Best Ice Cream Spots

Anywhere you go on the Island, you’ll never be too far from the sea, or a classic Flake ’99! Some great traditional seaside spots include the Cabin on the Green on Cowes seafront, Yaverland Kiosk in Sandown, and Freshwater Lifeboat Shop – ideally located right next to the beach and car park, with proceeds going to the Independent Lifeboats Charity. 

Meanwhile, Seaview Deli is a one-stop-shop for a wide selection of ice creams and cakes, alongside picnic and beach essentials, including lines for a spot of crabbing.  

Toppings on Shanklin Seafront offer a huge range of Kelly’s Cornish Ice Cream, Mr Whippy cones, and even ice cream nachos! With milkshakes, waffles and more, it’s an ideal spot for ice cream on the beach, followed by some crazy golf or games in the arcades.

For the past 20 years Plaza Ices ice cream vans have been serving up whippy or scooped sundaes and cones with all the traditional toppings and sauces. Now with eco-friendly solar powered vans, they can frequently be found along the seafront between Cowes and Gurnard, as well as popping up at various other beaches, attractions and events – keep an eye on their Facebook page to follow their movements!

The charming seafront town of Cowes is home to Paradice, an ice cream parlour offering Italian Gelarto, Kelly’s Cornish Ice Cream, Belgian waffles, pancakes and milkshakes, alongside local Island Roasted Coffee – perfect for a creamy affogato or cooling iced latte. Wander down to Cowes Parade to catch some rays and sweeping views of the Solent. 

If you have time to kill before your ferry home, head for Shoreside Café along East Cowes esplanade for soft serve, frappés, slushies and more. With views towards Southampton Water, it doubles up as a great location for ship-spotting.

With acres of rolling farmland and happy herds of cows, the Isle of Wight is home to several dairy farms. The Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company use only local milk to produce innovative flavours such as Blueberry Sea Swirl, S’mores, and Lemon & Raspberry, amongst the classics and a selection of vegan-friendly sorbets. You’ll find the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company at most cafés and attractions, and we also serve it from the North Lounge onboard our vehicle ferries. 

Another well-known Island ice cream brand is Minghella, established in 1950 when Eddie Minghella and wife Gloria began to experiment with flavours, fruits, and nuts in otherwise plain ice cream. With sophisticated flavours such as Chopped Walnuts & Maple Syrup and Salty Caramel Seaspray, their Italian-inspired gelato is now produced in Newport, right in the heart of the Isle of Wight. You’ll find them stocked at attractions such as Northwood House, Carisbrooke Castle, and Quarr Abbey.  

Minghella are also behind The Garlic Farm’s famous black garlic ice cream, which you can find in served in their on-site restaurant. With a chocolate base and smoky honey notes, the curious combination is surprisingly popular - don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it! 

A favourite with visitors and residents alike, Crave in Ventnor feature a rotating menu of up to 40 varieties all hand crafted in-store. Chocolate fans will love their takes on cult classics such as Dairy Milk Crunchie, Milkybar, Mint Aero, and Snickers, while those feeling adventurous can opt for Lemon Meringue, Rose & Pistachio, or Peach Cobbler, to name just a few! 

With so much of the Island welcoming your pooch with open arms (we don’t call it the Isle of Woof for nothing!) you’ll soon spot tubs of Rex’s Range, a lactose-free ice cream made right here on the Isle of Wight. Available in mint or vanilla, stockists include dog-friendly attractions such as IOW Donkey Sanctuary, IW Steam Railway, and Ventnor Botanic Gardens - as well as onboard our pet-friendly ferries!