The Chocolate Factory Hawkshead is a hands-on chocolate-making attraction, sweet shop and café in the heart of Hawkshead village. Children can make and decorate three chocolate creations to take home, while families can enjoy the chocolate shop and hot drinks. It is a popular option for a rainy-day activity in the Lake District.
Chocolate-making workshops for children and families
Family workshops are designed for children aged 3–14. Children aged 3 and above can join a supervised session on their own, or a parent or guardian can pay to take part with their child. Adults cannot book family sessions without a child; separate adult-group workshops are offered.
During the session, participants work with milk and white chocolate, select toppings and decorations, and make three chocolate creations to take home. Participants also keep their apron and hair net. Parents who are not taking part can watch through the workshop viewing windows.
£22
Per child or accompanying adult
30–40 minutes
Family workshop duration
Ages 3+
Recommended minimum age
Check availability and book a chocolate-making workshop on the official website.
Workshop times and other experiences
Workshops normally run on the hour from 10am to 3pm, every day during school holidays and on weekends during term time. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and bank holidays. Online bookings are accepted until midnight before the visit; for same-day availability, call the business.
Other experiences include children’s birthday parties (advertised from £24 per child, minimum eight) and adult group or hen-party workshops (£33 per person, minimum eight; around 60–75 minutes). The business also welcomes organised school and other group visits. Confirm current prices and booking terms before paying.
Chocolate shop and coffee shop
You can visit the shop without taking part in a workshop. It stocks more than 100 varieties of loose chocolates, locally made fudge, chocolate gifts and sweet treats. The coffee shop serves drinks including hot chocolate, as well as Belgian waffles, milkshakes and other chocolate treats.
Photographs of The Chocolate Factory Hawkshead
Opening hours, allergies and visitor advice
Shop opening: 9am–5pm every day, according to the official website. Workshops: scheduled separately, on the hour from 10am to 3pm on eligible days. Check official opening and visitor details before setting off.
Food allergies: the workshops handle chocolate and nut products. Contact the team before booking if anyone has a nut, dairy or other food allergy, or specific dietary or additional needs. Everyone entering the workshop area must have a paid place, but spectators can watch through the windows.
Parking: Hawkshead village centre is car-free. Use the village’s main public car park and walk to Main Street. The Chocolate Factory says to look for its life-sized white, green and orange cow outside.
Contact details and directions
Address: Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0NT.
Phone: 015394 36075
Email: info@chocolatefactoryhawkshead.co.uk
Website: chocolatefactoryhawkshead.co.uk
Get directions to The Chocolate Factory Hawkshead.
Reviews and planning your trip
Read Chocolate Factory Hawkshead visitor reviews on Tripadvisor.
More things to do in the southern Lakes
Explore the village with our Hawkshead visitor guide, browse the Lake District Business Directory, discover other attractions in our attractions guide or find nearby walks on our Routes & Trails page.
Details verified on 9 November 2026 from The Chocolate Factory Hawkshead’s official website. Workshop prices, dates, opening hours and facilities can change; confirm before booking. Independent editorial listing.