Where to get the best ice cream in Mumbles and the Gower

There’s something about the smell of the sea air, the feeling of sand between your toes, and the joy of an ice cream in-hand that makes a British coastal holiday complete. It’s been synonymous with our seaside escapes since Victorian times. 

From childhood memories of 99s melting faster than you could eat them and sprinkles scattered across your face to holidays spent seeking out the creamiest scoops and most inventive local flavours; ice cream and the Welsh seaside are an inseparable duo.  

And nowhere captures that easy, timeless pleasure quite like Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula. Here, coastal charm and tasty scoops go hand in hand. Whether you’re queueing at a harbour-front parlour, stumbling across a hidden gem in a village cafe, or enjoying a cone as you watch the sunset over the bay, it’s a simple, joyful pleasure – and one of our top recommended things to do in Mumbles.

Read on to discover our top ice cream spots in the area, and our Marketing Manager – self-proclaimed ice cream expert – Laura’s recommendations for the tastiest treats. 

Skip to:

• Joes Ice Cream 
• Verdi’s
• GG’s Gelato 
• Forte’s 
• Ripples 

Joe's Ice Cream

A name synonymous with ice cream in Swansea, Joe’s is the kind of place that generations of locals and visitors alike hold dear. Joe Cascarini, originally from Italy, opened his first parlour in Swansea back in 1922. His recipe for fresh vanilla ice cream – still a closely guarded family secret – has barely changed in over a century; for good reason. 

The signature vanilla is a rite of passage for anyone visiting the area and while you’ll find other tempting flavours on offer, it’s that original scoop (preferably topped with chocolate sprinkles) that people travel miles for. 

Joe’s flagship parlour is on St Helen’s Road in Swansea, but you’ll find their busiest shop in Mumbles, perfectly placed for a delicious treat as you wander around the village. They serve a wide variety of sundaes, milkshakes and a selection of drinks, but the star of the show will always be that classic vanilla. 

Verdi’s

A Mumbles institution with seriously stunning sea views, Verdi’s is the kind of place where you could easily lose an afternoon. Set right on the waterfront with panoramic windows looking out over Swansea Bay, this family-run Italian cafe has been serving ice cream, coffee, and classic desserts for more than 30 years. 

Verdi’s is famed for its generous ice cream menu, boasting more than 30 flavours of home-made gelato and sorbet, made with Welsh milk and Italian know-how. From classics like hazelnut and chocolate to more unusual seasonal specials, there’s something for everyone, which is why it's one of our top places to eat in Mumbles.

But it’s not just about the ice cream. The cafe also serves pizzas, pastas and pastries, making it a favourite for family lunches and evening meals with a view. Grab a seat by the window, order a sundae piled high with cream and sauce, and soak up the unbeatable coastal views. 

GG’s Gelato

Set within the heart of Penclawdd – famous for its cockles and beautiful views over the Loughor Estuary – you’ll find GG’s Gelato. A relatively new addition to the Gower ice cream scene, this family run parlour has quickly become a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering a touch of Italian tradition to South Wales with its smooth gelato made fresh on-site. 

The menu features an ever-evolving line-up of flavours, from classic chocolate and pistachio to more adventurous creations like Biscoff, cherry cheesecake, and mango sorbet. It’s the kind of place where one scoop turns into two before you’ve even made it out the door. 

While ice cream is the star, GG’s also serves hot drinks, waffles and milkshakes – perfect for warming up after a brisk Gower Peninsula walk or for indulging on a sunny afternoon. There’s limited seating inside, but a takeaway cone overlooking the estuary comes highly recommended. 

Forte’s

Ask any Mumbles local about Forte’s and you’ll likely be met with a smile; this classic seafront parlour has been serving up traditional ice cream since the 1930s, and while trends come and go, Forte’s has remained a beloved fixture overlooking the sea. 

It’s not just ice cream on the menu at Fortes; there's a tasty selection of breakfasts and light meals available too. And while this parlour once offered a more traditional range of flavours, now there is a huge selection to choose from including seasonal specials, vegan offerings and even a boozy range. 

Located above Limeslade Bay, it’s perfectly placed for a reward after a walk along the coast path or a paddle in the bay. Inside, it’s all retro charm and cheerful service; a proper seaside parlour with plenty of nostalgia.  

Ripples

Part cafe, part ice cream parlour, Ripples is one of those relaxing spots you’ll find yourself drawn to time and again. Nestled right on the Mumbles seafront, it’s a family-friendly place where you can grab a coffee, a bite to eat, or – most importantly – a really good ice cream. 

Their range of ice creams is the ideal seaside pick-me-up, with a wide choice of flavours and generous portions. Beyond the frozen treats, Ripples is also known for its breakfasts, warming soups in the winter, and homemade cakes – making it a popular pitstop for walkers and cyclists as they make their way along the promenade. 

Offering outdoor seating overlooking beautiful Swansea Bay, it’s a great place to watch the world go by, cone in-hand, as the tide comes and goes. 

Stay in a Mumbles holiday cottage

Is it even a trip to the seaside if you haven’t had an ice cream? We don’t think so and thankfully Mumbles and the Gower have plenty of options to choose from. So, whether you’re a classic vanilla loyalist or someone chasing the quirkiest flavours, a stay in a holiday cottage in the area will inundate you with spots to try. 

If ice cream heaven sounds like a perfect place for your holiday, check out our wide range of cottages across Swansea and the Gower Peninsula. From dog-friendly holiday homes to luxury Gower cottages, we’re sure to have the perfect holiday home for you.