The best ice cream in Devon!

Whoever discovered ice cream automatically wins themselves pride of place in the pantheon of all-time greats (alongside the inventor of fish and chips).  We also think that Devon ice cream is the best in the land, so when you are on your holidays in the county, make sure you look out for the following brands – each quite distinct from the others.

Read our pro-ice cream guide to find out more so that you can embark on an ice cream crawl of your own. Who will be the top of your leader board? You could stay in one of our fine self-catering cottages during your holiday too!

Tennacott Farm Dairy, Bideford, North Devon

Tennacott Farm Dairy produces a gorgeous range of ice creams using milk from their happy herd of dairy cows that live in lush pastures just outside Bideford.  With imaginative flavours ranging from salted caramel to coffee crunch and all the classic favourites in between, you can stock your freezer up with such tempting treats at the North Devon Farmers' Markets, as well as restaurants and cafes across the area. Keep your eyes peeled on the streets for Buttercup, the Tennacott Farm Dairy's charming ice cream van, where you’ll be able to sample some of their delights for yourself.  There's a good chance you will catch the van at Instow on a sunny day or evening.

Otter Valley Dairy, Honiton, South Devon

Three generations work together at the Otter Valley Dairy to create this luxurious ice cream in a beautiful Devon valley.  The ice cream has won local, regional and national awards, and flavours include everything from family favourites such as vanilla and mint choc-chip to artisan creations like elderflower sorbet or strawberry & balsamic vinegar. To get your hands on these mouth-watering farmhouse ice creams, take a trip to the farm's summerhouse where you can sample and buy your favourites to take home. Otter Valley also attends special events, serving guests from their delightful vintage ice cream bike.

Langage Farm, Plymouth, South Devon

There are 40 flavours of delicious dreamy ice cream to choose from at Langage Farm in South Devon, so you'll certainly be spoilt for choice when you stop off at the on-site farm shop. Exquisite flavours are a favourite range with us, and the luxury and classic ranges throw up some yummy choices too. Caramel pecan crunch, banoffee pie, rhubarb and ginger crumble, and chocolate brownie make up some of the wide varieties of frozen fancies on offer and if you can't head out to the farm, local shops and cafés proudly stock this scrummy brand.

Dunstaple Farm, Holsworthy, Mid Devon

Supplying quality ice creams and sorbet at many outlets across the county, Dunstaple Farm makes Farmer Tom's Luxury Ice Cream. Often seen at large children's attractions and on the menus at Devon restaurants, be sure to try them out. Made on the Mid Devon farm using fresh whole milk, clotted and double cream, this ice cream is a truly tasty treat and there is an abundance of yummy flavours to choose from.

Salcombe Dairy, Salcombe, South Devon

Another award-winning producer of our frozen favourite, Salcombe Diary has an array of rich and creamy flavours to choose from and even creates some melt-in-the-mouth seasonal masterpieces. Christmas pudding and brandy butter were created especially for the festive season. Check out Crush, a mixture of ice cream and sorbet that is available during the summer months. Salcombe Dairy Ice Creams is selling all across the country now – it’s even stocked at Selfridges in Birmingham.

Hockings, Bideford, North Devon

Head to any town around North Devon and you’ll see a Hockings ice cream van. Characterised by their cream and brown livery, the van drivers and vendors are purveyors of some of the creamiest vanilla ice cream most of us have ever tasted.  Scale up to a luxury cone or garnish your ice cream with sprinkles or fruit-flavoured sauce to mix things up a bit. Try pouring some clotted cream onto your cone or tracking down the 'flavour' van at Westward Ho! slipway if their vanilla speciality isn't your thing. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed, as this ubiquitous North Devon staple has been a local favourite for decades.  

If you are planning a holiday to Devon, why not stay in one of our holiday cottages? We have all kinds of properties to suit your needs, from romantic boltholes to large family houses in the Devon countryside. Visit our collection of holiday cottages in Devon today to feel inspired.