We bring you the scoop on some of our favourite ice cream cafes 

Whether enjoyed on a sweltering summer afternoon or savoured as a guilty pleasure in the depths of winter, ice cream has a near magical ability to bring happiness and delight to all who indulge in its creamy goodness. An irresistible treat enjoyed by both young and old, ice cream has become an essential part of any British holiday.

So, whether you’re a gelato aficionado, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, read on for the scoop on some of our favourite ice cream cafes …

Two Islands – Abersoch

One of the coolest cafes on Pen Llŷn has to be Two Islands. Situated in the centre of Abersoch in the old NatWest bank premises, Two Islands has become a real destination thanks to the hard work of owners Jack and Laura. Along with a fabulous range of artisan ice cream made on site, they serve a fantastic selection of indulgent and highly instagrammable cakes lovingly baked by Laura, and arguably the best coffee in the area served by Jack. A must try if you’re staying near Abersoch.

Cadwaladers – Criccieth

Loved by generations of locals and visitors, Cadwalader’s ice cream was founded in 1927 when the Cadwalader family began selling homemade vanilla ice cream from their general store in Criccieth. Nearly 100 years later Cadwalader’s Criccieth cafe is still based in its original premises, with views of Criccieth’s ruined castle the cafe is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream sundae, or grab an ice cream cone and make your way down to the nearby beach. You’ll also find Cadwaladers in Porthmadog and Betws y Coed.

Scoops – Caernarfon

Scoops family run cafe specialises in artisan ice cream and homemade dutch pancakes. 

Opened 10 years ago, the cafe is located in the heart of Caernarfon on the bustling Palace Street, a fabulous little street full of characterful buildings that are home to some great independent businesses. Choose from a range of 16 ice cream flavours – including their signature ‘Dragon’ flavour – frozen yogurts and sorbets, then sit out front to enjoy people watching and a view of Caernarfon’s impressive castle, or out the back in the peaceful garden area.

Red Boat Gelato –  Plas Newydd, Anglesey

There cannot be many more picturesque settings to enjoy an ice cream than the gardens of Plas Newydd on Anglesey, enjoy an indulgent treat from the Red Boat Gelato Red kiosk while wandering through the hydrangea filled gardens, or take a seat on the sloping bank directly overlooking the Menai Strait. Look out for the delicious tiramisu flavour – winner of a 2020 Great Taste Award.

Red Boat ice cream parlours can also be found in Beaumaris, Menai Bridge, Prestatyn, Caernarfon and Llangefni.

Knickerbockers – Barmouth

Knickerbockers is an amazing retro-style ice cream parlour on The Quay in Barmouth, serving drinks, sweets, ice creams, sorbets, their famous ‘cookie crumbles’ and a range of seriously tempting sundaes – if you’ve got a sweet tooth this is an essential stop! With every colour and flavour of ice cream imaginable there’s something to suit everyone at Knickerbockers.

Glasu – Pwllheli

In prime position in the centre of Pwllheli Glasu is a fab little cafe serving ice cream made with milk from Dylan and Anwen Jones’ farm in nearby Edern. The business began almost by accident when Anwen served homemade strawberry ice cream at daughter Elliw’s wedding, it went down so well with the guests that they began to make more and so Glasu was born. Now well known on Pen Llŷn, the family supplies many local shops along with their own cafe. They’re known for their fabulous range of flavours and indulgent ‘freak shakes’ which are sure to leave a smile (and most likely a sticky mess) on any child’s face!

Hufenfa’r Castell – Harlech Ice Cream

Last but by no means least is Hufenfa’r Castell, the appropriately named Harlech Castle Ice Cream, located just yards from the town’s impressive castle. Hugely popular and a must with returning visitors, this fab little ice cream parlour boasts an ever changing range of flavours including award winning strawberry and the more unusual sea buckthorn, described as ‘truly the taste of summer’, with a delicious hint of mandarin and peaches. Not to be missed.