National Chocolate Week: VisitEngland's Top Five Chocolate Experiences

by Shabana Adam | 9 October 2012

How are you celebrating national chocolate week?

Sweet dreams guaranteed

True chocolate lovers haven’t lived until they’ve spent a weekend break in a chocolate-themed hotel. The Chocolate Hotel in Bournemouth has 13 chocolate-themed rooms which come with chocolate fountains, if desired. One of a kind, this Grade II-listed building is the only chocolate-themed hotel in the world, making it the ultimate pilgrimage for chocoholics who desire non-stop indulgence in the wonderful world of chocolate.

Chocolate capital

Discover the rich story of chocolate and confectionery in York, home to Rowntree’s Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Head over to York’s Chocolate Story, learn to taste the sweet stuff like a professional and get hands-on with a virtual chocolate factory.

Watch chocolatiers at work in captivating chocolate-making demonstrations and taste some of their delicious creations. Witness chocolate come to life, hear generations of chocolate secrets, explore how chocolate is made from bean to bar and taste your way through the chocolate capital of the UK.

A decadent daytrip

Chocolate Unwrapped is the highlight of Chocolate Week 2012, held at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden on 13^th and 14^th October. Visitors can immerse themselves in a decadent feast of chocolate. This mouth-watering chocolate show is host to over 50 exhibitors showcasing the best of the chocolate world.

It’s a day to marvel at chocolate sculptures, watch chocolate cooking demonstrations and sample a tempting variety of exciting new flavours, unexpected pairings and classic favourites.

Calling all budding chocolatiers

Take passion for the cocoa bean to a new level and learn to become a bona fide chocolatier. Classically trained artisan chocolatier Jane Williams runs Strawberries and Champagne Chocolate Making Masterclasses in her studio in Tyne and Wear.

Wannabe chocolatiers make professional strawberry and Champagne truffles, pipe and decorate heart-shaped chocolate lollipops and create friendship chocolate plaques. The afternoon closes with a glass of champagne and a chocolate fondue, while Jane tells her fascinating cocoa-infused story about how her chocolate became fit for the Queen!

Make childhood dreams come true

For the ultimate chocolate experience head to Bourneville - the place Cadbury was born. Discover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating fun-packed day for all the family at Cadbury World. Let your kid’s imagination run wild as they visualise themselves as Charlie, learning how their favourite confectionary is made, at this real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory.

Let the little ones splash around in chocolate rain before heading over to the world’s biggest Cadbury chocolate shop. Inside, they can create their own delicious taste sensation with popcorn, marshmallows and biscuits covered in warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.