Best Ice Cream Shops in Swanage

Baboo Gelato Swanage is a popular ice cream shop in Swanage, known for its high-quality, artisanal gelato and sorbet. Reviews consistently praise the creamy texture, intense flavor, and use of real ingredients. The shop caters to diverse dietary needs, offering vegan and gluten-free options, including a special dog treat. It’s praised for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among families and dog owners. They are committed to using locally sourced ingredients, particularly Dorset fruit and organic milk from Somerset. They also offer unique items like croffles and a wide selection of coffee and hot chocolate. While some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in service or flavor, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the shop’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

Swanage Beach Kiosk is a popular takeaway food shop and mobile food stand located on the beach in Swanage. Reviews paint a mixed picture, with many praising the friendly staff, delicious ice cream, and wide selection of flavors, including popular choices like mango sorbet, mint choc chip, and pistachio. Several reviewers specifically mention the pistachio ice cream, noting its authentic flavor (despite a slight tang in one review) and the fact that it's made with only pistachio nuts. Others highlight the quality of the coffee and the availability of gluten-free options. However, some reviews express disappointment with the price of the pistachio ice cream, citing a 40p surcharge, and one review mentions a confusing experience with the ice cream preparation, alleging that a customer was served ice cream with dairy-free ingredients mixed in with a standard flavor. A few reviews note a slightly negative experience with the service, with one customer complaining about a lack of friendliness and a refusal to provide a discount. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with many customers returning regularly for the ice cream and other treats. The kiosk is known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beachside location.

Fortes Gelateria is an established Italian gelateria with a rich history spanning four generations. Founded in 1926 by Alfonso Forte, who emigrated from Casalattico in Lazio, Italy, the business began on Swanage seafront and has continued to thrive thanks to the dedication of his descendants. The gelateria prides itself on the authenticity of its gelato and sorbets. They strive to create unique flavors exclusively available at their Swanage location, maintaining a commitment to traditional Italian gelato-making techniques. It’s located at 2 The Mowlem, Institute Rd, Swanage, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. The business’s roots trace back to the early 1920s when Alfonso Forte established the first Forte’s Ice Creamery in Swanage. The gelateria has been passed down through four generations of the Forte family, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the business and its heritage. While direct reviews are limited, the TripAdvisor page (though inaccessible) suggests a positive customer experience, highlighting the gelateria’s longstanding presence and popularity within the Swanage community. The gelateria’s unique selling point is its family-run heritage and the exclusive availability of its gelato and sorbets within Swanage. It represents a continuation of a family tradition spanning nearly a century.

Scoopies is a business primarily known for its unique "scoopable" wax melts, offering a wide variety of scents and shapes. Reviews highlight both positive experiences – praising the pleasant aromas, convenient scoopable design, and value for money – and negative ones, noting occasional stockouts and a slightly high price point for some melts. The shop is located in Swanage, offering a pleasant experience with a view. They also sell nutrient dosing tools (Scoopies) for use with Babylon’s nutrient solution, and ice cream scoops designed to mimic the experience of enjoying ice cream. Customer feedback suggests a generally positive experience, with many appreciating the variety and convenience of the products.