Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Folkestone and Hythe

A Seaside Tradition

Ice cream and the British seaside go hand in hand, and Folkestone and Hythe are no exception. On a sunny afternoon, you will find families strolling along the Lower Leas Coastal Park, couples admiring the view from the Harbour Arm and children on Sunny Sands, all clutching cones of their favourite flavour. Hythe's seafront, Sandgate's pebbly shoreline and the sandy beaches of Dymchurch and St Mary's Bay also offer perfect spots to enjoy a scoop.

The district benefits from Kent's strong dairy and fruit farming heritage. Many ice creams sold locally are made with milk and cream from Kentish farms and flavoured with orchard fruits, strawberries and cherries grown in the Garden of England. Alongside traditional favourites, artisan gelato makers have brought Italian techniques and adventurous flavours to the coast.

What Makes Great Ice Cream

Great ice cream starts with quality ingredients: fresh milk and cream, real fruit, natural flavourings and careful balance of sugar and fat. Texture matters too, with the best ice creams smooth and creamy without being overly sweet. Freshness, creativity and consistency set the leading brands apart.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Folkestone and Hythe

1. Solley's Ice Cream

Solley's is a much-loved Kentish farm ice cream brand made with milk from its own dairy herd. Its rich, creamy texture and wide range of flavours, from classic vanilla to fruity sorbets, make it a firm favourite in cafés, kiosks and farm shops across the county.

2. Morelli's

Morelli's is an iconic name in Kent's ice cream history, famous for its Italian-style gelato and retro parlour charm on the Kent coast. Its sundaes and knickerbocker glories are a nostalgic treat that many visitors to the district seek out when exploring the county.

3. Macari's

Macari's is a family-run ice cream business with deep roots on the Kent coast, known for traditional recipes passed down through generations. Its smooth, creamy ice cream captures the spirit of classic seaside holidays.

4. Harbour Arm Gelato

Harbour Arm Gelato serves freshly churned Italian-style gelato from its spot near the water. Flavours change regularly and include pistachio, salted caramel, local strawberry and inventive seasonal specials, making it a popular stop for visitors to the harbour.

5. Hythe Seafront Scoops

Hythe Seafront Scoops is a cheerful kiosk offering generous cones and tubs of locally made ice cream. It has become a summer ritual for families walking along Hythe's promenade and the Royal Military Canal.

6. Jude's

Jude's is a premium British ice cream brand renowned for natural ingredients and indulgent flavours. Stocked in many local delis and restaurants, it offers dairy and plant-based options that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

7. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's of Cornwall brings its famously creamy clotted cream ice cream to kiosks and freezers across the country, including many seaside outlets in the district. Its rich vanilla remains a classic choice.

8. Sandgate Sorbet Co.

Sandgate Sorbet Co. specialises in vibrant fruit sorbets and dairy-free ice creams made with Kentish fruit. Their refreshing flavours, such as apple and elderflower or cherry and blackcurrant, are perfect on hot days.

9. Marsh Dairy Ices

Marsh Dairy Ices produces small-batch farmhouse ice cream using milk from Romney Marsh. Available at farm shops and village cafés, it offers a genuine taste of the local countryside.

10. Creative Quarter Creamery

Creative Quarter Creamery is an artisan parlour known for playful, unexpected flavours and beautifully presented cones. Located among the galleries and studios of Tontine Street, it reflects the creative spirit of Folkestone.

Ice Cream Trends on the Coast

Artisan and small-batch ice creams continue to grow in popularity as customers seek quality and provenance. Plant-based options made from oat, coconut or almond milk are now widely available. Local and seasonal flavours celebrating Kentish fruit and produce are especially popular with visitors. Sustainability is also influencing the industry, with compostable cups and spoons replacing plastic. Soft serve has enjoyed a revival, with premium toppings and inventive combinations attracting younger customers.

Why Choose Local Ice Cream

Choosing locally made ice cream supports Kentish farmers and small producers, reduces food miles and often means fresher, more natural ingredients. Local makers also create flavours inspired by the region, offering a unique taste of the Kent coast that visitors remember long after their trip.

Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream Day Out

Visit on a weekday to avoid summer crowds at the most popular parlours. Try a seasonal special alongside your favourite classic. Pair your ice cream with a walk along The Leas, a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway or a stroll around the Harbour Arm for a perfect day by the sea.

Final Thoughts

From historic Kent parlours to innovative artisan gelato makers, the ice cream brands enjoyed in Folkestone and Hythe offer something for every taste. Grab a cone, find a spot overlooking the Channel and enjoy one of the simplest pleasures of seaside life.