Discover the best ice cream Northumberland has to offer, from vintage ice cream parlours to family-friendly visits. Browse Italian gelato, classic ice cream flavours, vegan and gluten-free options, and everything in between with our list of top-rated ice cream shops and cafes.
The joy of ice cream on holiday
Ice cream is a nostalgic holiday treat, making a windy walk along the beach or a scenic stop more memorable. It’s a way to connect with your loved ones, as you try each other’s ice cream flavours (or avoid others from having too much of yours!).
Don’t forget, you can also accompany a seaside ice cream with the best fish and chips in Northumberland for a traditional English holiday experience.
The best places for ice cream on the beach
Serene beaches, sandy dunes, and hidden coves are dotted along Northumberland’s coastline. And there’s nothing better after an invigorating hike than a fresh sea breeze with an ice cream in hand. Plan your day on the Northumberland coast with quaint ice cream stops along your route.
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Ciccarelli Gelato - Experience Ciccarelli’s artisan gelato made with local ingredients in the charming seaside town of Blyth. Drop by their nomadic vans or visit their gelato store to choose from over 40 ice cream flavours. Ciccarelli Gelato shop also adjoins the famous Coastline Fish and Chip restaurant, where you can enjoy locally sourced food and drink for a memorable Northumberland beach trip.
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Wyndenwell - Just a stone’s throw away from Bamburgh beach, this quirky cafe offers ice cream, cake, and coffee. Sit inside or take your ice cream to the beach and admire rolling waves and glowing sunsets.
The best sit-in ice cream parlours in Northumberland
Sometimes sitting in a peaceful ice cream parlour is just what you need during an activity-packed day. Take time to unwind and restore with these classic sit-in ice cream parlours.
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Carlo's in Alnwick - Originally a fish and chip shop, the owners, Andy and Adam, opened a gelateria with mouth-watering flavours, including raspberry, pistachio, and mint choc chip. Their menu extends to food and drink for seaside lunches, like crunchy, battered cod and hot, salted chips.
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The Alnwick Ice Cream Parlour - Nestled amongst the cobbled streets of Alnwick, this ice cream parlour captures the magic of Harry Potter, inspired by the movies’ nearby filming locations. Sit inside the quaint stone store with its home-renowned Butterbeer Float and other fun flavours for all ages.
Family-friendly ice cream shops
Letting the kids run around while you relax makes for a happy family trip. Many of these ice cream parlours have play areas to keep the children occupied after a tummy full of delicious ice cream, giving you a moment to savour the most dreamy flavours for yourself.
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Morwick Dairy - Dog-friendly, with an outside play area, this Warkworth ice cream parlour is ideal for family fun. Explore all flavours, from classic strawberry to seasonal creations, like apricot hot cross bun and mini egg.
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Arrighi’s - This award-winning Seaton Delaval ice cream shop creates homemade Italian ice cream for children and adults alike. Established in 1925, you can delight in their secret family recipes made with pure and natural ingredients.
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Coxon's Ice Cream & Coffee Bar - Found in the historic village of Seahouses, Coxon’s Seahouses ice creams offer generous sizes with budget-friendly prices — ideal for a family treat.
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Wheelbirks - Discover Wheelbirks’ award-winning ice cream, milkshakes, and ice cream desserts made with dairy straight from their farm. With additional options, such as coffee, tea, cakes, and light lunches for adults, as well as a preschool play area for children, everyone can relax amidst the lush Northumberland countryside.
Where to get vegan and gluten-free ice cream in Northumberland
You can find an array of vegan-friendly and gluten-free ice cream and cones in Northumberland. Take a look at our top recommendations for a wide choice of flavours that are free from gluten and dairy.
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Spurreli - Discover a boutique ice cream parlour and coffee shop in the scenic seaside village of Amble. You can choose from a selection of vegan ice creams in gluten-free waffle cones.
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Pilgrims - Pilgrims, tucked away on Holy Island, is a vibrant hub of vegan ice cream, coffee, and homemade cakes. Only accessible during low tide, the family-owned store is a must-stop for plant-based ice cream. Check safe crossing times for Holy Island before your visit.
Create memorable moments with Northumberland’s best ice cream
Whether you’re wandering down cobbled streets or want to relax after exploring Northumberland’s top places to visit, stop by the best ice cream parlours in Northumberland.
So whether it’s walking along the beach - ice cream in hand, enjoying a sweet treat after exploring one of the Northumberland coastlines historic castles, or enjoying a moment to relax in one of the regions favourite ice cream parlours with loved ones, plan your stay with Visit Northumberland today.