7 of the best ice-cream parlours in Aberdeenshire
Summer wouldn’t be summer without some delicious ice-cream to devour! But what is it that we love about it so much? Is it that it just tastes so great and helps cool us down on a hot day? Or is it the nostalgia it brings with all those childhood memories flooding back of trips to the seaside and precious time spent with loved ones? Who knows, but whatever the draw, it’s a great treat on a hot sunny day!
These days, when it comes to ice-cream there is so much choice! With over 1000 flavours on the market, there’s surely something for everyone and most parlours have a good selection. There are different textures too, from traditional ice-cream to gelatos (known as ice-cream’s Italian cousin), as well as sherbets, sorbets, and even frozen yoghurts, all available with umpteen toppings, and numerous cones to choose from – an ice-cream parlour is surely paradise for any child (or adult!).
So, where are the best ice-cream parlours in Aberdeenshire? Testament to ice-cream’s popularity, there have been more and more opening over the last few years. Here are some of our favourites - not to be missed on a day out (listed in no particular order):
1. The Ice Cream Shop, Cullen
Situated in the heart of the popular seaside town of Cullen, the Ice-cream shop is a must visit for ice-cream lovers. They offer a wide selection of delicious flavours from traditional favourites to their very own creations. Their home-made vanilla is particularly delightful!
The Ice Cream Shop, Cullen - Facebook page
2. Portsoy Ice Cream, Portsoy
This family business is passionate about artisan ice-cream and sorbets and has been recognised with numerous awards at the Annual National Ice-Cream Competition at Harrogate. Using only the finest, and where possible, local ingredients, they offer a fantastic selection of flavours, all served by their friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Portsoy Ice Cream - website
3. Bicocchis, Fraserburgh
Located in the busy fishing port town of Fraserburgh, Bicocchis has been offering home-made traditional Italian style ice-cream to visitors since 1908. With over 50 flavours to try, all made from the original Bicocchis recipe, this is an ice-cream lovers heaven! Bicocchis, Fraserburgh - Facebook page
4. Partridges, Fraserburgh
Another popular spot to enjoy great ice-cream in Fraserburgh is the award-winning Partridges. Offering a wide selection of choice, with new flavours regularly added, Partridges is well worth a visit any time you are visiting the ‘Broch’. Visit their website for more information: Partridges, Fraserburgh - website
5. Peter’s Ices, Cairnbulg (locally known as Belgar)
One of our favourite’s has to be Peter’s Ices of Cairnbulg, and we are not alone on our judgement of this, as the shop has won over 65 awards! They are also the main supplier of ice cream to Saplinbrae Restaurant and have never let us down. As well as selling wholesale, they have a quirky wee shop in Belgar, which is open to the public. Their ice-cream is home-made, which is an added bonus in our book! Visit Peter’s Ices’ Facebook page here: Peter's Ices, Cairnbuld - Facebook page
6. Buchan’s Ices, St. Combs
Buchan’s Ices is a long-standing family business that has been on the go since 1947! Its homemade ice-cream is made from locally sourced ingredients and tastes divine. Look out for Buchan’s Ice Cream vans too that can be spotted at various events and galas across the region. Visit its website here: Buchan's Ices - website
7. Barra Farm Shop, Oldmeldrum
Nestling in the idyllic countryside between Inverurie and Oldmeldrum, the Barra Farm Shop’s speciality is undoubtedly its unique fruity ice-cream, made using the freshest and most flavoursome berries picked on site at their farm. The ‘Barra berries’ are mixed with Mackie’s traditional ice cream, to create a truly special taste. Delicious!
Visit their website here: Barra Farm Shop, Oldmeldrum - website
Wherever you decide to indulge in an ice-cream cone, be sure to enjoy it. Please note that we’ve only featured some of the many ice-cream parlours in the area and we’ve focussed on the ones within close proximity to Saplinbrae - there are many more! We don’t recommend making a road trip out of our suggestions! But, instead, why not enjoy seven daytrips over the summer, taking in the scenic North-east coastline at the same time.