Summer’s not quite over, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the pure bliss of an ice cream on a hot sunny day. Bath being a foodie’s paradise, it’s bursting with places to get a delicious ice cream or – if you fancy something a little different – a creamy gelato.

Here’s our pick of the 4 best places to enjoy ice cream in Bath…

1. Swoon Bath

For some of the very best gelato Bath has to offer, you absolutely must visit Swoon. For those not in the know, gelato differs to ice cream in its fat and sugar content. It contains as much as half the fat as normal ice cream, but offers a creamier taste. For ice cream lovers worried about the calories, gelato is the perfect choice!

You’ll find Swoon on Kingsmead Square, not far from the Theatre Royal and our own sparkling Hot Bath studio apartment next to the Thermae Bath Spa. The parlour churns its own gelato on site, using Somerset milk and other top quality local ingredients. As well as a fabulous flavour menu which includes Amarena Cherry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel, the chefs at Swoon also create six seasonal specials every month so there’s always something new to try.

2. The Real Italian Ice Cream Company

Over on York Street, you’ll find a family-run parlour serving up a wide range of traditional ice cream flavours, plus crepes, waffles and ice cream-topped hot chocolates! You’ll find the gelaterie in a convenient location right in the centre of town, close to the Roman Baths. Stop in from 10am any day of the week and bring the family, as kids are more than welcome. Our bijoux No.10 apartment is right next to York Street, so perfect for popping out for an ice cream during your stay!

3. David Thayer’s Ice Cream

Another York Street parlour fighting it out for the customers on sunny Bath afternoons is David Thayer’s Ice Cream Shop, a very traditional and good value shop that is known for doing an irresistible chocolate and hazelnut flavour along with all the classics you’d expect.

4. The San Francisco Fudge Factory

While primarily known as purveyors of utterly scrumptious fudge, all handmade with local British ingredients, the San Francisco Fudge Factory on Church Street also sells the hugely popular Marshfield ice cream. Made on a West Country family farm for almost 30 years, this is real dairy ice cream in a fantastic range of flavours. Pop into the Fudge Factory to try some and of course, it’d be rude not to pick up some fudge while you’re there!

If you’re planning an ice cream tour of Bath, make sure you have the perfect headquarters for your dairy-based culinary adventures. Bath Holiday Rentals has a wide range of properties available throughout the city centre, and all within easy reach of some of the best ice cream parlours in Bath.