Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in North Devon

North Devon's Love Affair with Ice Cream

Walk along the seafront in Ilfracombe, Woolacombe or Westward Ho! on a sunny afternoon and you will see ice cream in almost every hand. The combination of stunning beaches and rich West Country dairy makes North Devon a fantastic place for ice cream lovers. The region's lush pastures produce some of the creamiest milk in Britain, and that quality shines through in the ice creams sold in local kiosks, cafes and farm shops.

Many of the brands found in North Devon are produced in Devon and neighbouring Cornwall, using local milk and clotted cream. Others are national favourites that have become part of the seaside experience. Here is a guide to the best.

What Makes a Great Ice Cream

Great ice cream starts with great dairy. Look for brands that use local milk and cream, natural flavourings and minimal additives. Texture matters too, with the best ice creams being smooth, rich and slow to melt. Creative flavours, dairy-free options and sustainable packaging are increasingly important to today's customers.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in North Devon

1. Salcombe Dairy

Salcombe Dairy is one of Devon's most celebrated ice cream makers, known for its award-winning, luxurious flavours. Made in the South Hams using Devon milk and cream, its ice creams and sorbets are stocked by cafes and delis across the county. Its commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a devoted following.

2. Langage Farm

Langage Farm, near Plymouth, has been producing dairy products for generations. Its rich, creamy ice creams, made with milk from its own herd, are widely available in Devon. Classic flavours such as clotted cream vanilla and strawberry are perennial favourites.

3. Granny Gothards

Granny Gothards is a Devon-based producer known for luxurious ice creams and sorbets made using traditional methods. Its imaginative flavours and handmade approach have made it a popular choice for cafes, restaurants and farm shops looking for something special.

4. Rocombe Farm

Rocombe Farm has a long history of producing organic ice cream in Devon. Its focus on organic ingredients and natural flavours appeals to health-conscious customers who still want a delicious treat. It is a great option for those who value environmentally friendly farming.

5. Yarde Farm

Yarde Farm is a family-run Devon dairy producing ice cream from its own milk. Its farm-to-cone ethos and generous portions make it a favourite at local cafes and attractions, and it exemplifies the small-scale dairy tradition that makes Devon special.

6. Roskilly's

From a working organic farm on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, Roskilly's makes ice cream with milk from its Jersey cows. Its rich, indulgent flavours are popular throughout the South West, including in North Devon outlets that stock West Country produce.

7. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's has been making ice cream since the 1930s and is one of the best-known names at seaside kiosks across the South West. Its famous clotted cream vanilla is a beach-day classic, and its wide availability makes it easy to find on North Devon's coast.

8. Callestick Farm

Callestick Farm in Cornwall produces premium ice cream using milk and clotted cream from its own herd. Its long list of flavours and consistent quality have earned it many awards, and it is a regular sight in cafes and farm shops across the peninsula.

9. Marshfield Farm

Marshfield Farm is an organic dairy that makes creamy ice cream using milk from its own cows. Its natural ingredients and eye-catching flavours have made it a favourite in delis and garden centres throughout the South West.

10. Ben & Jerry's

For those who love bold flavours and chunky mix-ins, Ben & Jerry's remains a popular choice. Widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores across North Devon, its creative flavours and dairy-free range offer something different from traditional West Country styles.

The Magic of Devon Dairy

Devon's mild climate and high rainfall produce rich grassland, ideal for dairy cattle. This results in milk with a high butterfat content, perfect for creamy ice cream and the region's famous clotted cream. Many local producers add clotted cream to their recipes, creating an extra-rich texture that has become a signature of West Country ice cream.

Supporting local ice cream brands also supports local farmers, helping to sustain the family dairies that shape North Devon's landscape and rural communities.

Trends in Ice Cream

The ice cream industry is evolving to meet changing tastes. Dairy-free and vegan ice creams made from oat, coconut or almond milk are increasingly available. Gelato-style ice creams, with their dense texture and intense flavours, have grown in popularity. Adventurous flavours featuring local ingredients, such as honey, sea salt, cider or Devon berries, are delighting customers.

Sustainability is another key trend, with brands using compostable tubs, plastic-free spoons and renewable energy in production.

Where to Enjoy Ice Cream in North Devon

Some of the best places to enjoy an ice cream include Ilfracombe harbour, the seafront at Westward Ho!, the beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde, and the picturesque village of Clovelly. Lynmouth's riverside and the Instow estuary are also perfect spots for a leisurely cone while taking in the views.

Final Thoughts

North Devon's ice cream scene is a delicious celebration of West Country dairy. From Devon favourites like Salcombe Dairy and Langage Farm to Cornish classics like Kelly's and Roskilly's, the brands above offer quality and flavour that make any seaside visit even more memorable. Next time you are on the North Devon coast, choose a local brand and taste the difference that great dairy makes.