Sweet Treats & Seaside Delights: The Best Ice Cream Parlours in Scarborough

Louise Tomlinson • September 1, 2025

No trip to the seaside is complete without indulging in a delicious ice cream! Scarborough boasts a fantastic selection of ice cream parlours, each offering its own unique flavours, treats, and seaside charm. At Stay Yorkshire Coast, we're always on the lookout for the best local experiences, and we're happy to share our favourite ice cream spots with you. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with our guide to the best ice cream parlours in Scarborough.

Why Scarborough is an Ice Cream Lover's Paradise:


  • Seaside Tradition: Ice cream is a quintessential part of the British seaside experience, and Scarborough embraces this tradition with enthusiasm.
  • Fresh, Local Ingredients: Many parlours use fresh, local ingredients to create their delicious ice creams.
  • Variety of Flavours: From classic vanilla to innovative and unique creations, there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
  • Seaside Views: Enjoy your ice cream with stunning views of the beach, the harbour, or the coastline.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Ice cream parlours are a great place to create lasting memories with family and friends.


Our Top Picks for Ice Cream Parlours in Scarborough:

Peaches and Cream, Peasholm Gap, North Bay:


  • Known For: Delicious ice cream, sundaes, waffles and other treats.
  • Must-Try Flavours: Wide range of ice cream flavours, from traditional to more unique.
  • Location: Peasholm Gap, North Bay
  • Why We Love It: A perfect spot to grab an ice cream after a stroll through Peasholm Park.

Harbour Bar:


  • Known For: A retro-style ice cream parlour with a wide selection of flavours, sundaes, and milkshakes.
  • Must-Try Flavours: Their range of fruit sorbets are particularly refreshing on a hot day.
  • Location: Sandside, overlooking the harbour
  • Why We Love It: The nostalgic atmosphere and the stunning harbour views make the Harbour Bar a special treat.

The Ice Cream Emporium:


  • Known For: Creative and innovative ice cream flavours, often using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Must-Try Flavours: Keep an eye out for their seasonal specials, which often feature unique and unusual flavour combinations.
  • Location: North Bay
  • Why We Love It: The adventurous flavours and the commitment to local ingredients make The Ice Cream Emporium a standout.

Gelateria Italia:


  • Known For: Authentic Italian gelato, made with traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
  • Must-Try Flavours: Pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella are classic Italian gelato flavours that are done exceptionally well here.
  • Location: South Bay
  • Why We Love It: The authentic Italian gelato and the passion for quality make Gelateria Italia a true gem.

Beyond Ice Cream: Other Sweet Treats to Try:


  • Waffles: Many ice cream parlours also offer freshly made waffles, perfect for topping with ice cream and your favourite sauces.
  • Sundaes: Indulge in a classic sundae with layers of ice cream, sauce, whipped cream, and toppings.
  • Milkshakes: Cool down with a creamy milkshake, made with your favourite ice cream flavours.
  • Ice Cream Floats: Enjoy a refreshing ice cream float with your choice of soda.



Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Scarborough:


  • Be Prepared for Queues: Popular ice cream parlours can get busy, especially during peak season, so be prepared to queue.
  • Bring Cash: While many parlours accept card payments, it's always a good idea to bring cash.
  • Protect Your Ice Cream: Be mindful of seagulls, which are known to swoop down and steal ice cream!
  • Enjoy the View: Find a spot with a view of the beach, the harbour, or the coastline to enjoy your ice cream.



Stay Yorkshire Coast: Your Base for a Sweet Seaside Getaway:


Stay Yorkshire Coast offers the perfect base for exploring Scarborough's delicious ice cream scene. Our properties are located close to many of the town's best ice cream parlours, making it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth.


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