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A Sweet Slice of History: Rare Terry’s Chocolate Oranges Donated to York’s Chocolate Story

Continuum Attractions is proud to celebrate the role our experiences play in preserving the nation’s heritage – and this week, York’s Chocolate Story added a remarkable new chapter to its collection.

Former Terry’s supervisor Ian Bradshaw donated a tray of 12 Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, carefully preserved for 20 years since the closure of the Terry’s Bishopthorpe Road factory in York back in 2005. Still in their original packaging and bearing the much-loved “It’s not Terry’s, it’s mine” slogan, the oranges are among the very last ever made in York.

Ian, who worked at Terry’s for 26 years in HR and payroll, explained that the oranges were originally destined for export to Australia. When the order was cancelled, trays were given to staff as a parting gift on the day the factory closed. While many colleagues enjoyed theirs at the time, Ian kept his safe – and two decades later, has ensured they will now form part of York’s Chocolate Story’s growing collection of historic artefacts.

The story has already captured the public imagination, with coverage across BBC News Online, the York Press, and an interview on BBC Radio York with York’s Chocolate Story’s General Manager, Stuart Wood.

For Continuum, Ian’s donation is more than just a box of chocolates. It represents the importance of authentic storytelling and the role our attractions play in safeguarding history. York’s Chocolate Story will now display the oranges as part of its refreshed Terry’s exhibition launching in early 2026, continuing to connect audiences with the city’s chocolate-making heritage.

Moments like this highlight what Continuum Attractions is all about: creating places where memories, stories and heritage are preserved – and where visitors can experience the past in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and, in this case, deliciously sweet.

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What’s on this May half term at Continuum Attractions

Embark on The Quest to discover the world’s most famous legend, ascend 110m to take in one of the UK’s most historic views, snap selfies with soap stars on the cobbles and meet furry friends in the Welsh woodland, this half term.

The Loch Ness Centre – The Quest

Where: Inverness

When: Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th May

Drumnadrochit , Scotland, Saturday, 1 June 2024
Loch_Ness_Centre
Picture by Michal Wachucik/Abermedia

What: Uncover the truth behind one of the world’s most famous legends. Tales of Nessie date back almost 1,500 years and monster hunters continue to flock to Loch Ness to catch a glimpse to this day. The Quest spans four captivating days, uniting individuals and organisations in a collective exploration to solve the mystery of Loch Ness and its elusive monster. Through a series of engaging events, you’ll search, debate, and delve into the mysteries that shroud this legendary loch. Become a Nessie Hunter and join the Surface Watch, take part in a Hydrophone Discovery Cruise, and debate the evidence so far.

Discover the legend…

GreenWood Family Park – Discovery Week

Where: North Wales

When: Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June

What: Discover thrills, nature and new skills this half term. Learn to create suncatchers, bird feeders and more beneath GreenWood’s idyllic forest canopy, before riding the world’s only people-powered rollercoaster and the UK’s first solar-powered water ride. Embark on a scavenger hunt, meet a whole host of furry animals and walk the Barefoot Trail to make it a family day out to remember.

Book your woodland adventure today…

Coronation Street Experience – Star Tours

Where: Manchester

When: Weekends and bank holidays

What: A long list of Corrie legends from Dame Maureen Lipman to Andy Whyment have graced the set’s Star Tours in the past so who could you meet this May? Coronation Street’s iconic cobbles are open for guided tours of the nation’s favourite street meaning fans can pay a visit to locations including the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls, or upgrade to meet a cast member. The Coronation Street Exhibition is also open every day to take a trip down memory lane.

Walk the iconic cobbles…

The Real Mary King’s Close – A Dram of History

Where: Edinburgh

When: Fridays and Saturdays

What: Step into the shadows beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a whisky experience like no other. The tour blends hidden history with a bold taste of Scotland’s national drink. Begin your evening with a specially curated one-hour guided tour that dives deeper into the story of whisky and its role in the bustling world of Mary King’s Close. Once a lively centre for trade – including alcohol – the preserved underground streets are the perfect backdrop for a tale or two. Then, raise a glass in one of our vaulted rooms during a 30-minute whisky tasting.

Sample whisky with a dark twist…

York’s Chocolate Story – Family Masterclasses

Where: York

When: Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June

What: Immerse yourself in the ultimate hands-on chocolate-making experience this half-term. Create a range of tasty treats and perfect your chocolate-making skills, all under the guidance of our expert chocolatiers. Experience a live chocolatier demonstration, learn to create and decorate ganache-filled truffles, handcraft a chocolate bar, decorate your own chocolate plaque and much more. If that wasn’t enough, you can also take part in a Classic Guided Tour or try out a Truffle Rolling Tour.

Sample a sweet half term…

Emmerdale Village Tour – Star Tours

Where: Leeds

When: Weekends and bank holidays

What: Step into the heart of Emmerdale, where some of TV’s most dramatic moments have unfolded. Walk in the footsteps of the Dingles, Sugdens and Tates around the external Emmerdale Village Tour set, located in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Pose outside iconic landmarks like The Woolpack and David’s Shop, and learn about the secrets behind the idyllic filming location before mingling with a surprise cast member and grabbing that all-important selfie.

Who knows who you might meet…

Oxford Castle & Prison – Guided Tour

Where: Oxford

When: Daily

What: For over a thousand years, Oxford Castle & Prison has stood watch over the city. Join a costumed tour guide on a journey through 1000 years of Oxford’s history; from Viking raids and the Norman conquest to the Castle’s role in Georgian and Victorian era justice. Uncover the origins of education in the city, experience the stories of the Castle’s most infamous residents, climb the 101 steps of St. George’s Tower and descend into the crypt.

Uncover Oxford’s dark history…

Spinnaker Tower – Discover the View

Where: Portsmouth

When: Daily

Spinnaker tower by Scott Kershaw Photography

What: Take in one of the nation’s most historic views, more than 100 metres above the Solent. Dare to walk the Sky Walk, unwind in the open air Sky Garden and take in Afternoon Tea in The Clouds. Look out over the Historic Dockyard, across to Spice Island, out in the Solent and even as far as the Isle of Wight. Every ticket includes all-day admission to the tower so you can return to sample the ever-changing view.

See Portsmouth from a new perspective…