Money might not buy happiness, but it can buy ice cream – and in York, that’s almost the same thing. We’ve explored the city’s best ice cream parlours, gelaterias, dessert cafés and hidden gems to bring you the ultimate guide to where to get ice cream in York. Whether you’re after the best gelato in York, a classic 99 flake, or a refreshing vegan sorbet, we’ve got a spot for you. Fancy a riverside cone or a sit-down sundae with all the toppings? York serves it all, even from ice cream boats! Read on for our top places for ice cream in York.
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Where to find the best ice cream in York
Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat
For a unique York experience, head to York’s Millennium Bridge on a sunny summer day and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll see the Two Hoots ice cream boat moored. Just a five-minute walk from Rowntree Park (on the other side of the river), the ice cream is great and the novelty factor is high.
Trinacria Sicilian restaurant, pizzeria and gelateria
Nestled among the wonderful independent cafes and shops on York’s vibrant Bishopthorpe Road, Trinacria has long been loved by locals for its homemade gelato. Friendly staff, fabulous flavours and huge portions will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Trinacria, 27 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA – Visit the Trinacria website
The Full Moo Ice Cream Boat
Another option for enjoying your ice cream from the water is The Full Moo, which you’ll find moored at the riverside near York Museum Gardens during the summer months. Grab a cone, find a bench and wave to the cruise-goers.
Dame Judi Dench Walk, York YO1 7DR – Follow The Full Moo on Facebook
Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato
Roberto is the go-to gelato place of many a York family, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s just around the corner from York Minster and offers some of the best ice cream and Italian treats in town. Sit in and enjoy waffles, cakes or something savoury, or try to make your mind up from the incredible gelato and sorbet on offer.
Roberto, 3 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LJ – Follow Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato on Instagram
Loopy Scoops
Loopy Scoops is a fun, independent ice cream parlour in the heart of historic York, serving up creative treats with a Yorkshire twist. They offer award-winning Brymor ice cream, soft serve, and unique options like Taiyaki cones. Classics like 99s sit alongside gluten-free and vegan choices and even frozen yoghurt for dogs! Why not try the one-off Wizard Walk of York ice cream? It’s magic!
Loopy Scoops, 3 Church St, York YO1 8BA – Follow Loopy Scoops on Facebook
Luxury Ice Cream Company (LICC York)
Delicious handmade gelato, handmade daily in the heart of York. An ever-changing range of flavours, from KitKat to Biscoff, Milky Bar to mince pie, is a good reason to visit more than once. Sit in, find a table outside or just get a cone to go.
LICC, 20 Back Swinegate, York YO1 8AD – Follow Luxury Ice Cream Co on Instagram
Ice cream options just outside York
Curlew Fields Dairies, Hessay
For a fun, family-friendly outing with a twist, head to Curlew Fields Dairies. The on-site café serves homemade ice cream in over 100 flavours, perfect on a cone, waffle, or even their popular ice cream nachos! Pair it with a proper barista coffee or a fresh homemade bake. It’s a delicious way to enjoy local dairy at its best (why not check fill a bottle of milkshake from the vending machine while you’re there?).
Curlew Fields Farm, New Road, Hessay, York, YO26 8JS, United Kingdom – Visit the website
The Harbour Bar, Scarborough
The iconic Harbour Bar is a must-visit for an authentic Scarborough experience. Serving delicious ice cream since 1945, their sundaes are glorious. It’s popular, but if you can’t get a seat, just pick up a cone from the kiosk and enjoy it on the beach.
The Harbour Bar, 1-3 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE – Visit The Harbour Bar website
Groovy Moo Gelato, Malton
Malton’s Talbot Yard is well known for its amazing food offerings, and Groovy Moo is one of our top picks. As well as scoops of homemade ice cream, they do incredible sundaes and waffles that you can enjoy in their lovely cafe.
Groovy Moo, 3 Talbot Yard, Malton YO17 7FT – Visit the Groovy Moo website
Brymor Ice Cream Parlour
Tucked away in the stunning Yorkshire Dales near Jervaulx Abbey, Brymor Ice Cream is a destination in itself. Their traditional farm parlour serves over 25 flavours of real dairy ice cream made on site. Kids love the outdoor play area, adults love the coffee…There’s free parking and hearty café meals available, too. We sometimes combine it with a trip to The Forbidden Corner, which is a short drive away.
High Jervaulx Farm, Jervaulx, Masham HG4 4PG – Visit the Brymor website
