Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Torridge

Torridge and the Art of West Country Ice Cream

Ask anyone who has spent a summer in Torridge and they will likely have a favourite ice cream memory: a cone on the seafront at Westward Ho!, a tub enjoyed on the quay at Appledore, or a scoop after a long walk along the cliffs at Hartland. The South West is famous for its rich dairy, and the lush pastures of Devon and Cornwall produce milk and cream that give regional ice cream its distinctive, indulgent texture.

Clotted cream is the defining ingredient for many West Country producers, adding a luxurious richness that sets local ice cream apart from mass-produced alternatives. Here are ten of the best ice cream brands you are likely to find in shops, cafés, kiosks and ice cream vans across Torridge and the wider region.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Torridge

1. Hocking's Dairy Cream Ices

Hocking's is a true Torridge icon. Founded in 1936 and closely associated with Appledore and the nearby coast, this family business has used clotted cream in its recipes for generations. Its simple, nostalgic vanilla ice cream, often served from distinctive vans, is a cherished part of summer for locals and returning visitors alike.

2. Salcombe Dairy

Salcombe Dairy is an award-winning Devon producer known for its premium ice cream made with care and quality ingredients. Its Clotted Cream Vanilla is a standout, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced ingredients has earned a strong reputation across the South West.

3. The Devon Ice Cream Co

The Devon Ice Cream Co celebrates the county's dairy heritage with a range that includes traditional clotted cream alongside more adventurous flavours. Its products are well suited to cafés, farm shops and attractions looking to offer a proudly local treat.

4. Langage Farm

Langage Farm, near Plymouth, is a family-run dairy producing clotted cream, yoghurt and ice cream from its own herd. Its farm-to-tub approach and creamy texture make it a popular choice throughout Devon's delis and tea rooms.

5. Rocombe Farm

Rocombe Farm has been making organic ice cream in Devon for many years, earning awards for its natural ingredients and inventive flavours. It appeals particularly to customers who prioritise organic farming and clean ingredient lists.

6. Roskilly's

Roskilly's is a working organic farm on Cornwall's Lizard peninsula, renowned for its ice cream made with milk from its own Jersey cows. Its rich flavours and genuine farm credentials have made it a West Country favourite that often appears in shops across Devon too.

7. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's of Cornwall has a heritage dating back over a century and is one of the most widely available West Country brands in supermarkets and seaside kiosks. Its Cornish Vanilla is a dependable classic, loved by families on beach days.

8. Callestick Farm

Callestick Farm in Cornwall produces award-winning ice cream using milk from its own herd and a wide selection of flavours. Its commitment to quality and real ingredients has secured a loyal following across the South West.

9. Marshfield Farm

Marshfield Farm, an organic family dairy near Bath, produces luxury ice cream with milk from its own cows. Its seasonal and imaginative flavours have made it a premium choice stocked by independent retailers and cafés throughout the region.

10. Jude's

Hampshire-based Jude's has grown from a small family business into one of Britain's leading premium ice cream brands. Its focus on natural ingredients, sustainability and plant-based options means it is often found in Torridge cafés catering for a range of dietary needs.

What Makes West Country Ice Cream Special

The secret lies in the dairy. Devon and Cornwall's mild climate and rich grassland produce milk with a high butterfat content, particularly from breeds such as Jersey and Guernsey cows. Many producers add clotted cream, which is made by gently heating cream until a golden crust forms, to create an exceptionally smooth, rich texture. Smaller batch production also allows for more care and less air, resulting in a denser, more flavourful scoop.

Ice Cream Trends in North Devon

Plant-based and dairy-free ice creams are increasingly common, with oat and coconut bases offering creamy alternatives. Seasonal and locally inspired flavours, such as honey, sea salt caramel and hedgerow fruits, celebrate the region's landscape. Sustainability is also a growing priority, with compostable cups, reduced packaging and farm-based production that minimises food miles.

Where to Enjoy Ice Cream in Torridge

The seafront at Westward Ho! is a classic spot, especially after a day of surfing or rock pooling. Appledore's quayside offers lovely estuary views, while Instow's sandy beach is perfect on a calm summer evening. For a quieter experience, combine an ice cream with a cycle ride along the Tarka Trail or a visit to the cobbled streets of Clovelly on the district's western edge.

Final Thoughts

Ice cream is woven into the fabric of summer life in Torridge. From the heritage of Hocking's to the organic credentials of Rocombe and the indulgence of Salcombe Dairy, the region offers some of the finest ice cream in Britain. Next time you are on the North Devon coast, pick up a cone, find a spot with a view and enjoy one of life's simplest pleasures.