Delectable, creamy and irresistible, ice cream is one of the nation’s favourite frozen desserts. Dating back to the 16th century, ice cream has become an international phenomenon treating people of all ages while enjoying a day at the seaside.
From classic vanilla to more exotic flavours like Jaffa Cake and Bakewell tart, we have hand-picked the best ice cream parlours in the South West for you to indulge in while holidaying in the area.
And if you're still looking for somewhere to stay, check out our selection of holiday cottages in the South West.
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Best ice cream in Devon
Croyde’s Ice Cream Parlour | Croyde, Devon
As one of Devon’s most popular villages, Croyde is known for its blissful beach and unrivalled views as well as its traditional ice creams and fudges. Sitting in the centre of the village and only 10 minutes from the shore, Croyde’s Ice Cream Parlour gives you only the best of this dairy treat - with doggie ice creams on offer too! Experience the delights of a waffle cone topped with your choice of flavour, or go for the parlour classic: an indulgent, fresh doughnut with ice cream and sprinkles. Whatever you have, we guarantee you’ll want seconds from this wonderful ice cream parlour in Devon!
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Otter Valley | Monkton, Devon
Otter Valley offers award-winning ice creams among the rolling hills of Devon, overlooking the stunning Otter Valley. Sit in the lovely summerhouse while enjoying their range of freshly prepared Devon ice creams, sorbets and frozen yoghurts. Not sure what to have? Go nuts with a banana and peanut butter cone, get that little taste of heaven with a salted caramel and chocolate brownie, or experience the tang of a lemon and lime meringue. The flavours are endless!
Hockings | North Devon
A local gem, Hockings vans are spread all across North Devon, including Westward Ho!, Torrington Commons, Appledore, Instow and Bideford Quay. It is perhaps the most famous of Devon ice cream brands, well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Adding taste to your summer trip, the classic Hockings ‘99’ is a Devon favourite. Thick and delicious, this slice of heaven comes from only locally sourced ingredients whipped into a delicious treat.
Best ice cream in Cornwall
Roskilly’s | St Keverne, Cornwall
Set on an organic Cornish farm, Roskilly’s uses only the richest ingredients to produce the most decadent of Cornwall ice creams. Take the weight off your feet with an array of coned, succulent sorbets or go all out and dine on a Roskilly’s ice cream sundae with all the added extras. Fruity and fun, this farm offers a free day out and fantastic eating opportunities.
Mr B’s | Hayle, Cornwall
A famously fresh ice cream parlour in Cornwall, Mr B’s in Hayle, brings a whole new definition to the word assortment! From Turkish delight to brown bread and marmalade, key lime pie to the intriguing caramel cinnamon waffle, Mr B’s presents as many flavours you can shake a stick at! Of course, if your palette isn’t quite as explorative, then head for the timeless mint choc chip or vanilla. Tables are provided, but a firm Cornish favourite is taking a lovely walk along the estuary with these outrageous ices.
Callestick Farm | Truro, Cornwall
Delectable and creamy, Callestick Farm’s ice cream is best devoured right on the spot where it has been made by the Parker family for more than 25 years. Take your pick from their menu of 26 mouth-watering flavours, and then learn about the happy Friesian cows who graze this lovely patch of Cornish countryside. Watch them in the fields and take a peek into where the magic happens – the ice cream factory – from the farm viewing gallery.
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Best ice cream in Dorset
Baboo Gelato | Lyme Regis, Dorset
A perfect blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients and local milk creates the intensely delicious flavours of Baboo Gelato, an ice cream parlour in Dorset. Handmade in Bridport and sold at four kiosks in Dorset’s most popular holiday destinations - Lyme Regis, West Bay, Weymouth and Morcombelake – this gelato is a true local gem. Flavours include crystallised ginger or salted caramel, as well as a fun range of fruity sorbets like pear, passionfruit or plum. Special doggie ice creams are also available, so your pooch won’t miss out!
Boho Gelato | Weymouth, Dorset
A selection of changing ice cream flavours is on offer at this tempting little gelato parlour overlooking Weymouth’s town bridge. Try one of their freshly baked Sicilian brioche buns packed full of delicious gelato, and on a cold day, swap ices for their thick hot chocolate – a real treat. This independent ice cream parlour in Dorset uses local milk and cream to create exciting ice creams in a curated selection from over 500 flavours, all made in house. Also find them in Brighton, and Worthing, as well as Weymouth.
Giggi Gelateria | Swanage, Dorset
Freshly made on a daily basis, ice cream maker, Giggi Gelateria’s colourful, undulating waves of delicious Dorset ice cream are sure to get your taste buds tingling as you make your all-important selection. A range of flavours, including all the favourites, are on offer from their kiosk in Swanage, founded by Italian, Luigi (Giggi) Bray. Settle down in the colourful interior, or on the bright seating outside, or take your cone for a wander along Swanage Beachfront.
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Best ice cream in Somerset
Mendip Moments | Somerset
Freshly made on a farm in the Somerset Levels, Mendip Moments are oh-so-creamy. Milk from their pedigree cows is their special ingredient, and as many flavours as possible are sourced from the local area. Try one of their gold award winners, such as banana with salted caramel, clotted cream with honeycomb, or mascarpone, fig and honey. Their ice creams are sold at various farm shops and delis across the county, including Queen Street Deli in Wells and Hansford’s Deli in Cheddar.
Swoon | Bristol and Bath
If you’re visiting Bath or Bristol for a day trip, swing by this local ice cream cafe; we guarantee you’ll be swooning with joy after sampling their mouth-watering gelatos. Made on site, Swoon's deliciously smooth ice creams are something of a local institution, drawing crowds from far and wide. In fact, they’re so good that Selfridges are now stocking them in their food hall in London! The Pistachio and the Amarena Cherry Cheesecake come highly recommended, while Nutella fans will delight in the sweet, chocolatey, nutty goodness of the Bacio flavour. A range of sorbets are also available, as well as seasonal specials from these ice cream parlours in Somerset.
Palette and Pasture | Trudoxhill, Somerset
Based at Pyle Farm in a little rural village on the outskirts of Frome, Palette and Pasture allows visitors the opportunity to taste unctuous gelato made from the milk of their very own dairy herd. Once you’ve enjoyed your choice of Somerset ice cream flavours, head off to enjoy one of the seasonal children’s trails around the farm, or take part in one of the organised events. This dog-friendly venue is very child friendly too, with pedal tractors, a children’s digger pit and animals to meet.
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Stay in the South West
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