Is there anything better than chocolate? The simple answer is no.
Coming from someone who has the biggest sweet tooth - chocolate in every shape and form - apart from coffee flavoured - is incredible.
So as you can imagine, when the opportunity to go to Cadbury’s World came up to review their February half term activity, I jumped at the chance of going to, what can only be described as, a place of chocolatey dreams.
When we walked into the building, located near Birmingham, it was apparent the half term activities had started; there were kids everywhere! So for a 23 year old to be reviewing the children’s half term events, it was actually quite funny when we realised we were one of the only couples to be there without children.
I didn’t really know what to expect if I’m honest but one of my favourite parts was the first zone, the Aztec Jungle. This was decorated impeccably. You could learn all about the origins of the cocoa bean and even though it was extremely visually appealing and fun, it was also very educational - which I’m sure will be loved by parents.
Throughout the zones in the exhibition, there were various interactive screens which helped tell the story of the history of the chocolate. Some were mini games which definitely caught the eyes of the kids who were around us - and yes, I even had a go. You just had to.
A stand out was the inclusivity and accessibility for all at Cadbury's World, with every interactive screen offering sign language interpretations.
The best part of the day had to be the ‘Have a go zone’. Here, they showed you how to temper chocolate and we got to write our names in the lovely liquid.
I have to admit, there were children who were doing a much better job than me but surely it’s the having a go part that’s more important, right?
This area was very busy, so bear this in mind when visiting during half term or even the weekend like us; there will be a lot of people, and kids running around in some areas.
After a small ride on the 'Beanmobiles' which takes you through a journey full of magical surprises, we ended up at what can only be described as heaven, the Chocolate Making zone. Here you can get a pot of warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk, which of course I loved, and you can watch some of the Chocolate Making team at work.
After a few more zones, it was time to venture outside to see the marvelous Freddo’s Circus stage show and the 4D Chocolate Adventure.
I’m not going to lie - it was freezing. I made the silly decision not to wear a coat as I thought all exhibitions would be inside - my own fault for not researching it well.
The show lasted for 15 minutes and you were introduced to the three main acts: ‘Freddo the Clown’,‘The Great Fredeedo’, and finally ‘Spin Master Freddo’.
Whilst I can’t say I was in my element, the sound of laughter from the young audience didn’t stop throughout the show and the parents seemed to enjoy it, too. It was very inclusive and Richie the Ringmaster liked to get everyone involved, even by getting us up at the end for a dance.
The 4D Chocolate Adventure had quite a long queue. It said it would be 40 minutes so we had some food from one of the outlets outside and ate it whilst waiting.
I can safely say it didn't take this long, so that for sure helped with the fact it was so cold. The cinema experience itself was pretty good - fitted with motion seats, you can ride the Crunchie Rollercoaster and take to the skies.
We ended the day with the pleasure of visiting the ‘World's Biggest Cadbury Shop’. It was fantastic and I came away with a lot of chocolate, but come on, if you’re travelling to visit Cadbury World, you have to go crazy and bring a lot back, right?
Overall the day was good. I wouldn’t recommend going during half term if you haven’t got kids as it can get very busy, but if you do have children then they will certainly love it for sure, especially as there is a big playground outside - but please wrap up warm as some of the activities are based out of the main building and we all know English weather likes to change, a lot.
Freddo’s Circus stage show runs every day on weekends and school holidays from Saturday 5 February – Sunday 27 March.
Pre-booking for Cadbury World is essential.
