Channel Your Inner Wonka with Chocolate Experiences Throughout Britain

Family travelers can step inside Wonka, which premiered in theaters on Dec. 15, on a trip through Britain, where the movie that tells the story of Willy Wonka’s early days as a chocolatier filmed. Based on the 1964 novel from British author Roald Dahl, the film stars Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Sally Hawkins.

First up on a family trip full of chocolate-themed experiences are visits to some of Wonka’s filming locations, like Oxford’s Hertford College and Radcliffe Camera, as well as Catte Street and Sheldonian Theatre. In Bath, visit Parade Gardens, The Colonnade overlooking Pulteney Bridge, Thermae Bath Spa and Bath Abbey. A large portion of filming took place at Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, outside of London, with other outside locations including Ye Old Fighting Cocks pub, Veralumium Park, Eltham Palace and more.

Other tasty experiences for your family’s Wonka-esque vacation include visits to numerous chocolate shops, including Charbonnel et Walker, London’s oldest; Artisan du Chocolat, making its own treats from beans sourced from South America; and Dark Sugars, known for its hot chocolate. London institution Harrods soon opens its The Chocolaterie, while London’s only bean-to-bar factory experience can be had at London Chocolate.

Dr Choc’s Windsor Chocolate Factory, one of the smallest in the world, sits across from Windsor Castle and offers a tasting class. In Manchester, The Chocolate Factory Experience includes interactive workshops. Birmingham’s Cadbury World celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the first Cadbury Shop opening in 2024.

Other can’t-miss stops include York’s Chocolate Story; a two-hour Chocolate Bar Workshop at Bath’s Mrs. Potts Chocolate House; sipping the Wonka– themed drink, hot chocolate with chocolate-coated popping candy, at Knoops; and the Fudge Making Experience at Fudge Kitchen’s various locations.

Spots around the United Kingdom join in on the fun, with Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium, where guests can create personalized Scottish-themed chocolates; a Chocolate and Whisky Tour at The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow; a 45-minute tour and salt tasting (think sea-salted fudge) at Halen Mon in Anglesey, Wales; and workshops at Trehafod’s The Chocolate House, also in Wales.