The Best Ice Cream Stops to Try During Your Cornwall Holiday

Cornwall holidays and ice cream go together like sandy toes and sunset walks. When you’re staying in Hayle, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of Cornwall’s most-loved seaside towns, hidden coves, and—most importantly—brilliant ice cream spots. Whether you’re after a classic 99 on the beach, a proper dairy-farm scoop, or something a little more adventurous (hello, honeycomb and clotted cream), here are some delicious stops to add to your Cornwall itinerary.

1) Moomaid of Zennor (St Ives & Padstow) – A Cornish classic

You’ll spot Moomaid of Zennor across Cornwall, but it’s especially lovely to seek it out in coastal favourites like St Ives, which is an easy day trip from Hayle. It’s the ideal treat to pair with a harbour wander, a gallery visit, or a post-beach stroll, and the flavour range usually has something for everyone—especially if you’re hoping to try a few Cornwall-inspired options while you’re here.

2) Jelbert’s Gelato (Newquay) – A must for gelato lovers

If you fancy swapping traditional scoops for silky gelato, Newquay is a great shout and Jelbert’s is a popular stop for a reason. It’s the perfect “reward” after a beach session or a wander around town, with rich, smooth gelato that feels properly made. Grab yours to go and enjoy it by the sea—Newquay has plenty of viewpoints where you can sit for a while and make the most of that holiday atmosphere.

3) Roskilly’s (Lizard Peninsula) – The iconic dairy ice cream destination

Roskilly’s is one of Cornwall’s most famous ice cream names, and while it’s more of a road trip from Hayle, it’s well worth it if you’re planning a full day exploring the south. Made with Cornish dairy at the heart of the experience, it’s the kind of stop that feels like a proper outing rather than just a quick treat. If you’re heading down that way, it pairs beautifully with a visit to Kynance Cove or a scenic drive around the dramatic coastline of the Lizard.

4) Chapel Porth Beach Café (Near St Agnes) – Ice cream after a beach day

Some days in Cornwall are made for doing very little beyond enjoying the beach, and Chapel Porth is a brilliant place for exactly that. After a swim, a paddle, or a long stretch on the sand, an ice cream from the café is the perfect finishing touch. It’s a relaxed stop with classic Cornwall beach-day energy—waves in front of you, sea air all around, and a sweet treat in hand.

A perfect Hayle ice cream itinerary (if you want one)

If you’d like to weave a few ice cream stops into your week, Hayle is a great base to do it without rushing. You could spend one day in St Ives for a classic coastal cone, save another for a beach day closer to home, plan a north-coast adventure around St Agnes and Chapel Porth, head to Newquay when you fancy gelato, and keep the Lizard Peninsula as your bigger “day trip” where the journey is part of the fun.

Final thought: always leave room for “just one more scoop”

Cornwall is made for scenic drives, beach afternoons, and little treats along the way. Whether you’re exploring coves near Hayle, wandering harbour towns, or chasing the best beaches on the coast, an ice cream stop is the easiest way to turn a nice day into a perfect holiday moment.

If you tell me when you’re visiting and who you’re travelling with (kids, dog, adults-only), I can tailor this into a more specific set of day-trip suggestions from Hayle.

Written for TwiceAsNice Chalets