Sweet Relief: York's Best Cool Treats for a Hot July

As the cobbled streets of York bask in the warmth of summer, locals and visitors alike turn to the city’s many ice cream parlours, gelato spots, and dessert cafés for a cool escape. Whether you're strolling the Shambles or relaxing by the River Ouse, a frozen treat is the perfect companion on a sunny day.

From artisanal gelato to quirky sundaes and vegan-friendly sorbets, York offers an impressive range of indulgent refreshments. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best ice cream and summer treats in York this July.

1. Two Hoots Ice Cream Boat

Where: King’s Staith Landing, River Ouse
Why It’s Special: It’s an ice cream shop on a boat!
What to Expect:

• Classic soft serve and traditional cones
• Views of the river and shaded benches nearby
• A family favourite for boat-watchers and walkers

Try: The 99 Flake with raspberry drizzle—a nostalgic must.

2. Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato

Where: Goodramgate
Why It’s Special: Made fresh on-site by a master gelatiere from Milan.
What to Expect:

• Creamy, rich gelato in rotating seasonal flavours
• Vegan and gluten-free options
• Traditional Italian cones and generous scoops

Try: Pistachio or Amarena Cherry—both made using imported Italian ingredients.

3. The Perky Peacock (at Lendal Bridge Tower)

Where: Inside the medieval tower, Lendal Bridge
Why It’s Special: Hidden gem with river views and excellent vegan options
What to Expect:

• Locally made vegan ice cream and fruit sorbets
• Refreshing iced lattes and matcha frappes
• Riverside seating perfect for cooling off

Try: The dark chocolate vegan ice cream—intensely rich and dairy-free.

4. Fudge Kitchen York

Where: Low Petergate
Why It’s Special: Not ice cream, but perfect for sweet summer indulgence
What to Expect:

• Hand-crafted slabs of creamy fudge in flavours like sea salt caramel or strawberries & cream
• Free samples and fun fudge-making demos
• Great as a take-home souvenir or warm-weather treat

Try: Chilled fudge bites in vanilla clotted cream—ideal for a sweet energy boost while sightseeing.

5. Trinacria: Sicilian Delights

Where: Bishopthorpe Road
Why It’s Special: Authentic Sicilian cannoli, granita, and gelato
What to Expect:

• Homemade granita (a semi-frozen slushy treat) in lemon, almond, or coffee
• Freshly filled cannoli and gelato-filled brioche buns
• Friendly, family-run vibe

Try: Almond granita with a scoop of lemon gelato—a refreshing Mediterranean combo.

6. Licc Ice Cream Parlour

Where: Swinegate, just off Coney Street
Why It’s Special: A York classic, family-run since 2006
What to Expect:

• 24+ flavours of hand-made ice cream
• Milkshakes, waffles, and sundae specials
• Seating available for cooling down indoors

Try: Eton Mess or Honeycomb in a fresh waffle cone.

7. KREP (for Frozen Crêpes & Ice Cream Creations)

Where: Church Street
Why It’s Special: Crêperie meets ice cream parlour with French flair
What to Expect:

• Ice cream-stuffed crêpes with toppings like Biscoff, Nutella, or Oreo
• Frozen yoghurt and iced coffee for a lighter option
• Late opening hours—perfect for evening treats

Try: The “Frozen Banoffee Crêpe” with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.

Bonus: Summer Drinks and Frozen Delights Around York

• Brew & Brownie (Museum Street) – Try the iced coffee and brownie combo
• Spark York (Piccadilly) – This outdoor street food market often hosts frozen dessert pop-ups and smoothie stalls
• Spring Espresso – Known for artisan coffee, but their summer cold brew is hard to beat

When’s the Best Time to Go?

• Mid-morning (10–11:30am): Fewer queues and freshly scooped treats
• Mid-afternoon (2–4pm): Beat the heat with a walk + cone combo
• Evenings (6–8pm): Grab a gelato and enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll

Planning a Sweet Summer Stay in York?

If you’re visiting York this July, consider booking a short-let property near the historic centre or riverside paths so you’re always within reach of the city's best frozen treats.

And if you’re a homeowner in York with a property sitting empty during the summer months, now is the time to list it. With high visitor demand and hot weather driving bookings, short-term lets are in high demand.

Pass the Keys York provides full-service property management—handling bookings, cleaning, guest support, and listing optimisation so you can earn stress-free income while visitors enjoy all York has to offer.

Final Scoop

Whether you’re craving traditional vanilla, adventurous almond granita, or a gelato-stuffed crêpe, York’s summer treat scene delivers. July is the perfect time to explore the city's delicious side—one scoop at a time.

So go on, grab a cone, find a shady bench, and taste your way through York this summer.