Embark on a sugar-coated Wonka experience in Britain
Enter into Britain’s own version of the enchanting world of Willy Wonka as the highly anticipated film by Warner Bros. Pictures launches in UK cinemas on 8 December and in the United States on 15 December 2023. Featuring several iconic British locations as backdrops to bring the playful universe alive, the film tells the story of Wonka’s early days as an eccentric chocolatier. Add these filming locations to the bucket list for your next trip to Britain and embrace the confectionary lifestyle by creating your own magical treats during mouthwatering chocolate factory tours and immersive sweets masterclasses!
Follow Wonka’s footsteps and visit the filming locations
Bath, Oxford and Lyme Regis are just a few iconic English façades used as backdrops for the film. Head over to Oxford’s Hertford College and the iconic Radcliffe Camera, a working library of the University of Oxford, for a glimpse into the Wonka-verse. Get the inside scoop on a guided tour of the Radcliffe Camera. The nearby Catte Street and Sheldonian Theatre mark other locations in the city used in the film. Explore the theatre on your own or join a guided tour to enjoy the best indoor 360-degree panoramic views of the city from the Cupola.
Venture down to Bath in the Southwest for a view of the magnificent Parade Gardens, The Colonnade overlooking Pulteney Bridge and the weir below it. Soak in the wacky Wonka atmosphere with a walk along Bath Street, glancing at the many listed buildings while passing one of Bath’s major attractions, the Thermae Bath Spa. Or head over to Bath Abbey and the Orange Grove floral roundabout in front of it, both featured in the film. The Abbey offers guided Step It Up! tours inviting visitors to head behind closed doors and explore the Abbey tower and its panoramic views from the top. Read more about the filming locations in the city on Visit Bath’s blog.
To re-create the 1930s era of the film, much of the filming took place at Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, just outside of London. The historic studio is also home to The Making of Harry Potter studio experience showcasing the iconic sets, props, costumes and innovative technology used to create the special effects in the movies.
Other filming locations include the Cobb, a breakwater harbour wall in Lyme Regis, the Veralumium Park and Abbey Mill Lane close to the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub in St Albans, the Rivoli Ballroom and Eltham Palace in Southeast London. The palace and its gardens are an English Heritage attraction and can be visited all year round.
Indulge in Britain’s sweetest hands-on experiences
- Knoops – Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, London, Chester, Manchester, St Albans, Rye
Opening his first hot chocolate shop in Rye in 2013, Jens Knoop, the founder of Knoops, developed his love for chocolate during his childhood in rural Germany. Since then, he has perfected his range of chocolate flakes, found other chocolate lovers, and opened several shops all over the country. To celebrate the release of the film, Knoops has created a special Wonka drink – a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, chocolate coated popping candy and a chocolate plaque.
Enter a bold new world at London's only Bean to Bar Factory Experience. Delve into the art of chocolate-making as you follow the journey of cocoa beans from their raw form to delectable chocolate bars. During a hands-on guided tour, you'll gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and flavours that go into creating high-quality chocolate.
- School of Icing at Biscuiteers – London
Biscuiteers have established themselves as Britain’s original handmade and creatively iced biscuit producers, creating stylish themed biscuits perfect for any occasion. Visit a Biscuit Icing Café located in Belgravia or Notting Hill and give biscuit icing a go. Master a new skill and learn how to flood ice, pipe and feather to re-create some of their iconic biscuit designs.
- Dr Choc’s Windsor Chocolate Factory – Windsor
Opposite the remarkable Windsor Castle sits one of the smallest chocolate factories in the world. Using only the finest ingredients, Dr Chocs is known for its wide variety of high-quality chocolates. From classics like milk chocolate and salted caramel to innovative wonders like lavender, there is a flavour for everyone’s taste. Book a tasting class to savour all their varieties or learn how to make chocolate yourself.
- The Chocolate Factory – Manchester
The Chocolate Factory Experience in Manchester is a paradise for chocolate lovers. Immerse yourself in a world of cocoa confections as you explore a chocolate factory filled with delicious surprises. From tastings to interactive workshops, this experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of chocolate-making while discovering the secrets behind crafting gourmet chocolates.
- Cadbury World – Birmingham
Step into the scrumptious world of chocolate and sweets at Cadbury World in Bournville on the outskirts of Birmingham. Create your very own bespoke chocolate and embark on a journey through the heritage of chocolate-making including interactive exhibits and mouthwatering tastings. Cadbury is also getting ready for a year of celebrations as 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the very first Cadbury shop.
- York’s chocolate story – York
Learn about the history of York’s chocolate-makers and their indulgent creations during one of their immersive guided tours, exploring three stories full of sweet delights. Discover their best-kept secrets of chocolate making and become a master chocolatier yourself. There is no better way to explore the city’s remarkably rich history of chocolate.
Calling all chocolate lovers, the York Cocoa House offers a number of workshops to fully immerse yourself in the chocolate microcosm. Drop-in and craft your own chocolate lollipop at the Cocoa Café, pre-book a space for chocolate tastings or even start your career as a master chocolatier in one of their workshops.
When in Glasgow, head to the Clydeside Distillery for an unforgettable whisky tasting experience with a sweet touch. Opened in 2017, the distillery brought distilling back into the heart of Glasgow, as the first dedicated single malt distillery in over 100 years. Enticing all senses during their Chocolate and Whisky Tour, their five Single Malt Whiskies are expertly paired with artisan chocolates handcrafted by Sugarsnap, a local chocolatier.
- Mrs. Potts Chocolate House – Bath
Inspired by her mum, Amelia Pott opened the doors of her first Chocolate House in Bath in 2017. Since then, two more stores have opened in Bristol and Cardiff. Join the two-hour Chocolate Bar Workshop in their Bath branch for the full Mrs. Potts experience. Make and decorate your very own delicious Mrs. Potts chocolate bars, making the perfect souvenir from a trip to Bath.
- Fudge Making Experience at Fudge Kitchen – Canterbury, Bath, Windsor, Cambridge, York & Edinburgh
Get your hands sticky and learn the art of fudge making with an expert at Fudge Kitchen and find out what makes their fudge stand out from the competition. Indulge in irresponsible amounts of fudge, tasting the wide variety of flavours and take some home to enjoy later.
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