Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Tewkesbury

Ice Cream and the Riverside Town

On a warm summer afternoon, few places are more pleasant than Tewkesbury's riverside. Families stroll along the banks of the Avon, boats drift past historic mills and visitors relax on the grass after exploring the abbey. An ice cream completes the scene perfectly. Whether bought from a café, a farm shop, a supermarket freezer or a seasonal kiosk, great ice cream is part of the town's summer character.

This guide highlights ten of the best ice cream brands that people in Tewkesbury can enjoy. They were chosen for flavour, ingredient quality, texture, variety and reputation, with a mix of regional producers and well-known national and international names.

1. Winstones Ice Cream

Winstones is a much-loved Gloucestershire ice cream maker with decades of history in the county. Its traditional, creamy recipes are made in small batches, and its flavours are a nostalgic favourite for many local families. Choosing Winstones is a delicious way to support regional food production.

2. Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's is famous for its chunky, indulgent flavours packed with cookie dough, brownies and swirls. Its playful personality and social campaigns have built a devoted following. It also offers a wide non-dairy range, making it popular with vegan customers.

3. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with premium, dense and velvety ice cream made with a short list of quality ingredients. Classics such as vanilla, strawberries and cream and salted caramel are perfect for an evening treat or an elegant dessert.

4. Jude's

Jude's is a British ice cream brand known for creative flavours, natural ingredients and a strong commitment to sustainability. Its dairy and plant-based ranges both earn praise for creaminess and balanced sweetness, and its tubs are a popular choice in independent shops and supermarkets.

5. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's of Cornwall brings the taste of traditional Cornish clotted cream ice cream to freezers across the UK. Its rich, smooth texture evokes seaside holidays, making it a comforting favourite for Tewkesbury households dreaming of the coast.

6. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's is a family-run farm business in Aberdeenshire producing ice cream from its own dairy herd. It is known for its simple, fresh-tasting traditional flavour and its use of renewable energy on the farm, appealing to environmentally conscious shoppers.

7. Yeo Valley

Yeo Valley, from neighbouring Somerset, is best known for organic yoghurt but also produces organic ice cream. Its focus on organic farming, animal welfare and West Country heritage aligns well with the values of many Gloucestershire consumers.

8. Magnum

Magnum ice cream bars are recognised for their thick chocolate shells and creamy centres. Available almost everywhere, from supermarkets to petrol stations and seaside kiosks, they remain one of the most popular indulgent treats for summer days out.

9. Carte D'Or

Carte D'Or offers large-format tubs ideal for family desserts and gatherings. Its wide range of classic flavours and good value make it a practical choice for barbecues, birthday parties and Sunday lunches.

10. Swedish Glace

Swedish Glace is one of the longest-established dairy-free ice creams in UK supermarkets. Its smooth soya-based recipes provide a reliable option for people with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance or plant-based diets.

Enjoying Ice Cream in and Around Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury offers many scenic spots for an ice cream break. The riverside near Abbey Mill, the open meadows of the Severn Ham and the historic lanes around the abbey all make lovely backdrops. Nearby farm shops and garden centres across the Severn Vale often stock regional producers, and summer boat trips along the river are the perfect accompaniment to a cone or tub.

What to Look For in Quality Ice Cream

Quality ice cream generally has a short ingredient list, with real cream, milk, sugar and natural flavourings. Texture matters too: premium ice cream is denser, with less air whipped in, giving it a richer mouthfeel. Checking labels for natural ingredients, clear allergen information and responsibly sourced dairy can help you choose the best option.

Ice Cream Trends

Plant-based ice cream has moved from a niche offering to a mainstream category, made from oat, coconut, almond and soya. Lower-sugar and high-protein options are growing, while adventurous flavours inspired by desserts and global cuisines keep the market exciting. There is also renewed interest in small-batch, farm-made ice cream that celebrates local dairy.

Pairing Ice Cream with Local Desserts

Ice cream is a natural partner for many classic British puddings, and Gloucestershire's orchards make seasonal pairings especially rewarding. A scoop of vanilla alongside a warm apple crumble made with fruit from the Vale of Evesham is hard to beat in autumn. Summer berries from local pick-your-own farms pair beautifully with clotted cream or strawberry ice cream, while a rich chocolate tub complements brownies and sticky toffee pudding at family gatherings. For a lighter option, fruit sorbets make a refreshing finish to a barbecue on a warm evening. Experimenting with local ingredients and quality ice cream is a simple way to create memorable desserts at home, and it gives visitors to Tewkesbury a real taste of the surrounding countryside.

Conclusion

From Gloucestershire's own Winstones to internationally loved names, Tewkesbury residents and visitors have a wonderful choice of ice cream. The ten brands above offer something for every taste, dietary need and occasion. Grab a scoop, find a sunny spot by the river and enjoy one of the simplest pleasures of summer in this beautiful historic town.