York's Chocolate Story Workshop

This hands-on two-hour workshop combines chocolate making with museum entry and tastings. You'll learn traditional chocolate-making techniques from a professional chocolatier, create your own confections, and taste a selection of York's chocolate heritage products. It's an active, tactile experience that goes beyond passive museum visits, making it particularly popular with families wanting to engage directly with York's most famous industry. Best for Families and hands-on learning enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: max 12. You meet at York's Chocolate Story King's Square. Key highlights: Make chocolates under professional guidance, Learn traditional chocolate-making techniques, All materials and equipment provided.

Price: £35

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 12

Minimum age: 5+

Best for: Families and hands-on learning enthusiasts

Best time: Book for weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday 10:00am) to avoid school holiday crowds. Afternoon slots fill faster. Avoid late summer and Easter holidays for shorter queues.

Meeting point: York's Chocolate Story King's Square

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Arrival & introduction Check in at King's Square reception and meet the professional chocolatier - Groups are small (max 12 people); workshop rooms are intimate and tables are arranged for close interaction.

First 15 minutes Introduction to chocolate history and York's confectionery heritage - Chocolatier explains Terry's, Rowntree's, and other York brands; demonstrates traditional techniques like tempering and hand-dipping.

15–75 minutes Hands-on chocolate making - You'll mould, fill, and decorate your own chocolates using professional equipment. All materials (chocolate, fillings, coatings) are provided. Chocolatier guides each step and offers technique tips.

75–90 minutes Chocolate tasting and museum exploration - Sample finished pieces and browse the museum galleries showing the history of York chocolate brands, packaging, and advertising from the Victorian era onwards.

90–120 minutes Packing and departure - Your handmade chocolates are packaged for you to take home. Browse the shop for additional souvenirs or sample products.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at York's Chocolate Story King's Square.

• Make chocolates under professional guidance
• Learn traditional chocolate-making techniques
• All materials and equipment provided
• Take home your creations in a gift box
• Museum entry and tastings included in price
• Small group size (max 12) ensures personal attention
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ground-floor workshop. Worktables are adjustable. Inform staff in advance if you have mobility or manual dexterity limitations.

What is included: Two-hour workshop with professional chocolatier, All chocolate-making materials and tools, Chocolate tasting session, Museum entry, Gift box packaging for your creations, Refreshments (tea/coffee).

Not included: Lunch or substantial food beyond tastings, Dietary accommodations (bring own if required), Additional chocolate purchases beyond what you make. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Apron (provided, but you may prefer your own), Comfortable shoes (you'll be standing at a worktable), No jewellery (rings and bracelets interfere with chocolate work). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Book for weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday 10:00am) to avoid school holiday crowds. Afternoon slots fill faster. Avoid late summer and Easter holidays for shorter queues..

Tip: All ingredients and equipment provided

Tip: Take home chocolate creations

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ground-floor workshop. Worktables are adjustable. Inform staff in advance if you have mobility or manual dexterity limitations..

Operator: York's Chocolate Story | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1904 527765

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• The Shambles (2 min walk)
• York Minster (5 min walk)
• Jorvik Viking Centre (3 min walk)

This activity is run by York's Chocolate Story.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before; within 7 days charged at 50%; less than 48 hours non-refundable.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ground-floor workshop. Worktables are adjustable. Inform staff in advance if you have mobility or manual dexterity limitations..

Best time to go: Book for weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday 10:00am) to avoid school holiday crowds. Afternoon slots fill faster. Avoid late summer and Easter holidays for shorter queues..

What age can children participate in the chocolate workshop?

Children aged 5+ can participate with adult supervision. Ages 5–7 may need extra assistance with finer techniques; ages 8+ are typically independent. Adults must accompany children under 16. The chocolatier will adjust complexity based on participant age.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

The workshop uses dairy and nut-based chocolates. If you have allergies, contact the venue in advance to discuss options. You can prepare simple non-chocolate treats or bring your own alternatives, though the full experience may be limited.

How much chocolate will I actually make and take home?

You'll make approximately 200–300g of chocolates during the workshop, depending on style and complexity. They're packaged in a gift box for transport. Most people eat or gift them within a week; shelf life is approximately 2–3 weeks if kept cool and dry.