By Parkdean Resorts on 03/07/2018
While we’re pretty sure every day is National Ice Cream Day, according to the calendar it’s officially rolling around on Sunday the 21st of July this year.
To celebrate, we’ve hand-picked a selection of our favourite seaside ice cream parlours around the UK – so you can experience Britain’s finest dairy delights. From classic vanilla scoops to chocolate fudge and sprinkle topped creations, everyone loves ice cream during the summer. And nothing captures the classic British seaside experience better than digging your toes into the sand while frantically devouring a scoop (or two!) of your favourite flavour before it melts.
Croyde's Ice Cream Parlour, Devon
Conveniently located just over 10 minutes away from Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde’s Ice Cream Parlour is within easy reach of the famous surfing beach and its spectacular golden sands. Serving up world famous Devonshire ice cream, it’s a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike. Choose from a range of delicious toppings including hundreds and thousands, sugar coated nuts and chocolate strands. Or if you fancy something a little heartier, why not try their freshly cut fudge or homemade donuts.
After you’ve got your sugar fix, the charming village of Croyde is just waiting to be explored. With world-class surfing, scenic walks and some fabulous beer gardens on offer – this corner of the North Devonshire Coast has something for everyone.
Alonzi's Harbour Bar, Yorkshire
Scarborough is arguably one of Britain’s most loved seaside resorts, so it’s only fair that it’s home to one of our favourite ice cream parlours too! Alonzi’s Harbour Bar is just a short walk from Scarborough Beach and offers up delicious treats in a delightfully authentic retro setting. Producing ice cream in Scarborough since 1945, this family run business has won countless awards for its delicious desserts. Using the finest ingredients (including Scottish seaweed!), all of the ice cream is produced on site - making it incredibly fresh and extra tasty!
Why not get your ice cream cone to go and wander along Scarborough’s charming harbour side or head straight to the beach. Just 15 minutes from Cayton Bay Holiday Park, it’s the ideal destination for a UK summer break.
Minghella's, Isle of Wight
Found across the island, Minghella’s Ice Cream offers an enormous range of gourmet flavours – over 230 in fact – all without artificial colours or flavours. If the Isle of Wight’s spectacular coastal scenery wasn’t enough to get you exploring, the fact that these delicious ice creams are sold at various coastal hotspots is an extra incentive. And with 4 fantastic holiday parks within easy reach, there’s no excuse not to try one on your next Isle of Wight holiday. With more than 80 awards under its belt, you can be sure you’re in for a treat – whether you go for a classic like mint choc chip, or try something more adventurous like refreshing basil or warming allspice.
After you’re done working your way through the menu, don’t forget to check out some local landmarks - from The Needles to Osborne House, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do on the Isle of Wight.
Nardini's of Largs
Overlooking Largs Bay and the spectacular Firth of Clyde beyond, Nardini’s Ice Cream Parlour and Café has prime position on the seafront. This spectacular art deco style café is hard to miss, and proclaims itself to be ‘Scotland’s most famous ice cream parlour’. If you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a scoop of their delicious ice cream, it’s easy to see why. Their in-house gelato chefs lovingly prepare all 32 flavours on-site, meaning you’re guaranteed fresh and delicious ice cream. If you’re feeling extra hungry, why not indulge in one of their delectable sundaes? The hot fudge volcano isn’t for the faint hearted, with 12 scoops of ice cream topped with hot caramel, fudge, banana and marshmallows!
Beautiful Wemyss Bay Holiday Park is just 15 minutes away and is perfectly positioned for exploring the dramatic island landscapes scattered throughout the Firth of Clyde.
Cadwaladers, Wales
The Cadwalders story begins in 1927, when the Cadwalader family opened a general store in the town of Criccieth. Quickly gaining a penchant for vanilla ice cream, the family focussed their efforts here, growing the name into a string of cafés around the Welsh coast – serving tasty treats, hot drinks and, of course, ice cream. To this day, their famous vanilla ice cream recipe remains a closely guarded secret. However, if vanilla doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll find plenty of classic flavours on offer too - including vegan friendly sorbets.
You’re never too far from a Cadwaladers café in Wales, with many of our Welsh holiday parks just a short drive away.
So there you have it, our roundup of the UK’s finest ice creameries. Don’t forget to share your recommendations and summer snaps with us on our Facebook page.