The Chocolatarium is just as it sounds, a piece of chocolate heaven here on earth. Located in Edinburgh, the Chocolatarium is a fun-filled chocolate attraction where you can take a 90-minute guided tour to learn all about chocolate and its production. See the beginning of the process with the fruit of the cacao and learn about the drying, fermenting and other steps it must go through before it becomes the delicious treats so many people enjoy.
And, of course, what would a chocolate tour be without tasting? After seeing the chocolate factory, enter the tasting room where you will get to not only taste award-winning chocolate from Scotland, but you’ll also get to taste fine chocolate from all around the world. Try flavours like milk, dark and white chocolate or popular fan favourites such as salted caramel and raspberry. Perhaps you're feeling a little more daring and want to try camel milk, haggis, whisky or chili for a unique flavour combination.
The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 11 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)
The Chocolatarium highlights
The best part about The Chocolatarium is that you get to make your own Scottish-themed chocolate bar with as many toppings as you like. A Greyfriars Bobby, a chocolate Nessie or a chocolate Edinburgh Castle are some suggestions put forth by The Chocolatarium to bring a little of Scotland home from your trip. If you prefer to make a simpler version of a chocolate bar, that’s a possibility, too.
During the tour, you will learn about 5,000 years of chocolate history. Some things you can expect to learn are that the first chocolate bar was made in the UK, cacao contains more calcium than cow milk, and you can make tea from the cacao shells (which you can try at The Chocolatarium).
Special events at The Chocolatarium
The Chocolatarium can be rented out for group events such as corporate and staff events, primary school tours, English Language school groups, travel trade groups, birthday parties and hen parties.
For hen parties, you get to personalise your experience with pink piping and flavours, drinking chocolatey drinks and tasting chocolate from all around the world. If you have any special requests for the bride, let The Chocolatarium know and they will work with you to personalise the experience and make it a great one. Birthday parties are designed for children ages 6 and up, with adults accompanying them to help with decorations. The kids will get to make chocolate bars with toppings that include some of the more mellow flavours, such as orange, mint, caramel, marshmallows, honeycomb and many more toppings.
Good to know when visiting The Chocolatarium
The Chocolatarium carries a large selection of artisan and craft chocolate and is one of the largest chocolate factories in Scotland. They also carry vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options, as well as raw chocolate and creamy dark milk. After you have finished your tour, you are going to want to stop at the shop on the way out.
Check out their website where you can see upcoming events and book your tour online. You can also get other useful information, such as directions by car, bus and train. You’re right at the Royal Mile where there are plenty of sites and shops, so you might want to choose what you do after your chocolate excursion. The architecture along the Royal Mile is worth a look itself, but there are also shopping, dining and art venues, to name a few of the activities.
The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh
Location: 3-5 Cranston St, Edinburgh EH8 8BE, UK
Open: Daily 10.30 am to 5.00 pm
Phone: +44 131 556 7005