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.
Di Meo’s Ice Cream, Whitley Bay
Conveniently located just a short drive from Whitley Bay Holiday Park, Di Meo’s Ice Cream is an award-winning family-run parlour serving authentic Italian-style gelato since 1925. Handcrafted daily on site using traditional recipes and local Northumberland milk, you’ll find a huge variety of flavours - from classic vanilla to pistachio and seasonal specials.
After picking your perfect scoop, stroll along Whitley Bay’s golden sands or enjoy the views from the promenade. With its relaxed atmosphere and delicious treats, Di Meo’s is the perfect place for a taste of summer by the sea.
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 harbourside 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 four 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 Cafe has prime position on the seafront. This spectacular art deco style cafe 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 Cadwaladers 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 focused their efforts here, growing the name into a string of cafes 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 cafe in Wales, with many of our Welsh holiday parks just a short drive away.
Scoops ice cream at Parkdean Resorts
If you’re staying at one of our holiday parks, you don’t even have to leave site to enjoy a delicious ice cream. Scoops, our on-park ice cream parlour, is the perfect place to treat yourself and the family.
From cones to crepes and waffles to shakes, there’s something for everyone. Cool down with a refreshing scoop on a summer’s day or cosy up with your favourite flavour and a movie night in your accommodation - and don’t forget the sprinkles!
You’ll find Scoops at 30 of our holiday parks, making it easy to add a little extra sweetness to your break.
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.