York’s famous for its chocolate history, and there are some great ways for visitors to find out more about the city’s sweet past, present and future. From attractions to chocolate cafes and children’s trails, there’s something for every taste and this is our pick of the best chocolate experiences in York for families.
Visit York’s Chocolate Story
If you want to delve into York’s chocolate history, a trip to York’s Chocolate Story is a must. Follow your nose to King’s Square, in the city centre, and join one of the guided tours. Tours run throughout the day and take you back in time to the Aztec origins of chocolate before bringing you back to York and its 300 years of chocolate-making. You’ll find out how chocolate is made, watch a chocolatier in action, have a go at your making your own creation and may even get to try a little bit, too…
Why we love it – York’s Chocolate Story brings the city’s chocolate history to life with informative and entertaining guides and some interactive elements (but bear in mind that this isn’t Cadbury World, so don’t expect to be swimming in the sweet stuff!). Although the history will be lost on younger children, they’ll enjoy making their own chocolate creation to take home (if they can wait that long!).
Top tips – The attraction is on three levels, but there is a lift and you can leave buggies on the ground floor. Book your tickets online for a discount. Look out for their walking tours at Easter and Halloween, as they’re aimed at children and great fun.
York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD – Open daily from 10 am (last tour 4 pm). Closed 25th & 26th December and 1st January – Visit the website
Enjoy a hot chocolate or chocolate fondue at York’s Chocolate Story
Whether you’re visiting the attraction or not, the cafe at York’s Chocolate Story is worth a visit for the hot chocolate alone. There’s a small seating indoor area or you can take it away and enjoy it outside while you watch the street entertainers (weekends/holidays). Customise your own hot chocolate with a variety of flavours, from dark to caramel, mint to chilli, or even a shot of something alcoholic. Cream and marshmallows are optional but recommended for the full hot choc experience. Hungry? The chocolate fondues are a fun pick-me-up that will fuel your family through the rest of the day. Pick four ‘toppings’ for your pot – from strawberries to brownies, flapjacks to shortbread – and then wait for them to be delivered to you, slathered in warm, melted chocolate. Top marks if you make it to the bottom of the tub!
Why we love it – The hot chocolate is delicious and it’s a bit like sitting in Willy Wonka’s factory.
Top tips – Don’t get a hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue at the same time – you can have too much of a good thing!
York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD – Open daily from 10 am (last tour 4 pm). Closed 25th & 26th December and 1st January – Visit the website
Do a workshop at York Cocoa Works (or just visit the cafe)
York Cocoa Works is a chocolate production, chocolate academy and chocolate development centre. Carrying on the tradition of many centuries, York Cocoa House is making its own chocolate from raw cacao right in the heart of York. The passionate staff will tell you how they create their products. Book a workshop or just drop in for a drink and a treat from the cafe. You can read our review of a chocolate bar making workshop here.
Why we love it – It’s a real milestone that York is producing chocolate again in this way, and great to see it in action.
Top tips – The hot chocolates are a must on a chilly day!
York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York – Visit the website
Goddards House and Garden
Goddards is the former home of the Terry family (think Chocolate Orange!), just a stone’s throw from the city centre. It’s a beautiful arts and crafts house with a garden that’s open to the public. The garden is small but lovely, and ideal for young children: have a wander around to spot some wildlife and see what’s growing in the veg patch.
Why we love it – It’s a beautiful peaceful spot where children can explore.
Top tips – It’s a National Trust property, so admission is free for members. It’s not open every day and only for part of the year, so plan your visit carefully to avoid disappointment.
