About Us

Helen, 1970

Helen's chocolates was founded by Ken and Helen Davidson in 1987. Taking you back a little earlier, their journey began after years of living in Kenya with their three children. Ken was teaching with the Overseas Development Agency until returning to the Lakes where Ken grew up, bringing with them fond memories of intrepid safaris and adventures around roaring camp fires under the African night skies, and unforgettable holidays in Mombasa, snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs.

Back home Ken and Helen decided to diversify from education to the growing demand of tourists in the Lake District. Helen's Chocolates became an instant success with its unequalled range of luxurious handmade pralines and mouth watering fresh truffles. Back then there were very few high quality confectioners and the small shop became a focal point for Bowness on Windermere.

The shop

Family Business

In 2000 Ken and Helen sold the business to their daughter Rebecca and husband Paul who run the shop together. They are passionate about sourcing new and exciting local and worldwide products and have one of the largest selections of handmade chocolates in the United Kingdom for you to enjoy.

Paul and Rebecca live in Windermere and have three grown up children. In their free time they enjoy cycling, exploring the Lakeland fells as well as sailing on Lake Windermere.

As true chocoholics, they regularly visit Brugge the Capital for chocolate.

Becky and Paul on their boat

Fame!

2018 was an exciting year as they were invited to be filmed in Channel 4's documentary series, The Yorkshire Dales & Lakes.

The program featured local people going about their daily lives at work and leisure. Channel 4 were keen to follow Windermere's Winter sailing races run by the Windermere Cruising Association, they filmed the last race which was run following a night of snow and hampered by the Beast from the East strong winds.

Our shop did get a little feature too!