CHOCOLATE is great at any time of year, but with it also being synonymous with the festive season – coins, selection boxes and more – what better time to get to Cadbury World.
The South Birmingham attraction has been transformed into a winter wonderland and there is so much to do for all the family.
Among the festive highlights are the visit to Santa in his snowy Christmassy grotto and the Snow White pantomime which – like all good pantos – has the adults laughing as much as, if not moreso, than the children.
But, before that, the journey begins in a forest setting, finding out about the history of chocolate and how the cocoa bean has always been such an important commodity.
After learning plenty of surprising facts about the origins of one of our favourite snacks, you are taken to the fascinating history of Cadbury and the Quaker family behind the brand who set up shop in the Second City all those years ago.
It details how Cadbury began and built up the business, putting the community at the heart of the venue.
Then, with a new-found knowledge of where chocolate comes from and of this World famous company, you get to find out about how the chocolate is made and see the experts at work.
It’s hard to imagine how much time, effort and perfection goes into the chocolate – it’s not something you think about when unwrapping a Twirl or a Curly Wurly. It was fascinating to see the process.
And, whatever age you are, watching the moulding of chocolate footballs (and adding your own ingredients to your own pot of chocolate) is lots of fun.
The cocoa bean ride Cadabra is great fun as well and 4D cinema is a fantastic experience.
That centres around a chocolate utopia where a host of the Cadbury characters, including Mr Cadbury’s Parrot. Freddo, the cocoa beans, the Cadbury’s Caramel Rabbit and the drum-playing gorilla reside.
It also enables you to go on a roller coaster without leaving the comfort of your cinema chair.
And, having been disappointed in the past by some 4D movies I have seen, this one is arguably the best out there.
My two-year-old toddler was giggling along as the film was being shown and I thought it was just as much fun.
One of my favourite parts was the advertising section which brings back to the memory all those classic Cadbury adverts – from the more recent drum-playing gorilla to the memorable ‘A finger of fudge is just enough to give your kids a treat’ and ‘Everyone’s a Fruit and Nut case’ commercials.
Throughout the whole experience there was plenty of things to do en route to the different sections – from interactive machines or computer games for all ages. The whole day was loads of fun and I’m amazed now I hadn’t visited there sooner.
You can then take the kids for a quick stop at the park areas (one for two to five-year-olds and one for five and up) to burn off some of that energy generated by the chocolate eating.
And, not only did we each come away with four of Cadbury’s trademark bars, we also came away knowing more about the process of making chocolate, its origins and the history of Cadbury – from its very beginnings – a delicious and educational trip.
I don’t think I’ve ever learnt so much in such a short space of time.
Cadbury World is definitely worth a visit – at any time of year. But with Christmas around the corner and if you’re like me (any excuse to get festive will do) it’s a great day out for all the family as you count down the days until the man in the big red suit visits.
Visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk for more on Cadbury World.
