Try These World Chocolate Day-Inspired UK Daytrips

Let’s face it. We don’t need much of an excuse to indulge in our love of chocolate, but World Chocolate Day would be a pretty good one if we did. This worldwide celebration of all things cacao takes place on 7 July, and is a great reason to book a daytrip to one of the UK’s best cities for chocoholics. Take a look at our round-up of the best chocolate shops, cafés, and chocolatey haunts to get a taste of what’s to come, then get your megabus tickets booked and invite your fellow chocolate-loving friends.

Sip thick chocolate milk in Bristol

Bristol’s chocolate history stretches way back. Fry’s chocolate company operated here from 1728 to 2011, and Fry's Chocolate Cream – AKA the oldest brand of chocolate bar in the world – was invented in the city. It’s no wonder, then, there are so many places to indulge in a cocoa hit. These days our vote goes to Zara’s Chocolates – you’ll find it in Southville beneath a huge, colourful mural. This artisan chocolatier specialises in handmade chocolates and serves some incredible chocolate milks.

Stay at a chocolate hotel in Bournemouth

If you’re planning an overnight visit to Bournemouth, it would be rude not to make a reservation at The Chocolate Box Hotel. The interiors are chocolate-themed, there’s a chocolate tasting bar that’s great for hen parties and birthday activities, and there’s even chocolate on the breakfast menu. Not only that, but it’s a five-minute walk from town, or a five-minute walk from the beach – so either way, you can walk off all that chocolate.

Learn the history of chocolate in York

Fancy swotting up on your chocolate knowledge? York’s Chocolate Story is a guided tour that takes you through the back-story of the city’s famous chocolate factories – including chocolatiers Terry’s, Rowntree’s and Craven’s. There are plenty of samples to be eaten along the way, a live demo to watch, and a fully-stocked shop and café where you can sip a luxury hot chocolate. York also puts on a chocolate festival every Easter, so get the date in your diary early and plan it for next year.

Load up on luxury chocolates in London

Unsurprisingly, the UK capital does luxury chocolates with a capital L, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to posh chocs in London. Chic boutique Artisan du Chocolat has branches in Chelsea and Selfridges, and their hot chocolate – which was first served at their stall in Borough Market – is so good it has a cult following. Charbonnel et Walker on Old Bond Street is another must-visit if you have expensive tastes, and the luxurious gift boxes are as pretty as the chocolates.

Take a trip to Cadbury World from Birmingham

If you’re visiting the city of Birmingham and have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know that Cadbury World is just around the corner. This interactive chocolate experience is in Bournville – that’s right, another chocolate reference – which is about a 20-minute drive out of Birmingham city centre. Or, you can catch a train from Birmingham New Street, then walk 15 minutes from Bournville Station. Either way, you’re in for a chocolatey treat – with chocolate history, tasting, and shopping all rolled into one.

Fancy satisfying your chocolate cravings somewhere new? Take a look at our UK city guides for inspo and use our journey planner at the top of the page to get booking.