It's the chocolate-themed attraction that many will have heard of, opening its doors all the way back in 1990. 

But until last weekend, I had never paid a visit to Cadbury World and wondered if it was worth the journey down the M6.

As the mother of a five-year-old that has only two passions in life - football and chocolate - and a 20-month-old that is fast learning his brother's chocaholic ways, I thought now would be the perfect time to check it out.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Even more so because the family visitor attraction in the model village of Bournville, in Birmingham, has been kitted out for the festive season.

There’s a family-friendly Santa stage show, featuring Christmas jingles, festive fun and a chocolatey treat for the little ones.

Lancashire Telegraph:

I don’t know why I should be surprised but there was so much chocolate on offer as staff handed out fistfuls of Dairy Milks, Caramels, Wispas and Twirls to be stashed in Cadbury World tote bags and munched while you work your way around.

When we arrived, the car park was choc-a-block and signs said only visitors who had pre-booked would be allowed entry as tickets were sold out.

There was a sea of people in reception but it wasn’t too long before we were in, finding out about the history of chocolate and the company, posing for photos on a green screen, watching chocolate being made and enjoying family friendly ride Cadabra.

Then it was outside to make our way to a marquee for the Santa show followed by the 4-D experience, a short animated film which was a delight for young and old alike.

There was a lot of queuing involved, some of it semi-outdoor, which isn’t always the easiest with a toddler who wants to break free and run off. But I’d say that everything we did was worth the wait – and we had visited on what seemed to be one of the busiest Saturday’s the year!

You’re allowed to take your own picnic into the venue, although there is a café where the chocolate theme continues with meals on offer including chocolate BBQ pizza chicken and jacket potatoes with chocolate veggie chilli.

Lancashire Telegraph:

We had decided not to embark straight back on the two and a half hour journey home and so headed the short drive into Birmingham to check out the Christmas Markets. It was a flying visit (see aforementioned toddler trying to break free) to the heaving markets but I'd say they are much better than Manchester’s are now. The stalls are centred around one area and have a real festive feel to them with the usual gluhwein, Weissbier beer and bratwursts.

Our visit to Cadbury World was a choc-tastic one, that I'm sure would be enjoyed at any time of the year. Because chocolate is for life, not just for Christmas! 

WHAT: A family-friendly Santa stage show, featuring Christmas jingles, festive fun and a sleigh full of chocolatey gifts for children.

WHERE: Cadbury World, 69 Linden Road, Birmingham

WHEN: Weekends until December 23 / plus December 21 and 22. Performances running regularly throughout the day from 11am to 5.40pm

PRICE: Entry to the Santa stage show is included within a standard Cadbury World admission ticket