It may not be the Willy Wonka-like experience the writer hoped for but chocolate lovers and kids will enjoy this attraction dedicated to the history and production of the sweet stuff
Brum brum … riding through ‘chocolate wonderland’ at Cadbury World, Birmingham
Monday 21 March 2016 06.00 EDTLast modified on Monday 21 March 201606.31 EDT
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In a nutshell
In a chocolate box, more like … everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate, under one roof. The tone is set at the ticket booth where everyone gets three bars (a Crunchy, Dairy Milk and — oh yes! — a Curly Wurly) to munch on while taking the self-guided tour on the history and the production of chocolate and the earnest, philanthropic Cadbury family, before entering the factory and then riding through a “chocolate wonderland”.
(Not so) fun fact
Bournville Green. Photograph: Andrew Fox
Bournville, the model workers’ village built by the Cadburys and home of Cadbury World, has never had a pub because the family were temperance Quakers. The historic village green is one of the prettiest and most interesting parts of Birmingham and worth a visit while you’re here.
Anything egg-citing on for Easter?
From 25–28 March, there’s an egg trail and bonnet competition, and a chance to meet Freddo, Caramel Bunny and Creme Egg, and throughout the school holiday there’ll be live entertainment, including magicians and ventriloquists.
Best thing about it
The new 4D film, a virtual ride on the “Crunchie rollercoaster”, is a real thrill — the only thing here that captures the Willy Wonka-ish world that the words “chocolate” and “theme park” conjure up. Some of our party (OK, the adults) also loved the slightly sickly but delicious cups of melted chocolate handed out in the factory, which you can garnish with marshmallows, sprinkles and — guess what? — chocolate buttons.
What about lunch?
The usual self-service restaurant food — burgers, jacket spuds, fish and chips, paninis, etc — and loads of choccy puds, obviously.
Exit through the gift shop?
No, through the chocolate shop, in case you fancy a chocolate football (life-size and weighing 1.5kg) or a chocolate teapot to take home. For hardcore chocheads the Factory Zone offers bulk buys: for example, 8kg (yes, eight kilos) of Cadbury’s Buttons for £39.99.
Getting there
It’s a 15-minute walk from Bourneville train station, which is a 14-minute ride from Birmingham New Street (trains every 10 minutes). Cadbury World is signposted and easy to reach from the M5 and M42; try to avoid driving via the city centre.
Value for money?
It depends on how much you like chocolate. The history element is interesting but the rides lack oomph and are rather dated. Adult £16.75, child (aged 4–15) £12.30, family £49.96 (2+2) or £59.95 (2+3).
Opening times
Seven days a week, from between 9am and 10am to between 3pm and 4.30pm, depending on the time of year and day of the week.
Verdict
George, the writer’s son, and his cousin Millie at Cadbury World. Photograph: Emma Rowley
6/10 from me but the kids were like … well, kids in a sweetshop: my six-year-old son George gave it 10, his nine-year-old cousin Millie 9.5. If you like chocolate, you’ll love it … Have I made that clear enough?
source:http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/mar/21/cadbuty-world-birmingham-take-the-kids-to
