Jude’s Ice Cream

This Hampshire family ice cream brand started out in a barn near Winchester in 2002 and went on to national success. Tasty gourmet flavours are made with quality ingredients like single estate Colombian cacao, Madagascan bourbon vanilla and milk from Matterley Farm, located just down the road from Jude’s Hampshire HQ. They also make dairy-free vegan ice creams and a popular plant-based range for dogs, too.

Try it: Pick up a stripy tub at major supermarkets, National Trust properties across Hampshire and even onboard your next P&O cruise from Southampton. Opened in 2024, a brand-new Jude’s ice cream shop is now open at The Shed in Bordon, East Hampshire.

New Forest Ice Cream

A firm favourite on days out and the scoop of choice for attractions and ice cream parlours all around the UK. The New Forest Ice Cream Co. was founded in 1983 by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Lawrie and Sue Jenman and is now run by their daughters. Stick to classics like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry or be adventurous with Oriental Ginger and Lotus Caramelised Biscoff flavours.

Try it: Grab a scoop all around the New Forest (including Paulton’s Park), or look for it at beachfronts, garden centres and more around Hampshire and beyond. If you want a tub to take home, call and collect direct from the producer in Lymington or try your local Co-op store.

Dylan’s

An East Hampshire favourite (made a smidge over the West Sussex border). Dylan’s distinctive ice cream van is a regular fixture at events all around this neck of the woods. Founder Ben Govier named the South Downs brand after his much-missed black lab (look for the paw in the logo). Beyond the classics, Dylan’s likes to mix it up with all kinds of changing flavours, from rhubarb crumble to half marathon and err, ‘all-natural unicorn’ (the kids’ll love it), with optional sprinkles to dunk it in.

Try it: At the Haslemere shop and at Dylan’s new Petersfield ice cream parlour, opened in 2024 on Chapel Street.

Northney Ice Cream

Here’s one you might not have tried – but it’s well worth seeking out. Freshly churned on Hayling Island, Northney Farm makes delicious dairy ice-cream using the milk from their prize-winning Pedigree Ayrshire herd.

Try it: At Northney’s Tea Room. Or as an interval treat at Portsmouth Guildhall, the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and the Groundlings Theatre.

Chococo

Strictly speaking, Chococo is a Dorset-based chocolatier. But if you’ve tried their gorgeous gelato at their Winchester shop, you’ll understand why we’ve snuck them in here. Dairy-based flavours are made with fresh Dorset milk from Craig’s Farm Dairy near Weymouth and the same fine ingredients used in the tasty chocs. Flavours like Madagascar 70% Dark Chocolate, Dorset Sea Salt Caramel and Colombia 43% Oat M!lk Chocolate have scooped Chococo plenty of Great Taste Awards.

Try it: Head for Chococo’s Chocolate House on Winchester’s High Street, opposite Rick Stein’s, where you can buy it in in cones, pots, milkshakes, affogatos or sundaes, as well as take-home pots.

Mooka

Another small South Downs producer with a well-deserved reputation for tasty ice cream. Mooka is based in the East Hampshire village of Steep Marsh, on the outskirts of Petersfield. Owner Yifat Castle makes all kinds of delicious flavours to her own secret recipe, using an artisan Italian method.

Try it: Pick up a tub at the Muddy Award-winning The Larder, Liss and at Southern Co-op shops around the area. You can also grab a scoop at Chinwags Café in Peterfield’s Folly Market.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Isle of Wight Ice Cream Co.

Headed up by Islanders and a big supporter of local dairy farms, this popular producer’s tasty ice cream is made right in the centre of the Isle of Wight in Newport, using Isle of Wight milk and cream. As well classics like strawberry and vanilla they’ve plenty of creative flavours too, from black cherry kefir to candy floss and s’mores.

Try it: Find it in pubs, cafes and restaurants all around the Island and along the South Coast.

Minghella

One of the Isle of Wight’s most famous families, Minghella has been making ice creams and sorbets here since the 1950s. Using only Island milk and cream, they’re also big supporters of the Isle of Wight dairy industry, too. Beyond the classics, Minghella make some pretty elegant, Isle of Wight and Italian-influenced flavours like Pistachio Siciliano, Seaspray Salty Caramel and Cappuccino. For the really adventurous, try the Black Garlic, sold exclusively at the famous Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.

Try it: At Island cafes and attractions including Carisbrooke Castle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (above) and the peaceful Quarr Abbey. Muddy’s favourite spot is on the beach at Osborne House. Or grab a tub at Co-Op stores on the Island and on the Red Funnel over. (Full list of stockists here).