Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy delicious ice cream, and that’s almost the same thing. We’ve indulged in scoops and sprinkles to test out the many and various ice cream offerings in York so we can bring you the very best. Whether you’re picking up a cone to lick while you wander the streets, or you’d like to sit down and tuck into a sundae, we’ve got something for everyone. It’s worth noting that the mobile ice cream vendors – the boats! – keep an unpredictable timetable and can’t always be guaranteed to be there. If the weather’s good and there’s no sign of a flood, you’re probably in with a good chance. Without further ado, here’s our pick of the best places for ice cream (and sorbet and gelato) in York.

Where to find the best ice cream in York

Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat

For a unique York experience, head to York’s Millenium Bridge on a sunny summer day and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll see the Two Hoots ice cream boat moored. Just five minutes’ walk from Rowntree Park (on the other side of the river), the ice cream is great and the novelty factor is high.

Follow Two Hoots on Instagram

Trinacria Sicilian restraurant, 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 Facebook

Luxury Ice Cream Company (LICC York)

Delicious handmade gelato, handmade daily in the heart of York. An ever-changing range of flavours, frojm 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

Plush Cafe

York’s most instagrammable cafe is a fun option for breakfast and lunch (and brunch!), but it has jolly ice cream offerings too. Expect colourful sundaes just begging to be photographed, as well as ice cream-topped waffles and pancakes.

Plush Cafe,  6 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS – Visit the Plush Cafe website

A couple of ice cream options just outside York

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

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales is Brymor Ice Cream, where local milk and cream is transformed into delicious ice cream. As well as tasty things to eat, there’s an outdoor play area so children can run off the sugar rush. 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