The Best Ice Cream Near Dolgellau: Our Favourite Local Spots

There’s something about an ice cream that makes a day out in Eryri (Snowdonia) even better. Whether you’ve spent the morning walking in the mountains, exploring a castle, paddling in the sea or simply enjoying a wander around one of our lovely local towns, an ice cream is often the perfect way to finish the day. In our family we even indulge in the Winter months!

We’re lucky to have some fantastic ice cream spots within easy reach of Dolgellau, from traditional Welsh ice cream with decades of history to small independent businesses making delicious ice cream in their own unique ways. If you are looking for an ice cream within walking distance of Glasfryn in the summer you can find a full selection of flavours available at our favourite bakery Popty'r Dref.

We couldn't possibly list every great place for an ice cream in North Wales, but here are some of our favourites to try during your stay at Glasfryn. If you are looking further a field across North Wales a more extensive list is here.

Cadwaladers, Criccieth

If you love a traditional Welsh ice cream, a trip to Cadwaladers in Criccieth is a lovely excuse to explore the Llŷn Peninsula.

Cadwaladers has been part of Welsh seaside holidays since 1927, when Hannah Cadwalader began selling her famous vanilla ice cream from her family's shop in Criccieth. The original recipe has become part of Welsh food heritage, and the business remains a favourite with generations of visitors.

Criccieth is a particularly lovely place to enjoy an ice cream and just up the hill near the Castle you will find Cadwalader for take away or dine-in. If you don’t want to walk up the hill or move far from the beach Cariad Gelato also have a ice cream cart closer to the beach, but it is more expensive than Cadwaladers.

They have a bargain offer of a kids cone for £1.50 (prices correct as of 2026). Biscoff cheesecake is a personal favourite choice.

Our tip: Make an afternoon of it. Explore the castle, enjoy a walk along the seafront and finish with an ice cream while looking out across the bay. Head for Dylans for lunch and then ice cream desert a short walk away.

Find out more at Cadwaladers.

Cariad Gelato, Porthmadog

If you're heading towards Porthmadog, perhaps for a ride on one of the area's famous heritage railways or a visit to nearby Portmeirion, Cariad Gelato serves up a fantastic range of Italian style gelato. And if that’s not open there is another Cadwaladers is conveniently located on the High Street.

It's a great place to stop for a familiar favourite while exploring the harbour town. Porthmadog is full of opportunities for a relaxed day out, whether you're watching the boats, browsing the shops or enjoying a scenic railway journey through the mountains.

The combination of a day exploring the area and a scoop of ice cream makes this an easy family-friendly addition to your holiday plans.

Our tip: Combine your ice cream stop with a trip on the Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railway. 

Find out more and about the full locations Cariad Gelato is available.

Hufenfa'r Castell, Harlech

Harlech is another excellent destination for an ice cream stop, especially if you're planning a day on the coast.

Just a short distance from the magnificent Harlech Castle, you'll find the award winning Hufenfa'r Castell, also known as Castle Creamery. This little independent ice cream shop is known for handmade ice cream and sorbets, including some wonderfully distinctive flavours. They also sell beautiful handcrafted chocolates.

Depending on the season, you might find flavours inspired by local fruit and flowers, such as gooseberry, rhubarb, elderflower, damson and blackcurrant. It's a lovely reminder that ice cream doesn't have to be all chocolate and vanilla!

Our tip: If you enjoy trying unusual flavours, ask what's available that day. Seasonal varieties are part of the fun, and the selection may change throughout the year.

Harlech is an excellent choice for combining history, scenery and a little indulgence.

📅 Plan Your Visit

Check the shops opening hours before visiting as out of season some places reduce their hours or close.

Where will you try first?

And if you discover another brilliant local ice cream spot while you're here, we'd love to hear about it. We're always happy to discover somewhere new!

Happy exploring — and don't forget the sprinkles!