Best Ice Cream Parlours in Cornwall 2025
When you're enjoying a sunny day in Cornwall, nothing beats a delicious ice cream. As the owner of Cornwall Comfort Chalets, I've spent years exploring the hidden gems and famous spots across our beautiful county. Here are my detailed recommendations for the absolute best spots to enjoy a frozen treat, complete with insider tips on what to order and when to visit.
Roskilly's Ice Cream Farm, St Keverne
Nestled in the heart of the Lizard Peninsula, Roskilly's is more than just an ice cream shop - it's a complete farm experience. Their Jersey cows graze on organic pastures visible from the ice cream parlour, and you can actually watch the entire production process through their viewing gallery. The clotted cream flavour, made with their own farm-fresh cream, is absolutely legendary. Their salted caramel has won multiple awards, and the seasonal flavours like Cornish strawberry in summer and spiced apple in autumn are worth planning your visit around. Don't miss their afternoon milking sessions at 4:30 PM - it's a great activity for the kids before enjoying your dessert!
Moomaid of Zennor, St Ives
With its prime location in St Ives' picturesque harbour, Moomaid of Zennor offers some of the most innovative flavours in Cornwall. Their Shipwreck flavour (vanilla ice cream with salted caramel and honeycomb) is their signature, but don't overlook gems like the Prosecco Sorbet or the Dark Chocolate Orange made with single-origin Colombian chocolate. The parlour sources many ingredients locally, including honey from Cornish bees and milk from nearby farms. Visit during sunset for the perfect combination of harbour views and ice cream, or head to their farm shop in Zennor for a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Jelberts, Newlyn
Jelbert's is a testament to the philosophy that perfection needs no variation. This tiny shop in Newlyn has been serving the same recipe since 1955 - just vanilla ice cream, but it's the most extraordinary vanilla ice cream you'll ever taste. The secret lies in their traditional churning method and the quality of their ingredients. Each serving comes topped with a dollop of their signature clotted cream and a chocolate flake. The queue often stretches down the street, but don't let that deter you - it moves quickly, and the wait is part of the experience. Local tip: they're known to sell out on busy days, so arrive before 3 PM to avoid disappointment.
Chapel Porth Beach Cafe, St Agnes
While technically not a traditional parlour, Chapel Porth Beach Cafe deserves its place on this list for its famous 'Hedgehog' ice cream alone. This unique creation consists of locally-sourced vanilla ice cream rolled in clotted cream and honey-roasted hazelnuts - a combination that has achieved near-mythical status among Cornwall's ice cream aficionados. The cafe's location, tucked into the cliffs at Chapel Porth beach, offers spectacular views of the coastline and old tin mines. Visit during low tide when you can enjoy your ice cream while exploring the caves and rock pools. They're only open during the summer season (March to October), so plan accordingly!
Callestick Farm, Truro
A working farm just outside Truro, Callestick has been producing ice cream since 1989 using milk from their own herd of cows. Their production facility uses renewable energy, making this a sustainable choice for eco-conscious visitors. The smooth, creamy texture of their ice cream is achieved through a unique slow-churning process. While their Cornish Golden Fudge is the bestseller, don't miss their Thunder and Lightning (Cornish vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and honeycomb pieces) or their dairy-free range made with coconut milk. The farm also offers tours where you can learn about ice cream making and meet the animals - book in advance as these are very popular!
Top Tip: While these spots are busiest between 2-4 PM during summer days, visiting during the 'shoulder hours' (11 AM-12 PM or after 5 PM) will help you avoid the longest queues. Many of these places also offer take-away tubs, perfect for enjoying back at your chalet!
Have you tried any of these ice cream spots? We'd love to hear about your favourite flavours! Share your experiences on our social media pages or leave a review if you're staying with us. And remember, all these locations are within easy driving distance from our chalets - just ask at reception for directions and local maps.
