The best sweet shops in the UK named ahead of Christmas – ‘nostalgic’ and ‘delicious’

Ahead of the release of the hotly anticipated new Wonka film, holidaycottages.co.uk have compiled a list of the UK’s best sweet shops to visit this Christmas.

Traditional sweet shops are nostalgic places for many Brits, with 65 percent of people surveyed by holidaycottages.co.uk saying that they like to bring back sweets that remind them of their childhood when holidaying in the UK.

Over three-quarters of the 2,000 people surveyed said they liked to try traditional British sweets, such as locally made toffee or fudge.

Nearly two-thirds of Brits (64 percent) like to share their sweet treats with others, bringing confectionery back for a loved one as a souvenir of their trip.

Although workplace habits have changed drastically since the pandemic, over half of the people surveyed said they still like to bring back a box of chocolates or a bag of sweets from their travels for their colleagues.

Nearly two-thirds of people (64 percent) like to bring confectionery back for a loved one as a memento of their trip. Interestingly, despite the workplace changing dramatically since the pandemic, over half still like to pick up a bag of sweets or chocolate for their work colleagues.

The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, has been awarded the number one sweet shop in the UK. Although technically not the world’s oldest, that’s Ichimonjiya Wasuke in Japan, it is the oldest sweet shop in England.

Prepare to be transported back to your youth with a visit to The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World. The nostalgic shop, established in 1827, features antique measuring scales, a vintage cash register and oil lamps.

Attracting sweet lovers from all over the globe, The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World is famous for their Pontefract cakes – a black, coin-shaped sweet named after the Yorkshire town, Pontefract, that was once a liquorice growing hub.

In second place is BellyBoos in Norwich, Norfolk. Although opened in 2013, this sweet shop and dessert parlour sells an array of traditional English sweets, from milk bottles to mint imperials.

Sweet-toothed visitors can also enjoy a superb selection of American candy stocked at BellyBoos, including Jolly Ranchers and Mike and Ike.

The Kinder Pancake Stack or Muffin Madness – an ice cream shake topped with a muffin, are two more indulgent treats for customers to try

The Sweet Hut on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, is a treasure trove of traditional sweets and treats and is the third best sweet shop in the UK.

A perfect accompaniment for a trip to the seaside, the shelves of The Sweet Hut are chock-a-block with colourful sweets (including rhubarb and custard, and clove rock) that will bring back delicious childhood memories.

You can even enjoy a hot drink and a cake as you soak up the views of the Minster Leas Beach.

The full list of the UK’s best sweet shops:

1. The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire
2. BellyBoos, Norwich, Norfolk
3. The Sweet Hut, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
4. Gordon & Durward, Crieff, Perth & Kinross
5. Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
6. Truly Scrumptious, Poole, Dorset
7. Grandad Jim’s, Leyland, Lancashire