Real Stilton can only be made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and only four dairies make blue Stilton today. The easiest way to get a good one for Christmas is from a cheesemonger who cuts it to order or posts it to you, such as Paxton & Whitfield, The Cheese Lady or Neal's Yard Dairy.
At a glance
- Where it's made: only in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, from local pasteurised milk.
- Who makes it: four dairies as of 2024: Colston Bassett, Cropwell Bishop, Long Clawson and Hartington Creamery.
- Buy by post from: Paxton & Whitfield, The Cheese Lady, Neal's Yard Dairy and Pong Cheese.
- When to order: early December for posting. Collect from a shop as close to Christmas as you can.
What makes it real Stilton?
Stilton is a protected name. To be called Stilton a cheese has to be made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire from local pasteurised milk. It has to be a cylinder shape, left unpressed and allowed to form its own crust, with blue veins spreading out from the centre. It's matured for at least nine weeks.
Two things surprise most people:
- Stilton isn't made in Stilton. The village of Stilton is in Cambridgeshire, outside the three counties. Cheese made there can't use the name. The cheese is thought to have got its name from being sold at the Bell Inn in Stilton, a coaching stop on the Great North Road.
- Stichelton is Stilton in all but name. It's made the traditional way with unpasteurised milk, which the Stilton rules don't allow. If you like Stilton it's well worth trying alongside it.
Who makes Stilton?
Only four dairies made blue Stilton after Tuxford & Tebbutt announced its closure in 2024. They're all in the East Midlands:
| Dairy | Where | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Colston Bassett | Nottinghamshire | Widely stocked by specialist cheesemongers. |
| Cropwell Bishop | Nottinghamshire | Also makes an organic Stilton. |
| Long Clawson | Leicestershire | Widely sold in supermarkets. |
| Hartington Creamery | Pikehall, Derbyshire | Brought Stilton-making back to the Peak District and sells by post from its own website. |
Where to buy Stilton by post
These independent shops in our directory sell Stilton online. We've checked each one on its own website, but stock changes before Christmas. Check availability when you order.
- Paxton & Whitfield sells Colston Bassett Stilton in pieces and as a whole cheese, with named-day UK delivery. It also has shops in London, Bath and Canterbury.
- The Cheese Lady in East Lothian sells Colston Bassett Stilton online.
- Neal's Yard Dairy in London sells Colston Bassett Stilton online and in its shops.
- Pong Cheese sells Cropwell Bishop Stilton online.
For more shops that post, see cheese shops that deliver. For a Stilton as part of a gift, see cheese hampers and gifts.
Buying Stilton in a shop
Almost every independent cheesemonger stocks Stilton at Christmas. Buying in person means you can taste it first and ask for a piece cut from a cheese that's at its best. Find a shop near you on the homepage or browse by area, such as London, Manchester, Leeds or the East Midlands, where Stilton is made.
Whole Stilton or a wedge?
- A wedge of 250 to 500g is plenty for most Christmas boards. Stilton is rich and people eat less of it than other cheeses.
- A baby Stilton (a small whole cheese, usually 2 to 2.5kg) makes a centrepiece for a big gathering or a generous gift.
- A whole Stilton is about 8kg and is really for parties, shops and restaurants.
For how much cheese to buy overall, see our Christmas cheeseboard guide.
Keeping and serving Stilton
- Wrap it in waxed paper or cheese paper and keep it in the fridge, away from other cheeses so the blue doesn't spread.
- Take it out about an hour before serving. Cold Stilton tastes of very little.
- Cut it in wedges from the centre outwards so everyone gets some of the creamy middle and some near the crust. Scooping out the middle leaves the rest to dry out.
- Port is the classic match. Sweet sherry, Madeira and barley wine work well too. Skip the old habit of scooping out the top of a whole Stilton and pouring port in: it makes the cheese soggy and spoils both.
- Leftovers crumble well into soups, salads and sauces.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy real Stilton?
From independent cheesemongers, many of which post across the UK. Paxton & Whitfield, The Cheese Lady, Neal's Yard Dairy and Pong Cheese all sell Stilton online. Most local cheese shops stock it at Christmas.
Why can't Stilton be made in Stilton?
Stilton is a protected name that can only be used for cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire. The village of Stilton is in Cambridgeshire. Cheese made there can't be called Stilton.
How many dairies make Stilton?
Four dairies made blue Stilton as of 2024: Colston Bassett and Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire, Long Clawson in Leicestershire and Hartington Creamery in Derbyshire.
Is Stilton pasteurised?
Yes. The Stilton rules require pasteurised milk. Stichelton is a similar blue cheese made with unpasteurised milk, which is why it can't be called Stilton.
How long does Stilton keep?
A wedge keeps well for a week or two in the fridge if it's wrapped in waxed paper. A whole or baby Stilton keeps longer. Ask your cheesemonger when you buy it.
When should I order Stilton for Christmas?
Order by early December if it's being posted, as popular sizes sell out and shops set a last order date for Christmas delivery. If you're collecting from a shop, buy it in the last few days before Christmas.
Can you eat Stilton when pregnant?
The NHS advises checking its guide to foods to avoid in pregnancy, which covers blue cheeses including Stilton.