Are you finding yourself spending the sunny season navigating the urban jungle instead of jetting off on a tropical getaway? Let’s be honest: being landlocked in the metropolis isn’t quite the same as sashaying across white sands in your favourite swimwear, kicking back with an ice-cold beer while the ocean breeze cools you down.
However, trading the coastline for the concrete certainly doesn’t mean your summer has to be a write-off. In fact, a city summer brings its own unique, vibrant energy, and there is still an absolute abundance of brilliant things to do.
Whether you are planning a busy day exploring the bustling city centre or venturing out for a scenic stroll through Greater Manchester’s beautiful surrounding countryside, you’re going to need a reliable way to beat the heat. When the sun makes a welcome appearance, take a well-deserved break from your urban adventures and cool down at one of the absolute best, most mouth-watering ice cream parlours and artisanal gelato spots scattered in and around Manchester.
Black Milk
Serving up the most unbelievable sweet treats in Manchester city centre since 2015, Black Milk is the undisputed original dessert heavyweight. Nestled right in the Northern Quarter, this local favourite has absolutely everything you could crave—from their famous signature ‘Kinderella‘ specials to towering, indulgent freakshakes.
Whether you prefer a cone or a tub, their ice cream is next-level, loaded to the brim with decadent mix-ins like Oreo cheesecake, Kinder Bueno, and plenty more.
Grandpa Greene’s, Oldham
With two picturesque locations—one nestled in Diggle, Saddleworth on the edge of the Peak District, and another in Uppermill’s King George V Park—Grandpa Greene’s is an absolutely brilliant destination for a family day out. You can take a seat in their lovely parlour and café to indulge in loaded waffles, sweet pancakes, and savoury brunch dishes, or simply grab a delicious tub or cone to go while enjoying a scenic, peaceful stroll along the canal.
Frurt
Standing out as one of Manchester’s rare frozen yoghurt gems, Frurt is easily one of the city’s finest—and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the toppings. You can choose from both dairy and plant-based froyo bases in exciting flavours like classic natural, fruity mango, striking black vanilla, and even earthy matcha green tea.
From there, pile it high with an extensive array of fresh fruit, classic sweets, and chocolatey favourites like Oreos, M&Ms, and Kinder Bueno. Just make sure to finish it all off with a generous drizzle of their famous Bueno sauce!
The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire
Famed for being the ‘world’s largest ice cream parlour‘ (and boasting a brilliantly handy drive-thru), The Ice Cream Farm is easily one of the greatest spots near Manchester to grab a scoop. It is a fantastic day out, complete with friendly farm animals waiting to say hello.
Whether you pop into the main shop or roll right through the drive-thru, you can take your pick from a staggering 50 flavours. Expect all your traditional favourites alongside quirky, mouth-watering creations like Jammy Dodger, Malteser, and rhubarb cheesecake.
Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream, Altrincham
Operated by a wonderful mother-daughter team, Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream is a charming countryside spot where you’ll find around 20 sensational, handmade flavours. It is so well-loved that you’ll often spot a queue of people eager to get their hands on a tub!
Every scoop is lovingly crafted right there on the farm, and while you’re visiting, you can also stock up on delightful farm-fresh produce like artisanal cheeses, rich butter, and local honey.
Sicilian NQ
Beyond their massive menu of mouthwatering Sicilian dishes, Sicilian NQ is renowned for its incredible gelato. Sip on a refreshing spritz, dig into a hearty bowl of pasta, and top it all off with a perfectly authentic, ice-cold dessert. There’s truly nothing else like it!
Lazy Sundae
Lazy Sundae is serving up a sweet taste of Asia with an exciting menu full of flavours you won’t easily find in the UK. Their ever-changing lineup features unique scoops like brown sugar, Milo, matcha, and Thai tea—plus, you can even get your hands on their incredible pineapple ice cream baos!
Bold Street Coffee
Bold Street Coffee isn’t just pouring some of the city’s best coffee—they’re also whipping up from-scratch soft serve! Their signature espresso flavour gives serious affogato vibes, but keep an eye out for their rotating specials, like this year’s dreamy matcha soft serve.
Milk Maids, Over Hulton
Highly hyped by the locals, Milk Maids absolutely lives up to the buzz. This fun-loving gelato spot doesn’t take itself too seriously, serving up hilariously named scoops like ‘Holy Cow!‘ and ‘Wolfgang Almondeus Mozart‘. It’s the ultimate cool-down after a nearby walk. Dive into flavours like choco-coffee, cinnamon bun, or custard cream, and you’ll be hooked in no time!
Jersey Girls, Bury
Jersey Girls Dairy takes their sweet treats seriously, churning out stunning artisan scoops right from their own herd of cows on the edge of Burrs! Packed with top-tier local ingredients, this Bury spot serves up over 50 epic flavours alongside gorgeous lunches and cream teas. It’s the perfect day out—you might even get to say hi to the Jersey Girls themselves!
Macari’s Gelateria, Heaton Mersey
Since opening late summer 2023, Macari’s Gelateria has been showing Heaton Mersey exactly how Bologna does ice cream! They store their dreamy gelato in a traditional pozzetti (a special steel container) to keep it at the perfect temperature, ensuring every single scoop is flawless. Along with incredible flavours like Ferrero Rocher and pistachio, this South Manchester spot also serves up gorgeous cakes from Silver Apple and fresh Blossom coffee.
