If you are looking for the best ice cream shops in Southampton, you are in the right place. Whether you are craving artisan Italian gelato, luxury dessert parlours, classic soft-serve ice cream or vegan-friendly frozen treats, Southampton has an excellent selection of independent ice cream shops and dessert cafés to satisfy every sweet tooth.
This guide features the best ice cream shops in Southampton, from premium gelato specialists and family-run dessert cafés to traditional ice cream vans by the waterfront. Every venue included has earned a strong reputation for quality, service and consistently positive customer reviews.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This guide is based on extensive research across public reviews, local recommendations and the overall reputation of each ice cream shop. Rather than relying on a single opinion, I looked for venues that consistently receive positive feedback for their ice cream quality, flavour selection, customer service and overall experience.
When choosing the best ice cream shops in Southampton, I considered:
- Ice cream quality – Smooth texture, premium ingredients and consistently high-quality gelato or soft serve.
- Flavour selection – A wide range of classic favourites alongside creative seasonal or artisan flavours.
- Service – Friendly staff, efficient service and consistently positive customer experiences.
- Value for money – The overall dessert experience compared with the price.
- Overall reputation – Consistently positive customer feedback across multiple trusted review platforms.
No ice cream shop has paid to be included in this guide.
8 Best Ice Cream Shops in Southampton
Whether you are looking for artisan gelato, luxury dessert parlours, family-friendly ice cream shops or a traditional soft-serve cone, these are the ice cream shops in Southampton that are worth visiting. Click on any shop name below for directions on Google Maps.
1. Heavenly Desserts, High Street
Heavenly Desserts is one of the best ice cream shops in Southampton, offering luxury artisan gelato, indulgent desserts and beautifully presented sweet treats from its stylish High Street location. From handcrafted gelato to signature croffles and waffles, it is one of the city’s premier dessert destinations.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
5.0/5.0
Location: High Street
Price: Premium (£8 to £18 per person)
Best for: Luxury gelato and desserts
Must try: Madagascar Vanilla Gelato
Heavenly Desserts combines premium Italian-style gelato, elegant presentation and exceptional service, making it one of Southampton’s finest dessert destinations.
Why Visit Heavenly Desserts?
Heavenly Desserts serves premium gelato alongside handcrafted waffles, croffles, chocolate fondues and luxurious desserts in an elegant boutique setting. It is an excellent choice for date nights, celebrations or anyone looking to enjoy beautifully presented sweet treats.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Madagascar Vanilla Gelato is a customer favourite.
- Pair your gelato with one of the signature croffles.
- Perfect for date nights and celebrations.
- Beautifully presented luxury desserts.
- Visit during quieter afternoons for the best experience.
2. Scooperb Southampton, Spring Road
Scooperb Southampton is one of the best artisan ice cream shops in Southampton, specialising in 100% eggless gelato from its Spring Road location. Its handcrafted ice creams, natural ingredients and wide selection of vegan-friendly flavours have made it a favourite among local dessert lovers.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Location: Spring Road
Price: Affordable (£4 to £10 per person)
Best for: Eggless artisan gelato
Must try: Alphonso Mango Sorbet
Scooperb offers authentic artisan gelato with creative flavours, natural ingredients and excellent vegan choices, making it one of Southampton’s standout independent ice cream shops.
Why Visit Scooperb Southampton?
Scooperb Southampton specialises in handcrafted eggless gelato, featuring flavours such as Alphonso mango, saffron and cardamom alongside dairy-free sorbets and loaded bubble waffles. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for something different from traditional ice cream.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Alphonso Mango Sorbet is a signature flavour.
- Excellent vegan and dairy-free options.
- Try one of the loaded bubble waffles.
- Unique cardamom and saffron ice creams.
- Perfect for artisan gelato lovers.
3. Sprinkles Gelato, Above Bar
Sprinkles Gelato is one of the best ice cream shops in Southampton, serving authentic Italian-style gelato from its popular Above Bar location. Famous for its enormous selection of flavours, indulgent sundaes, freshly made crepes and late-night opening hours, it is one of the city’s favourite dessert destinations.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Above Bar
Price: Mid-range (£5 to £15 per person)
Best for: Italian gelato and sundaes
Must try: Hot Fudge Cookie Dough Sundae
Sprinkles Gelato combines authentic Italian-style gelato with an extensive dessert menu, making it one of Southampton’s most popular places to satisfy a sweet craving.
Why Visit Sprinkles Gelato?
Sprinkles Gelato offers dozens of gelato flavours alongside freshly made crepes, cookie dough, waffles and extravagant sundaes. Its spacious dessert parlour and central location make it perfect for families, students and evening desserts after dinner.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Hot Fudge Cookie Dough Sundae is a customer favourite.
- Choose from dozens of gelato flavours.
- Ideal for families and groups.
- Excellent late-night dessert destination.
- Try one of the freshly made crepes.
Why Southampton is Great for Ice Cream Lovers
Southampton offers everything from artisan gelato parlours and luxury dessert lounges to independent ice cream shops and traditional seaside favourites. Whether you are looking for handcrafted Italian gelato, vegan sorbets or a classic 99 cone by the waterfront, there is something to suit every sweet tooth.
4. Fredericks Chocolates, The Marlands
Fredericks Chocolates is one of the best independent ice cream shops in Southampton, combining artisan chocolates with Italian-style gelato inside The Marlands Shopping Centre. This family-run café is loved for its welcoming atmosphere, handcrafted chocolates and traditional dessert menu.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: The Marlands
Price: Affordable (£4 to £12 per person)
Best for: Artisan chocolates and gelato
Must try: Belgian Chocolate Gelato
Fredericks Chocolates offers artisan gelato, handmade chocolates and a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of Southampton’s hidden gems for dessert lovers.
Why Visit Fredericks Chocolates?
Fredericks Chocolates serves premium gelato alongside handmade chocolates, Belgian hot chocolate and freshly prepared desserts. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to take a break while shopping in the city centre.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Try the Belgian Chocolate Gelato.
- Pair your dessert with a handmade hot chocolate.
- Excellent independent family-run café.
- Perfect stop during a shopping trip.
- Do not miss the handmade chocolates.
5. Scoops Gelato, Portswood
Scoops Gelato is one of the best ice cream shops in Southampton, offering colourful Italian-style gelato, loaded waffles and indulgent milkshakes from its busy Portswood location. Popular with students and families alike, it is a great choice for generous portions and affordable desserts.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Portswood
Price: Affordable (£4 to £12 per person)
Best for: Family-friendly gelato
Must try: Oreo Bubble Waffle
Scoops Gelato combines generous portions, a wide variety of flavours and excellent value, making it one of the most popular dessert spots in Portswood.
Why Visit Scoops Gelato?
Scoops Gelato offers a large range of gelato flavours alongside bubble waffles, milkshakes, sundaes and cake desserts. Fast service and late opening hours make it a popular choice for an evening treat.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Oreo Bubble Waffle is one of the most popular desserts.
- Generous gelato portions.
- Excellent value for money.
- Ideal for students and families.
- Open late most evenings.
6. Sprinkles Gelato, Portswood
Sprinkles Gelato also operates a popular Portswood branch, bringing its famous Italian-style gelato, waffles and dessert menu to one of Southampton’s busiest neighbourhoods. It is an excellent choice if you want the Sprinkles experience outside the city centre.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Portswood
Price: Mid-range (£5 to £15 per person)
Best for: Waffles and gelato
Must try: Banana Split Sundae
Sprinkles Gelato delivers the same extensive dessert menu and quality gelato that has made the brand one of Southampton’s favourite places for sweet treats.
Why Visit Sprinkles Gelato?
Sprinkles Gelato serves handcrafted gelato alongside cookie dough, waffles, crepes and sundaes in a spacious, family-friendly setting. It is ideal whether you are stopping by for a quick scoop or a full dessert after dinner.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Banana Split Sundae is highly recommended.
- Excellent range of Italian-style gelato.
- Fresh waffles and cookie dough.
- Great choice for groups and families.
- Friendly service and spacious seating.
7. Curly Bites, Shirley
Curly Bites is one of the best ice cream shops in Southampton, serving indulgent soft-serve ice cream, loaded sundaes and thick milkshakes from its Shirley location. Alongside its popular street food menu, it has become a favourite local spot for generous desserts and excellent value.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Shirley
Price: Affordable (£5 to £10 per person)
Best for: Loaded sundaes and milkshakes
Must try: Biscoff Ice Cream Sundae
Curly Bites combines generous portions, indulgent desserts and friendly service, making it one of the best places in Southampton for ice cream, sundaes and thick milkshakes.
Why Visit Curly Bites?
Curly Bites specialises in creamy soft-serve ice cream, Biscoff sundaes, Oreo desserts and thick blended milkshakes, all prepared fresh to order. It is an excellent choice for an affordable dessert after dinner or while exploring Shirley.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Biscoff Ice Cream Sundae is one of the most popular choices.
- Try one of the thick Kinder Bueno milkshakes.
- Excellent value for generous portions.
- Perfect for takeaway desserts.
- Popular with local families and students.
8. Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van, Mayflower Park
Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van is one of the best places to enjoy ice cream in Southampton, serving traditional soft-serve cones from its popular spot at Mayflower Park. With beautiful waterfront views and classic British ice cream favourites, it is a nostalgic stop for families, walkers and anyone enjoying a day by the water.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.4/5.0
Location: Mayflower Park
Price: Affordable (£3 to £6 per person)
Best for: Classic soft-serve ice cream
Must try: 99 Flake
Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van combines classic British soft serve with one of Southampton’s best waterfront locations, making it a favourite stop during sunny afternoons at Mayflower Park.
Why Visit Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van?
Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van serves traditional soft-serve cones, classic 99 Flakes, ice lollies and refreshing frozen treats. Its location beside Southampton Water makes it the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream while watching cruise ships and relaxing in the park.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The classic 99 Flake is the must-order choice.
- Perfect during a walk around Mayflower Park.
- Enjoy views across Southampton Water.
- Great choice for families with children.
- Best visited on warm sunny afternoons.
Which Ice Cream Shop in Southampton Should You Choose?
If you are still deciding where to satisfy your sweet tooth, the best ice cream shop in Southampton depends on the experience you are looking for.
For the best overall experience, Heavenly Desserts is our top recommendation thanks to its premium Italian-style gelato, beautifully presented desserts and elegant atmosphere. If you prefer artisan ice cream, Scooperb Southampton stands out with its handcrafted eggless gelato and unique natural flavours.
For classic Italian gelato and indulgent sundaes, Sprinkles Gelato and Scoops Gelato are excellent choices, while Fredericks Chocolates offers a more relaxed independent café experience. If you are after a traditional British treat by the waterfront, Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van at Mayflower Park is hard to beat.
Whether you are looking for artisan gelato, luxury desserts, family-friendly ice cream parlours or a nostalgic 99 Flake, these are some of the very best places to enjoy ice cream in Southampton.
Looking for More Budget-Friendly Treats?
If you are looking for affordable food around the city, explore our guide to the best cheap eats in Southampton, featuring excellent value restaurants, cafés and street food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best ice cream shop in Southampton?
Heavenly Desserts is our top recommendation thanks to its premium gelato, luxury desserts and elegant dining experience. Scooperb Southampton is another excellent choice for artisan eggless gelato.
Where can I get artisan gelato in Southampton?
Scooperb Southampton, Sprinkles Gelato, Scoops Gelato and Heavenly Desserts all serve high-quality artisan-style gelato with a wide range of flavours.
Which ice cream shop has the best desserts?
Heavenly Desserts, Sprinkles Gelato and Creams Café are excellent choices for waffles, sundaes, cookie dough, crepes and premium dessert creations.
Where can I get a traditional 99 Flake in Southampton?
Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van at Mayflower Park is one of the best places in Southampton to enjoy a classic British soft-serve 99 Flake while overlooking the waterfront.
Which ice cream shops have vegan options?
Scooperb Southampton, Heavenly Desserts, Sprinkles Gelato and Creams Café all offer vegan-friendly ice cream or sorbet options.
Which ice cream shop is best for families?
Sprinkles Gelato, Scoops Gelato and Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van are all popular family-friendly choices thanks to their wide range of flavours, generous portions and relaxed atmosphere.
