York Chocolate Festival Review: Everything to know before you go

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Updated on March 28, 2023

Are you dreaming of a sweet escape? If so, the York Chocolate Festival is the perfect celebration for chocolate-lovers!

Held annually in the historic city centre of York, this popular event attracts thousands of visitors who come to celebrate all things cocoa.

Whether you are looking to indulge your sweet tooth or learn something new about one of Britain’s most beloved treats, here’s everything you need to know before visiting York Chocolate Festival 2023.

From markets full of delicious goodies to hands on workshops and even a Chocolate Trail – it has something for everyone!

Not only will you get an insight into why York is known as the ‘chocolate city’ but also discover some other amazing attractions that celebrate York’s sweet tooth.

So, join me on a journey through what makes the annual York Chocolate Festival such an unforgettable experience!

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York Chocolate Festival

Before you pack up your bags and get ready to load yourself up with as much chocolate as you can carry, here is a quick introduction to York Chocolate Festival. You’ll find all the details you need to know before you go!

What is York Chocolate Festival?

York Chocolate Festival is an annual event held in the city centre of York.

It celebrates the city’s rich and lengthy chocolate-making heritage. There are a range of activities on offer, including workshops, a chocolate trail, and a lively market featuring local chocolatiers.

When is York Chocolate Festival?

York Chocolate Festival takes place around Easter each year. It is one of the best things to do in Yorkshire at Easter, and a fantastic way to make the most of the long weekend.

Plus, many of us already have chocolate on our minds as we’re preparing to indulge in an Easter egg, so it is ideal timing for the celebration.

The York Chocolate Festival 2023 is due to take place 5th-9th April.

Where is York Chocolate Festival?

York Chocolate Festival takes place right in the centre of York.

Most of the stalls and workshops take place on Parliament Street. However, many other local businesses throughout the city centre also get involved.

This year Castle Howard is also offering a selection of activities as part of York Chocolate Festival.

What to expect during York Chocolate Festival

Now you know when and where, let’s look at what you’ll find on your visit.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect to find at this year’s York Chocolate Festival.

Chocolate Festival Market

The central hub of York Chocolate Festival is a vibrant and bustling market. Located on Parliament Street, this is the perfect place to find all things chocolate!

From artisan chocolates to handmade truffles, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find stalls offering a variety of other treats such as cakes and pastries, plus hot drinks like hot chocolate or coffee.

With live music playing and plenty of activities on offer throughout the day, this is the hive of activity at the festival. The market is free to visit so make sure you stop by and see what is on offer!

Workshops and Demonstrations

York Chocolate Festival offers a wide range of demonstrations where visitors can learn more about chocolate and its production.

From tasting sessions to hands-on workshops, there is something for everyone at this delicious event.

Whether you are curious about the history of cocoa or want to try your hand at making your own treats, these workshops and demonstrations will provide an informative and engaging experience.

So don’t miss all that the York Chocolate Festival has to offer – book yourself into one of their fantastic workshops today!

Chocolate Taste Trail

My favourite part of the whole festival is easily the Chocolate Taste Trail.

Visitors can join the trail for a small fee. You will then be presented with a map and a list of small businesses taking part.

Work your way around from store to store and at each stop they will check the location off your list, in exchange for a delicious chocolatey treat.

On our last visit, we had the opportunity to indulge in brownies, biscuits, waffles, fudge, desert, chocolates and more! All while discovering new independent stores and eateries in York.

The Chocolate Taste Trail is a fantastic way to raise the profile of independent businesses in York, all while sampling some of their delicious, sweet treats!

Chocolate Festival Bar

And while you are indulging in sweet treats, be sure to stop by the festival bar. Alongside the usual refreshments, chocolate-themed drinks such as cocoa gin and chocolate stout will be available.

The organisers have also teamed up with The Alcohol Free Drinks company who will be serving alcohol free alternatives. Their offerings include several beers on draught alongside wines, spirits and even a glass of Alcohol Free Pimm’s style.

This is the ideal option for designated drivers or those looking for an alcohol-free drink.

Easter Activities

Obviously, chocolate is already front of mind during the Easter celebrations. To mark the occasion, there are plenty of Easter-themed activities happening at the chocolate festival too!

York’s Chocolate Story and York City Cruises have teamed up to put on York’s biggest ever Easter egg hunt! From April 1st-16th you can find special easter eggs all around York.

These delicious chocolate eggs also contain some amazing prizes including cruise tickets, York Chocolate Story tickets and other fun surprises from York businesses.

Plus, there are workshops available to make or paint your own Easter eggs as part of the festival.

Why is York the chocolate city?

York has a long history of chocolate making that dates back centuries, and it is now known as the ‘Chocolate City’.

It all began in the 1720 when a Quaker woman, Mary Tuke, started trading coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from her shop in Walmgate.

Since then, many other famous names have been associated with York’s chocolate industry making it one of the most iconic cities for chocolate production in the world.

By 1781 there were eight confectioners trading in York and at its peak, 14,000 people were employed by confectionery companies in the city.

From traditional recipes still used today to modern creations crafted from exotic ingredients, York is still home to some of Britain’s finest chocolates.

What chocolate is York famous for?

York’s most famous chocolate export is Terry’s Chocolate Orange. The Terry family, along with the Rowntree’s, Cravens and Lazenby were all well know names in the chocolate industry that hailed from York.

Other chocolate attractions in York

If you’ve got a super sweet tooth and want to explore even more chocolate attractions in York, here are some experiences you don’t want to miss:

York Chocolate Story

York Chocolate Story is an immersive experience that takes you through the history of chocolate making in York.

Located just steps away from the historic city walls, this interactive museum offers a unique and fascinating journey into the world of chocolate-making.

Guests will learn about the origins of chocolate production in York. Explore its evolution over time and discover how it has become such an integral part of our lives today.

Through hands-on activities, tastings and demonstrations, visitors can get up close to some of the equipment used by chocolatiers throughout history as well as sample some delicious treats!

With knowledgeable guides on hand to answer questions along the way, there’s something for everyone at York Chocolate Story – so come along and indulge your sweet tooth!

York Cocoa Works

York Cocoa Works is an experience like no other and a must-visit for chocolate lovers.

The site has something special to offer everyone. From interactive tours and demonstrations to unique cocoa inspired products and delicious samples.

For those who haven’t been before, there are lots of exciting activities that can be enjoyed at York Cocoa Works.

Visitors can learn key chocolate making skills in the many workshops available. Discover how to temper your own chocolates and create your own treats with professional guidance.

Book your introduction to chocolate making experience here.

Book your chocolate bar creation workshop here.

And lastly, don’t forget to sample some of their amazing homemade chocolates – they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Book your guided tour and tasting here.

Goddard’s House and Gardens

Goddard’s House and Gardens is a historic estate located a short distance from the centre of York.

The estate was once built for Noel Terry. He wanted an Arts and Crafts-style home for him and his wife following their marriage in 1915.

Noel joined the Terry family chocolate company in 1911. By this time, they had already been in business for over a century.

Goddard’s remained in the Terry family until the 1980s. Today, the National Trust own Goddard’s House and Gardens and the grounds are open to visitors who wish to explore its rich history and lush gardens.

With its impressive five-acres of charming garden rooms, Goddard’s House offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

So, if you want to delve a little deeper into the chocolate history of York, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden at Goddard’s. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of generations of Terry’s, while soaking up this beautiful piece of history!

How to get to York City Centre

York Park and Ride is the easiest way for visitors to get into the city centre of York.

With seven car parks located around the city, it provides convenient access to all of York’s attractions, restaurants, and shops.

With a variety of routes available throughout the day, you can avoid traffic congestion while enjoying a hassle-free journey in comfort.

Plus, its low fares make it one of the most affordable ways to travel. It is perfect for those looking to explore York on a budget!

So, if you’re planning your visit to York City Centre, make sure you take advantage of this great transport option. You will save time and money while having an enjoyable experience along the way.

Hotels in York

If you want to enjoy the York Chocolate Festival for the whole weekend, check out these great hotels in York for your stay.

• The Grand – This 5-star luxury hotel and spa offers a relaxing stay in a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ideal for an indulgent escape.
• Middletons – This is the ideal hotel if you are looking for a quiet retreat. It is located close to the city centre, just a short walk away along the city walls past Clifford’s Tower.
• Judge’s Court – If you’re looking for a sophisticated escape with just a touch of history, Judge’s Court is for you. This modern take on a historic Georgian building is splendidly done.
• Hotel Indigo – This hotel is the heart of York and is renowned for its beautiful boutique rooms and comfortable beds! It’s the ideal spot for a good night’s sleep after a day exploring!

Still looking for the perfect hotel in York? Check out the map below to find the most convenient option for you.

Booking.com

Other things to do in York

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out these other brilliant things to do in York on your visit:

• Things to do in York when it rains
• Free things to do in York
• Incredible things to do in York at night
• Romantic things to do in York for couples
• Viking things to do in York
• Magical things to do in York at Christmas
• Top attractions for your York bucket list
• Complete York city guide
• York Cat Trail
• The Secret City: York
• Treasure Hunt York

York Chocolate Festival Review

York Chocolate Festival is an event that all chocolate-lovers in Yorkshire should visit!

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, York Chocolate Festival provides a fascinating insight into this important trade that has shaped the history of York. It also highlights how the art of chocolate making in York persists today.

It is a brilliant opportunity to get better acquainted with some of the independent businesses in York, all while indulging your sweet cravings.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Yorkshire at Easter, make sure a visit to York is in the calendar!

And if you can’t visit the chocolate festival this year, you can still sample some delicious York chocolate at home. Get yours here.

Before you go

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting York Chocolate Festival. Will you be joining the celebrations this year?

And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!

Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!

Until our next adventure,

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