The Ultimate Dartmouth Ice Cream Guide: Find Your Perfect Summer Scoop

Who doesn’t love the pure joy of an ice cream in the summer? There is nothing quite like the excitement of choosing that perfect flavour on a sunny day, watching it stack up on a waffle cone, and taking that first blissful bite.

In Dartmouth, we take our frozen treats very seriously! We boast a truly vibrant and tasty array of ice cream vendors, each bringing its own distinctive story, specialty, and atmosphere to the table. Whether you’re searching for the nostalgic classics, something truly indulgent, or a modern wow-factor dessert, you’ll find an incredible variety of locally produced scoops right here in town.

Ready to explore Dartmouth's ultimate ice cream trail? Here is your guide to the best spots in town.

🍦Dartmouth Ice Cream Company

The Local Legend (Est. 1928)

As Dartmouth’s oldest and most storied ice cream maker, the Dartmouth Ice Cream Company has been crafting homemade ice cream and sorbets onsite since 1928. They are a small, independent, family-run business owned by a local farmer, making them the only brand actually manufacturing ice cream right in the heart of Dartmouth.

They combine nearly a century of tradition with serious inventiveness, boasting more than 50 innovative flavours. Keep an eye out for their unique local collaborations, like their famous chilli chocolate or elderflower & chilli sorbet! As an award-winning producer, they supply many local businesses, but you can sample their fresh creations directly at three distinct locations in town:

• The Good Intent (Lower Street): Their flagship store where the magic happens! Grab a scoop and browse a wide range of other fantastic local produce.

• The Ice Cream Parlour (Duke Street): A dedicated stop perfect for a quick, delicious fix while exploring the town centre.

• The South Embankment Ice Cream Cart: Available during the bustling summer months near the Harbour Office—ideal for grabbing a cone right before a stroll by the water.

Image thanks to Dartmouth Ice Cream Company

🥛 Salcombe Dairy

Luxurious & Allergy-Friendly Elegance

Based just down the road in nearby Salcombe, Salcombe Dairy is a multi-award-winning producer with a massive reputation built on over 40 years of innovation and more than 60 taste awards. They welcome visitors at two fantastic spots in Dartmouth, both located right on the picturesque Boat Float (the parlour and the kiosk).

Their secret? Luxurious West Country double cream and fresh milk sourced direct from the farm. They use entirely natural ingredients and are a fantastic option for those with dietary requirements, offering a wide range of egg-free and nut-free options, alongside an incredibly popular selection of dairy-free flavours.

🍬 Edwards Fudge Shops

Double the Indulgence

Located on both Newcomen Road and Duke Street, the beloved Edwards Fudge Shops offer a double dose of sweetness by stocking the brilliant Yarde Farm Ice Cream range.

Yarde Farm is another proud South Hams business, based nearby in Plympton. They produce a national award-winning range of deliciously indulgent ice creams and sorbets. Made with the finest ingredients - —including fresh cream, clotted cream, and real fruit - their sumptuous flavour menu offers plenty of variety to satisfy every sweet tooth.

🧇 Morellos Dessert Parlour

The Ultimate Contemporary Sweet Spot

If you are looking for a vibrant, sit-down dessert experience, Morellos Dessert Parlour adds a fantastic contemporary twist to Dartmouth’s food scene. This popular, award-winning venue is famous for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere and is a massive hit with families.

Morellos stocks the Devon-based Skinny Cow Gelato range alongside a show-stopping menu of milkshakes, cakes, waffles, and indulgent sweet treats. If you want top-tier desserts, great coffee, and a welcoming vibe to relax with the kids, this is the place to be.

Image thanks to Morellos

⚓ The Pontoon Takeaway

Classic Flavours with a View

Last, but by no means least, is the convenient ice cream takeaway kiosk at The Pontoon, where they proudly serve the celebrated Purbeck Ice Cream range.

Originating across the border in Dorset, Purbeck was created over 30 years ago as a clever diversification project from a local dairy farm. Today, they are renowned for their focus on entirely natural products and an exciting range of eclectic flavours. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go option when you want a classic, premium treat to enjoy while watching the boats slide across the river.

Explore, Scoop, Relax!

With such an incredible choice of independently run ice cream producers, the quality and variety in our town is unmatched.

Take your time exploring the streets, find the exact flavour that speaks to you, and then head down to the waterfront. Relaxing in front of our stunning harbour views with a world-class ice cream in hand - honestly, what better way is there to enjoy our beautiful town?

For more details on where to eat in Dartmouth, download our Visitor App.