Five places for the best ice cream in County Durham

Despite much of the UK seeing high temperatures at the end of July, more mixed weather conditions have been seen over the last seven days. 

So, along with all of these five County Durham ice cream places - hopefully, the sun will be shining when you enjoy these locations for a sundae, soft serve, ice lolly, or even a lemon top. 

It's normally the case that seaside ice cream is better than any other - and this list proves, as three of these ice cream places happen to be located in Seaham.

Without further ado, here are the five best places for ice cream in County Durham, according to people on TripAdvisor.

Five places for the best ice cream in County Durham:

Rainbow Scoops

33 Tubwell Row, Darlington, DL1 1NU

Rainbow Scoops in Darlington claims to offer “approximately 100 flavours” of ice cream as well as a “huge” vegan range.

It’s just one of the many places suggested by our readers when it comes to trying some of the best in the area.

On the shop’s Facebook page, it says: “Ice cream parlour offering 100 approx flavours of ice cream including a huge Vegan range”.

Just some of the flavours include sticky toffee which is described as “genuine Italian style gelato... Smooth and creamy with plenty of soft toffee pieces... Also makes a fabulous milkshake.”

One person on TripAdvisor said: "Me and my friend stopped in for a milkshake and sorbet scoop. We could not believe how we had not gone before! The milkshake and sorbet was absolutely delicious, shop was clean and tidy and most notably the customer service was excellent. The price was more than reasonable and we will definitely be returning!"

Lickety Split Creamery & Juice Bar

13 North Terrace, Seaham, SR7 7EU

This place is a popular choice, given that it's a 1950s American-style ice cream parlour - selling award-winning ice cream. 

Family-owned, this place claims to be the first of its kind in County Durham. 

Serving savoury food, as well as ice cream, this place has rave reviews on TripAdvisor. 

If you visit Lickety Split in the summer holiday, prepare to queue. 

One person who visited the venue said: "Wonderful ice cream. Fabulous selection, and great staff. Less than £5 for two ice creams, and very generous portions. We had banoffee flavour, it was gorgeous. We will go again with the kids, as they do sundaes."

The Dairy Barn

Crook, DL15 8AN

Ranked four out of five stars on TripAdvisor, this place boasts great ice creams and amazing savoury options too, according to those that reviewed it. 

Located in Crook, it might not be the location where you expect to get great ice cream - but many people have cited this place as one of the best around.

Using fresh and local ingredients, this place has great reviews from those who have visited.

One impressed customer said: "We have visited the Dairy Barn about 10 times now in all seasons. Absolutely love this place. The views are stunning, I could sit there all day. Lovely park and space that keeps the kids entertained. We've come for ice cream, tea and cakes, we've come for hot food and tried the breakfasts and the main meals. All lovely quality and very delicious."

Archers Jersey Ice Cream Parlour

New Moor Farm, Walworth Gate, Darlington, DL2 2UD

As a family business manufacturing Ice Cream from the milk of their own herd of cows, you can't get much fresher when it comes to ice cream.  

As well as offering traditional flavours, this place is noted as having experimental flavours.

They try to keep flavours seasonal, introducing champagne rhubarb that was grown in the farm garden from seed, along with many fruits.

Alongside offering ice cream, Archers also offers coffee and savoury items as well. 

One visitor to the venue said on TripAdvisor: "Best ice cream down at the farm. Plenty to choose from and all delicious. I'm a big ice cream fan and I always enjoy going and trying something different. Black cherry is incredible."

Chilled Out Gelato

Featherbed Court, Unit 1, Seaham, SR7 7XR

So far, all of the places listed have stuck to more traditional ice creams - but this place pushes the boundaries of ice cream, including plenty of desserts, including waffles, pancakes, and sundaes. 

Based in Seaham, Chilled Out Gelato is a must-visit if you're in the area, according to reviewers. 

One person said on TripAdvisor: "The ice cream was wonderful, they were very generous with the ice cream, great prices and loads of ice cream to choose from. The service was very friendly as well. Going again."