Visit the UK's best Chocolate Experiences this Easter
Easter Sunday 31st March
Ascend to Sweet Heaven with the UK's best Chocolate Experiences near Macdonald Hotels
For many of us, Easter means chocolate, and plenty of it. But what to do when you're truly consumed by confectionery, and a foil-wrapped Easter egg just won't satisfy the appetite?
Well, with the chocoholic in mind, we've conducted some not-so-painstaking research to bring you our recommendations of Britain's finest chocolate experiences to enjoy this spring.
From a wonderful Wonka-style world in Birmingham, to a bean-to-bar experience in Edinburgh, there's something choc-full of fun out there for every connoisseur - whether you're a sweet-toothed enthusiast, or a budding professional chocolatier.
Tuck into this selection box of our favourites.
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Accept no am-dram imitations - Cadbury World is a quality day out for those who want to see a real sweet factory at work. Here you'll discover the rich history of Cadbury chocolate, behold the chocolate-making process while enjoying some scrumptious scamples, and enjoy interactive exhibits including a ride through a chocolate wonderland. For full family appeal, the kids can meet characters including Freddo, Mr Cadbury's Parrot and the Caramel Bunny, while grown-ups can explore the Cadbury family's Quaker history in the Bourneville Experience, which reopens post-renovations at the end of March.
WHERE TO STAY
Once you've had your fill, take time out in the decadent comfort of The Burlington, just under 15 minutes' drive away in Birmingham's sweet city centre.
The Chocolatarium, Edinburgh
The Chocolatarium, a chocolate micro-factory in the heart of Edinburgh, offers tours, truffle-making classes and more. Discover the bean-to-bar process in a hands-on journey into the world of chocolate-making, taste from their range of unique flavours, and gain insights into the art of crafting this divine delight. The Chocolatarium promises an immersive experience for both adults and children - but their famous chocolate and whisky pairing experience is strictly for the grown-ups.
WHERE TO STAY
Enjoy a relaxing Easter escape at nearby Macdonald Houstoun House, and sink even further into decadence with one of our luxurious spa treatments.
The Children's Chocolate Workshop, The Lake District
Make your kids' sweet dreams come true with a visit to The Children's Chocolate Factory near Windermere. Their family-friendly workshops allow children to enter a world of pure imagination as they craft three different chocolate creations of their very own. Best of all, everything they make is theirs to take home, along with a souvenir apron. It's definitely more than just enough to give your kids a treat.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore the Lake District from Macdonald Old England, our lap of luxury on Windermere, or just settle down to something more savoury in our superb Lakeview restaurant.
Mrs Potts Chocolate House, Bath
Get a taste of paradise at Mrs Potts Chocolate House, an independent family-owned business, which offers an almost-endless menu of decadently chocolatey treats at their premises next to the Roman Baths. Better yet, their Chocolate Bar Workshop offers you the chance to unleash your creativity as you craft four of your very own chocolate bars by hand. An experience that's as enchanting as it is educational, it's perfect for beginners looking to refine their chocolate-making skills.
WHERE TO STAY
Have a break at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, a luxury five-star with a fabulous spa - a lighter way to enjoy yourself after a day of deliciousness.
The Chocolate Academy, Banbury
For a experience that will truly make you melt, splash out on an in-depth exploration of chocolate craftsmanship at the Chocolate Academy, in the grounds of the renowned Barry Callebaut chocolate factory. The Academy offers professional-level courses and workshops, providing unique opportunities to learn from industry experts. Whether you're a budding chocolatier or simply passionate about the art of chocolate, this academy offers a selection of comprehensive and immersive courses, including in chocolate patisserie, and even five-day business start-up courses for those looking to mould chocolate into a lusciously lucrative career.
WHERE TO STAY
Once you've finished your chocolate work, make sure you rest and play at Macdonald The Bear, just down the road in nearby Woodstock.
