Some people are wine lovers, others are cheese connoisseurs, but theres one love that many of us, young and old, share chocolate. Whilst some believe that the best chocolatiers are in Brussels, there is, in fact, many reasons to argue that it is the UK that is the real chocolate heaven -Charlie and the Chocolate Factorywas based here after all! In both the Cotswolds and Dorset, youll find some fantastic chocolate experiences to satisfy the chocolate lover in you, with plenty of goodies to take home too!
Chocolate in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a great place for foodies, and especially those who love chocolate. With food and drink playing such a big part of most people's holidays, you can guarantee that chocolate wont be far away! The opportunities to sample chocolate in the Cotswolds are numerous and with so many fantastic experiences to enjoy during your stay, you'll need to plan your time wisely! Chocolate in the Cotswolds - Buy it homemade atThe Cotswold Chocolate Company (Stow-on-the-Wold) Who doesnt love a story of a successful home-grown company? The Cotswold Chocolate Company began trading in 2011 and has been going from strength to strength ever since! Founders Heidi and Tom have spent many years building up their skills from the best chocolatiers in France and Brussels, as well as the those in the UK to create a fantastic range of tasty treats. Pay a visit to their shop in Stow-on-the-Wold and share in their passion for chocolate. Where to stay:Posting House Barn is at the heart of the Stow-on-the-Wold and is within easy reach of The Cotswold Chocolate Company. Sleeping 6, its the perfect self-catering cottage for you and your fellow chocolate lovers to get together for a fun weekend away. You'll also find some chocolate from The Cotswold Chocolate Company in your welcome pack too! Revisit your childhood atThe Cotswold Sweet Company(Stow-on-the-Wold) Classic sweet shops are a rarity these days, and if you miss the thrill of going into a sweet shop and asking for a pound of then youll love the Cotswold Sweet Company. The company has a long history and in addition to selling sweets and chocolate from all over the world, they also sell their own homemade fudge and chocolate. Whatever your favourites youll find a great selection here in this traditional, delightful sweet shop. Where to stay:Carters Cottageis another fantastic property for enjoying a chocolatey weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold. It sleeps 4 and is the ideal size for families, featuring all the comforts you need for a cosy weekend getaway. Do it yourself with a chocolate workshop fromChocolate Genie(Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire) What chocolate lover wouldnt want to be able to make their own cocoa-filled treats? Chocolate Genie offers a wide range of chocolate-making courses which are perfect to enjoy during your Cotswolds stay. Ever wanted to make truffles, gifts or simply develop some basic chocolate skills? Youll find the course you need here. With chocolate parties and courses for kids available, theres a great selection to indulge all chocolate lovers needs! Where to stay:Mill Bank House, near Bibury is a fantastic location for exploring many different areas and enjoying the British countryside. The property sleeps 10 so its great for large families or friends looking for a summer get together. Divine chocolate experiences atThe Three Ways Househotel (Chipping Campden) The Three Ways House hotel is home to the famous Pudding Club, who have teamed up with Divine Chocolate to serve up the perfect treat for chocolate lovers in the Cotswolds an afternoon of demonstrations and chocolate-themed lunch! For 49.50 a ticket, guests begin their afternoon with hot chocolate and biscuits before enjoying a cooking demonstration where all sorts of chocolate making and cooking techniques will be discussed, including a pudding which takes just 10 minutes to make. With opportunities for tasting throughout the demonstration, youll hopefully have room for the fabulous three course lunch, which offers a different chocolate option with each course. A fun day out and an ideal gift for someone who loves chocolate, this is a fantastic chocolate experience to enjoy in the Cotswolds. Where to stay:Your chocolate workshop makes for a great romantic activity, so why not book a stay for two at the charmingJasmine Cottage, which currently has summer availability for 2017. The perfect place to enjoy a break from busy schedules and crowded towns, youll love its fantastic features.
Dreamy chocolate days out in Dorset
Dorset is another wonderful part of the UK which offers some great experiences for chocolate lovers. Some people like to eat fish and chips or ice cream by the sea, but if a bar of chocolate is what does it for you, you wont be disappointed by the selection on offer. Try new and exciting chocolate experiences and enjoy a visit to remember in beautiful Dorset. Go loco for cocoa withChococo(Swanage) Andy and Claire Burnet have been making handmade chocolate since 2002, beginning at their chocolate kitchen in Swanage before expanding to other locations in the south of England. The store is a must-visit with gorgeous dcor and of course, a caf where you can further indulge your chocolate cravings. The team also run workshops and arrange chocolate parties if you want to add some special extras to your visit. Where to stay:The Old Mill Housein Swanage is a wonderful location to enjoy a Dorset getaway, and is ideal for sampling your chosen treats after a visit to Chococo. Sleeping 8, the property has a fantastic garden, wonderful modern dcor and many classic features for a top weekend visit. The property is also available for longer stays if youd like to see more of this wonderful part of the UK. Luxurious indulgence atHouse of Dorchester(Dorchester) House of Dorchester is a popular name in the world of chocolate, providing luxury handmade chocolate to restaurants, hotels and shops all over the UK. Beginning as The Dorset Maid in the 60s, theyve kept their Dorchester premises where you can visit to sample their wonderful array of chocolates. From chocolate bars to special selections, itll be difficult to leave this Dorset chocolate shop without a full bag after sampling some of these delicious chocolates. Where to stay:Jasmine Cottagein Osmington, near Weymouth is near to many popular Dorset destinations, ideal if youre looking to explore the coast during your stay. Its a short drive to the House of Dorchester, and plenty of room for all the family as it accomodates up to 8 guests. Get involved with Chocolate Deluxe at theChocolate Boutique Hotel(Bournemouth) At a location where chocolate is the theme for everything, the Chocolate Deluxe Workshop at the Chocolate Boutique Hotel is the cherry on top. Learn all about the history of chocolate before being taught how to make fabulous Belgian chocolate truffles and how to temper chocolate. Available on Saturdays only, a chocolate workshop is a fun group activity, or can be an excellent place to meet new people if youre travelling solo. What better way to indulge yourself and take some new skills home with you too? Where to stay:Wimbourne is around a 25-minute drive from Bournemouth and is where youll find the charmingPlum Cottage, a great sized self-catering cottage in Dorset for 4 guests. Take the time to relax and unwind and truly enjoy your chocolate experience. Chocolate facial anyone? (Bournemouth) Well whod have thought you could enjoy double indulgence with chocolate-themed spa treatments? BothForever GorgeousandPure Life Massageoffer wonderful chocolate-based treatments that not only make you smell amazing, but leave your skin glowing too. Warming, indulgent and ideal for chocolate lovers, these chocolatey spa treatments are a great way to round off a chocolate-filled weekend. Where to stay:For the perfect summer getaway,The Old Rectoryis a luxury property that will be sure to take your breath away. It has its own swimming pool, beautiful gardens and all the luxuries youd expect to find inside the house. Sleeping 12, its ideal for larger groups, and with Bournemouth just 40 minutes away and many other Dorset locations in driving distance, you can make the most of your weekend visit.
Chocolate-themed weekends at Jigsaw properties
To truly make it a chocolate-themed weekend, there's plenty you can do at your Jigsaw property to help add to the theme. From sipping hot chocolate by the fire or out in the garden, theres an opportunity to really indulge in your favourite food. You could organise dessert making or cake decorating in the fabulous and well-equipped kitchens, or pay a visit to one of the many artisan produce providers to have a browse. All that chocolate tasting warrants an excuse for exercise too, so make sure you take advantage of the wonderful sights and countryside around you by exploring some of the many magnificent Cotswold and Dorset locations on foot. For chocolate lovers, both the Cotswolds and Dorset are the ideal match. Variety and interest beckons around every corner with a number of chocolatey experiences to satisfy all tastes. Find out more about ouravailable propertiesand book your scrumptious, delicious chocolate-themed weekend away with Jigsaw Holidays today!