Best ice cream shops in the South West

Nothing says summer quite like a delectable ice cream. There’s little better than enjoying a cone or pot of your favourite flavour on a warm summer’s day – although who’s to say that you can’t enjoy this delicious sweet treat all year round?

Ice cream is often associated with Italy, but did you know that the first ice cream ever to have been recorded was in England? In 1672, King Charles II served it at a banquet as a high class treat. Since then, ice cream has become a summer food staple loved by people all over the world.

We’ve put our taste buds to the test and hunted down the best places for ice cream around the south west, from London and Surrey down to Weymouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. Read on to find out the best spots to get a fix of your favourite sweet treat.

Best ice cream in London

London’s ice cream scene has it all, from popular classics to wonderful and weird ice cream flavours. Whether you’re visiting a traditional ice cream parlour or a modern ice cream shop in London, you’ll find something delicious for every taste. The city is also known for its amazing gelato ice cream options, including a great selection of vegan ice cream in London. 

Bilmonte, Soho

First up on our list is Soho spot Bilmonte, and this Italian-owned gelato shop is about as authentic as it gets. Their ‘high-end artisan gelato’ may come in few flavours – albeit much loved options like Belgian chocolate or pistachio – but you certainly won’t be left wanting by Bilmonte. That’s thanks to some innovative and delicious ways to enjoy your ice cream, including their legendary BUN-Brioscia gelato-stuffed brioche.

You can reach Bilmonte by travelling into London Waterloo. The walk is just shy of half an hour, but if you prefer, the northbound Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus takes you almost door to door.

Mamasons, Chinatown

They do ice cream a little differently over in The Philippines, and thanks to the elegantly presented Mamasons, you don’t have to travel so far to taste it for yourself. Known as ‘dirty ice cream’, Mamasons recipes are inspired by those you’d find on the streets of Manila, with little more than ice, salt, a steel pot and a sturdey set of hands in the mix. They’ve three locations across the capital, but it’s their Chinatown spot most visitors will find easiest to reach. It’s just 24 minutes’ walk from London Waterloo, but you could also take the northbound Northern line at the station and hop off at Leicester Square.

Chin Chin Ice Cream, Soho

Putting a twist on a classic recipe, Chin Chin might just be the future of ice cream. Their eye-popping and mouth-watering flavours are all hand churned with liquid nitrogen, and the results certainly don’t disappoint. The menu gets refreshed regularly, but popular picks include burnt butter caramel, wild blueberry swirl, and banana pudding – with plenty of options for vegan visitors too! Chin Chin Ice Cream have two locations in the capital, but the Soho store will be easiest for most to get to. Hop on a train to London Waterloo then enjoy half an hours’ stroll through the city. Alternatively, cut your walk to a matter of minutes by taking the Northern line from the station to Tottenham Court Road.

Taiyakiya, Chinatown

Tucked away in a Chinatown side street, the eye-catching Taiyakiya makes no secret of its Japanese roots. On the menu are taiyako, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet delights like chocolate spread or peanut butter. But since we’re here to talk about ice cream, we recommend you grab yours with a hefty dollop of their delicious gelato. Take your pick from unique, Asian-inspired flavours like matcha and black sesame, before decorating your dessert with sprinkles, stars and mermaid tails. Not only does it look Instagram-worthy, but it tastes spectacular too.

To get to Taiyakiya, arrive into London Waterloo then walk for around 24 minutes. Alternatively, use the tube at the station to get to Leicester Square, via the northbound Northern line. Once you exit, Taiyakiya’s just around the corner.

Caliendo's Gelato

Caliendo's Gelato is an authentic Italian Gelateria with a quirky Italian Job theme in Kentish Town. Having deep family roots in artisanal Italian gelato, the Caliendo family have been making gelato for over 130 years in North London. The family emigrated to London from Naples in late 1880's and immediately started a business doing what they knew best, making gelato by the traditional hand-churning method. Today the gelato is still made fresh daily on site and you can watch it being made in the lab!

Not only can you get traditional Italian gelato, you can also choose from gelato cakes and a variety of other products including freshly made dessert pizzas, in house baked croissants, sweet and savoury French crepes, Belgian Waffles and Sicilian brioches.

To get to Caliendo's take the Northern line underground from London Waterloo to Camden Town then it is a 12 minute walk. Find out more about Caliendo's here.

Best ice cream in Surrey

Surrey is packed with ice cream shops that focus on quality ingredients and big flavour. Expect handmade scoops, inventive combinations, and a strong sense of local pride in every cone or cup. 

Dylan’s Ice Cream

A pleasant 12-minute stroll through the town from Haslemere station, Dylan’s Ice Cream serves up a scoop of the freshest local flavours. Where some manufacturers get their flavours from artificial pastes, Dylan’s opt to keep everything real and regional, with strawberries from a grower in nearby Bishops Waltham and rhubarb from the allotment of the owner’s mother. As such, what’s available to try may depend on the season, but classics like cookies n cream and birthday cake cookie dough will be available all year round!

Godalming Delights

Right at home in a quintessentially English market town, this charming sweet shop is a gentle four minute walk from Godalming station. Among its shelves overflowing with sweet treats and retro sweeties you’ll soon spot the colourful ice cream counter, presenting 16 artisan ice cream flavours and four sorbets with vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. Godalming Delights are always adding new and exciting flavours to the menu, with Honeycomb, Dulce de Leche, and Lemon Pie among the more recent favourites. And don’t forget to try the Passion Fruit sorbet if you’re looking for something refreshing on a hot and sunny day!

Best ice cream in Weymouth

Weymouth’s ice cream scene delights visitors with locally made treats that showcase some of the best ice cream in the UK. A rotating selection of rich gelatos crafted from carefully sourced ingredients offers creamy scoops alongside tempting extras like Sicilian brioche and decadent hot chocolates. From fancy indulgences to cheap ice cream options that don’t compromise on quality, Weymouth satisfies every craving. 

Boho Gelato

Set beautifully beside the Town Bridge and overlooking Weymouth’s harbour, Boho Gelato’s become a local institution since launching here in 2015. It’s little more than a 12-minute walk from Weymouth station and is hard to miss if you’re spending a day exploring here. You’ll have your pick from an ever-changing line-up of 12 scrumptious flavours, all served up alongside treats like freshly baked Sicilian brioche and the thickest hot chocolates. Independent and award-winning, Boho Gelato have been commended for the quality and taste of their vegan ice cream options.

Baboo Gelato

Another local favourite, Baboo Gelato’s amazing location on Weymouth’s Esplanade makes it hard to miss. This ice cream shack stocks a great selection of locally-produced gelato, all made using real ingredients rather than artificial flavourings. Think organic milk from Somerset, mint grown in Hampshire and strawberries freshly picked from Forde Abbey. What results is rich and creamy ice cream that’s bursting full of flavour. Right beside the beach, Baboo Gelato is just a four-minute walk from Weymouth station.

Best ice cream in Southampton

Southampton offers an exciting range of ice cream shops where classic flavours meet innovative creations. From indulgent sundaes to colourful milkshakes, and tempting waffles and crepes, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. Featuring popular ice cream brands alongside unique, fancy ice cream options, these spots are perfect for a delicious treat any time of year. 

Sprinkles Gelato

A visit to Sprinkles Gelato will leave you in ice cream heaven. Located just a 9-minute walk from Southampton Central, a sweet treat (or two!) will be yours in no time. With an extensive range of ice cream flavours varying from classic coffee to the more specialist tastes of Kinder Bueno, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On top of that, they also offer a selection of ice cream sundaes, colourful milkshakes and mouth-watering waffles and crepes, all of which can be devoured inside the cool indoor café or outdoors in the sunshine – perfect for all types of weather.

Songbird Ice Cream Café

On the Bitterne Triangle, just a 10-minute walk from Bitterne station, you will find the Songbird Ice Cream Café, which is home to an astounding selection of cakes and ice cream. Welcoming humans and dogs alike, the quaint décor and outdoor seating offer interest and originality, and the sundaes and ice cream cones with a great range of syrups will have you coming back for more.

Spitfire Ice Cream & Pizza

Like a little salty before you move onto your sweet? Then enjoy the best of both worlds with an unlikely combo at Spitfire Ice Cream & Pizza. You’ll find all your favourite toppings on their top notch pizza menu, but it’s their luxury gelatos that really have our mouths watering. Take your pick from chocolate or tiramisu flavour, as well as mango or raspberry sorbet, all served up in handy tubs for taking away. There are also your classic whippy ice creams that always go down well with little ones. Spitfire Ice Cream & Pizza is easy to reach too, almost directly outside Woolston station.

Best ice cream in the Isle of Wight

For those searching for the best ice cream Isle of Wight has to offer, the island delights with a variety of charming shops serving fresh, locally made scoops. With classic flavours alongside unique seasonal options and delicious vegan ice cream choices, it’s a top spot for every ice cream lover. 

The Gossips Café

Bask in the sun at The Gossips Café, situated on the picturesque Yarmouth waterfront. Famed for its longstanding attached ice cream parlour, this location is a must-visit as part of your ice cream tour. If you aren’t persuaded by their extensive selection of cooked breakfasts, paninis, and baguettes (inclusive of vegan and vegetarian options) then you’ll definitely be drawn in by their vegan ice cream, available in four different flavours, all of which can be nicely watered down with a beverage from their fully licensed bar.

Catch the train to Lymington Pier, then hop on the ferry to Yarmouth.

Bliss Ice Cream Parlour

Located just off the High Street of the island’s largest town, Cowes, Bliss Ice Cream Parlour is a local favourite. Every scoop they serve is Isle of Wight made, with the option to adorn your flavour of choice in colourful sweet treats and sprinkles. It’s a great way to let any younger members of the family get creative, while there’s even an ice cream option for your four-legged friend!

To reach Cowes, take the train to Southampton Central. From there, it’s a 20-minute stroll down to the port, where you can catch ferries that take you right into the town.

Tempted to try one of these well-acclaimed ice cream shops and indulge in some delicious sweet treats? Book your train ticket direct today, plus get rewarded with SWR Rewards.