makes it perfect for crackers or crumbling over salads.

Connoisseurs prize this cheese for its nuanced taste and rich cultural background.

Beenleigh Blue

Beenleigh Blue bursts with rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate, distinguishing itself as a premium sheep's milk blue cheese crafted in Devon, England.

Ticklemore Cheese Dairy transforms fresh Dorset-Friesland sheep milk into this exceptional wheel between January and July.

Roquefort-inspired techniques guide its production, creating a complex flavor profile that develops during six months of careful aging.

Pasteurized milk ensures consistent quality and safety for cheese enthusiasts.

Smooth and creamy textures complement its intense blue cheese characteristics.

Sheep grazing in Cornwall contribute to the cheese's distinctive taste and quality.

Artisan cheesemakers carefully monitor each stage of production to maintain traditional methods.

Salt crystals often punctuate the cheese's surface, signaling its depth of flavor and expert craftsmanship.

Harbourne Blue

Harbourne Blue captivates cheese enthusiasts with its unique goat's milk composition and distinctive crumbly texture from Devon's Ticklemore Cheese Dairy.

Pasteurized goat milk transforms this English specialty into a dense, creamy delicacy with subtle blue veining.

Nestled beneath a natural rind, the cheese offers complex flavor profiles that dance between tangy and mild.

Artisan cheesemakers carefully craft each wheel to highlight the goat's milk nuanced characteristics.

Regional traditions influence its production in Totnes, ensuring quality and authenticity.

Small batches guarantee exceptional taste and texture.

Devon's dairy expertise shines through every crumbly bite.

Sophisticated palates appreciate its subtle complexity and smooth mouthfeel.

Exmoor Blue

Exmoor Blue enchants cheese lovers with its creamy Jersey cow milk base and distinctive blue-white moldy exterior.

Handcrafted in Somerset, England, this award-winning cheese boasts a buttery texture that melts smoothly on the palate.

Mature wheels develop a slightly peppery finish during their three to six-week aging process.

Skilled artisans carefully turn the cheese every other day to ensure perfect development.

Each bite reveals complex flavor layers that dance between rich dairy notes and sharp blue undertones.

Somerset's rolling landscapes contribute to the milk's exceptional quality and depth.

Jersey cows' full-fat milk provides the cheese's luxurious foundation.

Passionate cheesemakers transform this regional treasure into a world-class blue cheese experience.

Dorset Blue Vinny

Dorset Blue Vinny stands out as a distinctive British cheese crafted through generations of cheesemaking expertise in southwestern England.

Produced exclusively from high-quality local milk, this distinctive blue cheese boasts an irregular blue-green veining throughout its interior.

Artisan producers carefully create the cheese using traditional techniques passed down through families in Dorset.

Its texture remains firm and compact, offering a complex flavor profile ranging from mild to robust and peppery.

Natural mold contributes to the cheese's signature dry, brownish exterior coating.

Farmers carefully select premium milk to ensure exceptional quality and taste.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate its unique character and regional heritage.

Dorset Blue Vinny pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, fresh fruits, and robust red wines.

Who Are the Best English Blue Cheese Producers?

The artistry of English blue cheese producers is renowned, blending traditional methods with creative flair. Discover the names behind award-winning blues you’ll find at markets and specialty shops.

Ticklemore Cheese

Nestled in Devon's rolling landscapes, Ticklemore Cheese crafts exceptional artisan cheeses that capture the region's rich dairy heritage.

Located in Totnes, this small-scale producer has earned widespread recognition for its distinctive blue cheese varieties.

Devon Blue stands out as their signature cow's milk creation, delivering complex flavor profiles with subtle tangy notes.

Harbourne Blue, their acclaimed goat's cheese, offers a unique and intense taste experience that distinguishes Ticklemore in the competitive cheese market.

Skilled cheesemakers carefully handcraft each wheel using traditional techniques passed through generations.

Quality ingredients sourced from local Devon farms contribute to the exceptional character of their cheeses.

Passionate artisans meticulously monitor every stage of production to ensure remarkable depth and consistency.

Cheese enthusiasts worldwide seek out Ticklemore's award-winning selections for their exceptional craftsmanship and authentic regional expression.

Best English Blue Cheeses for a Bold Bite

English blue cheeses are celebrated for their striking color and savory depth. Perfect for pairing with fruits or sipping alongside port, these cheeses are blue-ribbon favorites for a reason.

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Whole Blue Stilton

Blue Stilton from Cropwell Bishop Creamery boasts a legendary status among British cheeses, delivering an intense, tangy flavor that dances across your palate with creamy sophistication.

Handcrafted using centuries-old techniques, this iconic cheese matures for 12 weeks to develop its signature crumbly yet smooth texture.

Recognized under the Protected Designation of Origin, authentic Stilton requires specific production methods in designated regions of England.

Vegetarian rennet and fresh local milk form the foundation of this premium cheese.

Cropwell Bishop's version has won numerous awards for its exceptional quality.

Typically sold in large 7.5 kg wheels, the cheese comes carefully wrapped in wax paper to maintain its pristine condition.

Generations of cheesemakers have perfected this traditional recipe.

Gourmet restaurants and home kitchens treasure this blue-veined delicacy for its complex, rich flavor profile.

Ticklemore Cheese Devon Blue

Devon Blue captures the essence of English artisan cheese with its remarkable balance of creamy texture and gentle blue tang.

Crafted by Ticklemore Cheese in Devon, United Kingdom, this pasteurized cow's milk cheese boasts a firm yet moist, crumbly body.

Vegetarian-friendly and produced using vegetable rennet, the cheese develops a natural rind during its 6 to 8-month maturation process.

Its dense, evenly distributed blue veins promise a mild yet distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other blue cheeses.

Cheese enthusiasts appreciate its smooth consistency and nuanced taste that speaks to traditional British cheesemaking techniques.

Each bite reveals a carefully balanced combination of creamy smoothness and subtle blue cheese character.

Devon Blue works wonderfully on cheese boards, in salads, or melted over warm dishes.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cheese represents the best of artisan British dairy craftsmanship.

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Whole Beauvale

Whole Beauvale blue cheese delivers a luxurious punch of creamy, tangy flavor crafted by Cropwell Bishop Creamery with exceptional artisan skill.

British cheesemakers carefully nurture this mold-ripened wheel using time-honored techniques passed through generations.

Smooth and indulgent textures distinguish its premium quality and complex taste profile.

Soft blue veins weave through the rich, pale interior creating visual and gustatory complexity.

Intense umami notes dance across your palate with each delicate bite.

Traditional production methods ensure consistent depth of character in every slice.

Gourmet restaurants and cheese enthusiasts prize this exceptional British blue cheese.

Sophisticated flavor complexity makes Beauvale a standout selection for discerning cheese lovers.

Shepherds Purse Cheeses Blue

Blue by Shepherds Purse stands out as a luxurious blue cheese that melts smoothly across your palate with extraordinary depth and complexity.

Handcrafted in North Yorkshire, England, this artisan cheese transforms cow's milk into a creamy delicacy studded with distinctive blue mold veins.

Traditional techniques and family expertise shape its unique flavor profile, delivering a tangy and robust taste sensation.

Each wheel emerges from careful aging processes that intensify its rich character.

Shepherds Purse carefully selects premium milk to ensure exceptional quality in every bite.

Regional expertise contributes to the cheese's nuanced flavors and smooth texture.

Small-batch production guarantees meticulous attention to detail throughout crafting.

Passionate cheesemakers transform simple ingredients into a remarkable culinary experience that celebrates Yorkshire's dairy traditions.

Bath Soft Cheese Semi-Soft Cheese With Biscuity Rind

Bath Soft Cheese captivates cheese lovers with its signature biscuity rind and luxuriously creamy texture that melts smoothly on the palate.

Crafted by an artisanal Somerset-based company, this semi-soft cheese delivers a complex flavor profile balancing mild and tangy notes.

Traditional production methods ensure each wheel maintains exceptional quality and character.

Skilled cheesemakers carefully develop the distinctive exterior rind, which provides a delightful subtle crunch against the cheese's silky interior.

Connoisseurs appreciate its elegant texture and nuanced taste that reflects generations of British dairy expertise.

Somerset's rich agricultural heritage shines through in every carefully aged wheel.

Exceptional craftsmanship transforms simple milk into a gourmet experience that celebrates regional culinary traditions.

Cheese enthusiasts consider Bath Soft Cheese a prime example of sophisticated British dairy artistry.

How Should You Store English Blue Cheese for Maximum Freshness?

Proper storage is essential to preserve the bold flavors and creamy texture of English blue cheese. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Wrap It Right: Use wax paper or parchment paper to wrap the cheese loosely. This allows it to breathe while protecting it from drying out.
• Avoid Plastic Wrap Long-Term: Plastic wrap can trap moisture, leading to excessive mold growth and off-flavors.
• Store in a Cool, Consistent Place: Keep your blue cheese in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer or a cheese box where the temperature stays steady, ideally around 45°F (7°C).
• Maintain Humidity: Blue cheese likes a slightly humid environment; storing it in a cheese container or loosely covered with a damp cloth helps.
• Check Regularly: Inspect for any unwanted mold and cut away spots if necessary to prevent spoilage.
• Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: Remove the cheese from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to tasting for the best flavor and texture.