From charming parlours on family-run farms to stylish gelaterias, some of the best places in Derbyshire to indulge in delicious ice cream
Bluebells Dairy
The Brown family have been milking cows at Brunswood Farm, Spondon, for three generations. In 2008 they decided to make the most of the fresh, creamy milk by mixing it with the finest ingredients to create delicious handmade ice cream. Bluebells has since become one of the area’s best-known ice cream-makers and has won a host of awards. Visitors to the farm can enjoy twelve delicious flavours - including devilishly chocolate, amaretto and black cherry, raspberry pavlova and chocolate and lavender. Local and regional produce can be purchased in the charming cafe and farm shop, whilst children can enjoy the play area and animal patch, where they can also meet and feed the farm animals. Brunswood Farm, Locko Rd, Derby DE21 7BU, 01332 673924, www.bluebelldairy.co.uk
Matlock Meadows
Located at Masson Farm - a 200-acre working dairy farm on the outskirts of Matlock - this friendly parlour sells homemade ice cream, created using milk from the farm’s dairy herd. Flavours include raspberry ripple, biscotti, apple and cinnamon and mint choc chip. The ice cream is sold in the modern surroundings of the on-site parlour/coffee shop, which also sells a delicious choice of sundaes, fruit sorbets, cakes and drinks. A treat for children and adults alike, there’s also an indoor viewing gallery where you can see the animals and an outside play area. Snitterton Road, Matlock DE4 2JG, 01629 760596, matlockmeadows.co.uk
Frederick’s Queen’s Park Gelateria, Chesterfield
Frederick’s of Chesterfield has been making its original blend of ice cream for four generations, since Angelo Frederick moved from Italy and started producing quality ice cream in Sheffield in 1898. The company relocated to Chesterfield in 1925 and it has since became a favourite throughout the region; winning the Silver Challenge Cup for the best ice cream in Britain on no fewer than six occasions. Ice cream is sold at local events, and also at Queen’s Park Gelateria located by Chesterfield cricket ground. The cafe serves fresh food, Italian coffees and teas, milkshakes and smoothies, plus 19 sumptuous flavours of Frederick’s ice cream. It is open from 8.30am until dusk. Queen’s Park Gelateria, Chesterfield, 01246 275293, www.fredericksicecreams.co.uk
Bradwell’s Dairy Ice Cream
Bradwell’s ice cream has been made in the Peak District village of Bradwell for well over 100 years. The business was founded by ‘Grandma Hannah’, who produced her legendary recipes by hand in her front parlour and sold ice cream across the Peak. Her recipes have been passed down for generations and her former kitchen is now home to the busy ice cream parlour. The high quality, butter-rich dairy ice cream is also available to purchase in ‘take home and enjoy’ tubs in local cafes, shops, parks, delis and restaurants, as well as through selected supermarkets. Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9LB, 01433 620536, www.bradwells.com
Hope Valley Ice Cream
The freshest ingredients including free-range eggs and milk from the Marsden family farm are used in the production of this delicious home-made ice-cream. Flavours include Marsden’s Dairy, Camilla’s Vanilla, Ermintrude’s Chocolate and Barbara’s Blackberry. It is sold in many local cafes and shops and the ice-cream parlour - located on the farm - is open 12-5pm daily. At the parlour, visitors can also sample an exclusive flavour of the month. Thorpe Farm, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1B, 01433 650659, www.hope-valley.co.uk
Frederick’s Gelateria, Bakewell
Bringing an authentic taste of Italy to the Peak District town of Bakewell, another stockist of Frederick’s ice cream is the tiny Bakewell gelateria and cafe bar. With a stylish interior, which includes dramatic use of steel, glass and natural light, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Visitors can enjoy 18 different flavours of ice cream - including the exclusive Bakewell Pudding variety - together with a range of hot and cold snacks, cakes and even a glass of champagne. 1 Bridge Street, Bakewell DE45 1DS, 01629 812849, www.bakewellicecreamparlour.co.uk
Liberty’s Ice Cream Parlour
A fairly new addition to Derby’s ice cream scene, the family-run Liberty’s parlour opened in the intu Centre earlier this year. Offering a unique style of homemade artisan ice cream, freshly made on the premises using locally-sourced cream, the parlour sells over 30 different flavours of ice cream and more than 20 different mix-ins. There’s also a selection of sorbets, cakes, drinks and confectionary. Visitors can enjoy their ice cream in a tub, cone or homemade waffle bowl. Level 1, intu Derby, Derby DE1 2PQ, 01332 986868
Peak District Dairy
Well-known for producing award-winning dairy products, the shop’s offering includes milk from the family farm, cream, butter, farmhouse yoghurts and over 30 flavours of real dairy ice cream. Products are available at the farm shop and café in the centre of Tideswell, seven days a week. Sherwood Rd, Tideswell, SK17 8HR, 01298 871786, www.peakdistrictdairy.co.uk
Blaze Farm
On the edge of the Peak District at Wildboarclough, the farm is renowned for its Hilly Billy Ice Cream – all made on-site using the milk from their own dairy herd. Ice cream can be served in a cone or taken away in a 1 litre tub to enjoy at home. Flavours range from Turkish delight with white chocolate chip to coconut, ginger, double dutch chocolate, raspberry and toffee malt ball varieties. The tea room also sells a choice of homemade cakes. Wildboarclough, SK11 0BL, 01260 227229, www.blazefarm.com
Ice Creams and Dreams
With an eye-catching retro theme, this American-inspired diner in Bakewell celebrates the catering industry of times gone by. Their delicious Movenpick ice cream includes varieties such as double cream and meringue, swiss chocolate, passion fruit mango, caramelita, pistachio and pear sorbet. There’s also a mouth-watering choice of cakes, sundaes and milkshakes - a dream for those with a sweet tooth. Matlock Street, Bakewell, www.icecreamsanddreamsuk.com
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