Spending your summer in the city? While it’s not quite the same as sashaying across a beach in your swimmers with a cold beer in hand, there’s still plenty to do. If you’re headed out for a day in the city or its beautiful surroundings, cool down at one of the best ice cream spots in and around Manchester.
1. Black Milk, Northern Quarter
The OG of unreal desserts in Manchester city centre, Black Milk has been providing the goods since 2015. From their very own ‘Kinderella‘ creation, to incredible freakshakes – this Northern Quarter spot has it all. Ice creams are available by the tub and cone, stuffed with oreo cheesecake, Kinder Bueno and so much more.
Black Milk, 88 Oldham St, M4 1LF.
2. Ben & Jerry’s, Trafford Centre
Strollin’ around the Trafford Centre and feeling a little hot? Ben and Jerry’s has its very own ‘Scoop Shop’ within the Manchester shopping centre’s cinema, fulfilling your ice cream needs by the scoop. They have all the classics, just like the flavours you pick up in the supermarket with plenty to choose from.
Ben & Jerry’s, ODEON, Trafford Centre, 201 The Dome, M17 8DF.
3. Sweet!, Northern Quarter
Brand new to the Northern Quarter, Sweet! has taken over a prime space on Stevenson Square, offering traditional and inventive flavours out of its sweet little spot (pun intended). You can get all the classics here when you wander through on your commute or whilst shopping, but there are also the likes of Vimto, Fruits of the Forest and Pear Drop – perfect for a refresh after a long hot day.
Sweet!, 9 Stevenson Square, M1 1DB.
4. Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, Northern Quarter
Good old-fashioned ice cream on the first floor of Affleck’s, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium has both dairy and vegan flavours on offer for dine-in and takeaway. The ice cream comes in a number of varieties, from cookie sandwiches to freakshakes and french toast – your eyes will probably be bigger than your belly when ordering.
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, Afflecks, Church St, M4 1PW.
5. Oasis Ice Cream, Chorlton
You’re not short of options at Oasis Ice Cream, with ice cream (obviously), sorbet, frozen yoghurt, waffles and so much more on offer. Based in Chorlton, it’s a great little spot to stop by with kids, or indulge in a giant dessert if your sweet tooth demands. Treats are also available to take away, with cones and tubs to choose from.
Oasis Ice Cream, 109 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9GA.
6. Grandpa Greene’s, Oldham
Grandpa Greene’s can be found in Diggle, Saddleworth on the edge of the Peak District and is a brilliant spot for families. Kick back and relax in the parlour and cafe for pancakes, waffles and savoury brunch or lunch plates, or grab a cone or tub while walking along the canal.
Grandpa Greene’s, Ward Ln, Diggle, Oldham, OL3 5JT
7. Frurt, City Centre
One of few frozen yoghurt hotspots in Manchester, Frurt is one of the best – and they’re heavy-handed on the toppings, too. Choose from dairy and non-dairy in natural yoghurt flavour, mango, black vanilla and even matcha green tea, with extensive fruit toppings, sweets and chocolates such as Oreos, M&Ms, Kinder Bueno and more – and even a Bueno sauce.
Frurt, Whitworth Street West, M1 5BD | 63 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5PB.
8. The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire
Having established their ice cream drive-thru, The Ice Cream Farm is the ‘world’s largest ice cream parlour‘ and one of the best spots near Manchester for ice cream; there are even farm animals on-site to say hello to. Choose from around 50 flavours of ice cream which can be purchased via the drive-thru or in the shop, including all the classics and fun creations such as rhubarb cheesecake, Malteser flavour, and even Jammy Dodger.
The Ice Cream Farm, Drumlan Hall, Newton Ln, Cheshire, CH3 9NE.
9. Icestone Gelato, City Centre
A pretty-in-pink spot on Oxford Road, Icestone Gelato has everything to satisfy any pesky cravings, and you can even eat-in after a day in town. Fill your boots with milkshakes, hot Belgian waffles, hot cookie dough and a menu packed full of sundaes.
Icestone Gelato, 131 Oxford Rd, M1 7DY.
10. Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream, Altrincham
A lovely little ice cream shop run by a mother and daughter duo, Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream offers up around 20 different flavours, and there are often queues to get your hands on a tub. Ice creams are handmade at the farm, and you can even purchase cheeses, butter, honey and more while you’re there.
Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream, Ash Farm, Station Road, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5SG.
11. Yogberries, Altrincham
Ok, so it’s froyo rather than ice cream – but, it’s bloomin’ lovely stuff. Yogberries is close to Hale station, using locally sourced ingredients to create their tasty frozen yoghurt. They often offer seasonal flavours, with vanilla, chocolate and natural yoghurt making up the core menu. Toppings-wise, there’s a whole lot of choice ranging from fruit, chocolate, sweets and yummy sauces.
Yogberries, 2 Victoria Rd, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 9AF.
12. What The Pitta, Northern Quarter
Fairly new to town, What The Pitta has brought the city’s first-ever vegan soft serve, finished off with a tasty Love Raw vegan wafer and toppings such as Biscoff crumble, chocolate sauce and sprinkles. It’s the perfect alternative to the traditional 99, except levelled up a notch with the Bueno-like wafers and, in our opinion at least, wayyyy better toppings.
What The Pitta, 42 Back Turner St, M4 1FR.
13. Lazy Sundae, Northern Quarter
Newer kid on the block Lazy Sundae is bringing us the flavours of Asia with their tasty ice cream parlour, offering flavours not commonly seen here in the UK. Working on an ever-rotating basis, guests can expect flavours such as brown sugar, Milo, matcha, Thai tea, and more, with Pineapple ice cream baos also gracing the menu.
Lazy Sundae, 110 Tib St, M4 1LR.
14. Gooey, City Centre
Not only does Gooey serve up some of the best cookies and doughnuts in the city, but they’re also making soft serve from scratch, too, which has been available at their Ducie Street kiosk in the past, and most likely now at their dedicated bakery and cafe. Their classic is a refreshing cereal milk flavour, however, guests can expect regular specials including chocolate orange, raspberry and lychee, pistachio and more.
Gooey Kiosk, Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, M1 2TP | Gooey Bakery + Café, 103 High St, M4 1HQ.
15. Scoop, Ancoats
Ancoats’ own sweet spot, Scoop, is the perfect spot to grab a cool treat before pottering over to the marina, with tons of varieties to enjoy. Whether it’s brownie ice cream sandwiches, stuffed bubble waffles, or classic cones that float your boat, there’s a little something for everyone, with tons of mouthwatering flavours to try such as tiramisu, salted caramel, banana and more – get on it if you’re this side of Manchester!
Scoop, 58 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, M4 5EE.
16. Milk Maids, Over Hulton
Pretty well hyped amongst locals, Milk Maids really lives up to its reputation. With a clear sense of humour, naming ice creams the likes of ‘Holy Cow!’ and ‘Wolfgang Almondeus Mozart‘, Milk Maids is a gelato house not afraid of a bit of fun, and the perfect remedy to the sweat worked up on a walk nearby. Taste the likes of the choco-coffee, cinnamon bun and custard cream flavours, and you’ll not forget about this place in a hurry.
Milk Maids, Deardens Farm, 908 Manchester Rd, Over Hulton, Bolton, BL5 1AT.
17. Jersey Girls Dairy Ice Cream, Bury
Producing stunning artisan ice cream from their very own herd of Jersey Girl cows on the edge of Burrs, Jersey Girls Dairy Ice Cream takes ice cream very seriously. Making their ice cream with the highest quality local ingredients, the Bury dairy not only offers amazing ice cream in over 50 yummy flavours but lovely lunches and cream teas too! It makes a lovely day out and you’ll likely be able to say hello to the Jersey Girls themselves.
Jersey Girls Dairy Ice Cream, Higher Woodhill Farm, Bury, BL8 1BS.