Wales is home to a vibrant ice cream scene, with locally-made treats ranging from traditional vanilla to adventurous flavours like mascarpone and fig, as well as vegan options. Here are 15 parlours, kiosks, and gelaterias to try this summer.
Award-Winning Parlours
Basil and Rusty's, Machen – This family-run parlour at Gelli Wastad Farm won a Diploma of Merit at the National Ice Cream Awards in 2022 and was named National Ice Cream Champion 2022. Run by Geraint and Emma Richards, it uses adapted recipes from their parents and the Minoli family, who sold the business in the 1980s. Address: Gelli Wastad Farm, Machen, Caerphilly CF83 8JE.
Glaslyn, Beddgelert – The oldest ice cream parlour in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, dating back to 1970, won the Cadbury Trophy Award for its chocolate ice cream in March 2025. Run by the Rowley family, it offers traditional flavours plus unique ones like Welsh cake (created for St David's Day 2025) and even a baked bean flavour for April Fool's Day. Address: Glaslyn, Beddgelert, LL55 4YB.
Traditional and Family Recipes
Carini's, Beaufort – This tiny sweet shop makes ice cream using a recipe brought from Bardi, Italy, 100 years ago, unchanged by descendants of Giacomo Carini. Seasonal wimberry ice cream is a highlight, alongside classics like rum and raisin, coconut, and Turkish delight. Address: 62 Beaufort Rise, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale NP23 5JQ.
Joe's Ice Cream – A stone-cold classic known for its special vanilla, best enjoyed simply between two wafers. Multiple locations across Wales.
Shepherd's, Hay-on-Wye – Ice cream legends since 1987, using sheep milk from their own farm on the Herefordshire/Wales border. Their Lebanese coffee flavour is a signature. Address: 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AE.
Modern and Vegan-Friendly
Daisy and Belle's – Offers home delivery and stockists across Cardiff, with flavours like lemon meringue featuring fresh Welsh double cream. Vegan options include chocolate orange, cherry bakewell, and Welsh cake.
Two Islands Ice Cream, Abersoch – Opened in 2018, this small-batch parlour makes ice cream on-site using local and natural ingredients, inspired by West Coast USA parlours. Their Italian Hazelnut flavour is a favourite. Address: Lon Pei Cei, Abersoch, LL53 7DW.
Calabrisella Gelateria, Cardiff – An Italian gelateria offering refreshing strawberry, raspberry, and mango gelatos (vegan), along with coffees, crepes, ice cream sandwiches, and celebration cakes. Address: 187 Cowbridge Rd E, Cardiff CF11 9AJ.
Seaside and Kiosk Favourites
Creme Pen Cei, New Quay – A family-run gelato shop with 40 flavours, many made daily, plus soya, non-dairy, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly options. Address: St John St, New Quay SA45 9NG.
The Hive, Aberaeron – A seafront kiosk selling delicious ice cream, also available from their ice cream van. Address: Cadwgan Place, Aberaeron SA46 0BU.
Verdi's, Mumbles – A Mumbles institution offering sundaes like kiwi fruit and classic chocolate nut, plus vegan ice cream and banana splits. Address: Knab Rock, Mumbles Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EE.
Rangers Hut, Cardiff – A tiny gelato and candyfloss hatch in Waterloo Gardens, serving traditional flavours like raspberry ripple and mint choc chip, plus new creations from their gelato maker. Address: Waterloo Gardens, Cardiff.
Other Notable Parlours
Llanfaes Dairy, Brecon – Known for dairy-free options, including tiramisu, coffee, Biscoff, and mint choc chip, alongside regular milk-churned flavours. Address: 19 Bridge St, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8AH; also in Cardiff Bay.
Sub Zero, Rhondda – Offers a wealth of sundaes and specials like the Cookie Monster, an ice cream sandwich with vanilla between double and triple Belgian chocolate cookies. Addresses: Ely Industrial Estate, Williamstown, Tonypandy CF40 1RA; Unit 4 Riverbank Court, Trethomas, Caerphilly, CF83 8BY; Unit 5, 389-413 Malpas Road, Newport, NP20 6WB.
Fablas – Uses fresh milk and cream from Ty Tanglwyst Farm for its ice creams, with locations in Cowbridge, Porthcawl, Barry Island, Caerphilly, and Penarth, plus a soft-serve van.
