What's The Scoop? 6 Best Ice Cream & Gelato Spots to Cool You Down This Summer

Let’s be honest. Oxford is absolutely glowing right now. The skies are clear, the parks are full, and the city's sandstone buildings are practically shimmering in this heat. And when the mercury climbs there’s only one solution: ice cream. Cold, creamy, joy-in-a-cone ice cream.

There’s something a little nostalgic and wildly indulgent about stopping mid-walk for a scoop. Whether it’s classic vanilla or Italian pistachio, waffle cones or tubs, nothing says summer quite like a perfectly drippy treat in hand as you wander through the cobbled streets.

From small-batch Italian-style gelato to outrageous sundaes and over-the-top milkshakes, here’s where to find the very best ice cream and gelato in and around Oxford.

1. Swoon Gelato – Award-Winning Luxury by the Scoop

📍 swoononaspoon.co.uk If you’re serious about your gelato, Swoon should be your first stop. Located on the High Street, this sleek, modern gelateria makes everything in-house using traditional Italian techniques and premium ingredients. Their pistachio has won Great Taste awards, and their dark chocolate is rich, glossy, and almost too good. Vegan options? Absolutely. Seasonal specials? Always. Expect queues on sunny days, and trust us, it’s worth the wait.

2. iScream Gelateria – Covered Market Coolness

📍 iscreamoxford.co.uk Right in the heart of the Covered Market, iScream is a handmade-gelato powerhouse. Expect perfectly smooth textures, bold flavours like tiramisu and peanut butter, and friendly staff who will absolutely encourage you to sample a few before you commit. Their small-batch, fresh-daily ethos makes every visit feel like a discovery. Also: their vegan range is seriously impressive.

3. Alfonso Gelateria – Proper Italian Gelato in Woodstock & Witney

📍 alfonsogelateria.com A little beyond the Oxford city centre, but absolutely worth the drive, Alfonso Gelateria brings true Italian soul to Woodstock and Witney. This family-run gelateria uses traditional methods and imported ingredients to serve beautifully smooth, flavour-packed gelato in small batches. From Bronte pistachios to Amalfi lemons, every scoop tastes like summer in Italy. A must-visit if you're heading out for a Cotswold day trip.

4. Sundaes Gelato – Maximalist Scoops & Dessert Dreams

📍 sundaesgelato.co.uk/oxford For those who believe more is more, Sundaes Gelato on St Aldate’s delivers over-the-top frozen treats with a side of neon flair. We’re talking stacked sundaes, ice cream-topped waffles, milkshakes, cookie dough desserts and all kinds of sweet-tooth madness. It’s loud, colourful, and unapologetically indulgent—perfect for a birthday treat or just a “because it’s summer” excuse.

5. Shake Lab – Over-the-Top Shakes at Westgate

📍 theshakelab.co.uk Right in the heart of Westgate, Shake Lab is here for those who want their ice cream drinkable and loaded. Their milkshakes are pure theatre: piled with whipped cream, stacked with toppings, and full of nostalgic childhood joy. Go classic with chocolate or strawberry, or get wild with cookie dough, Oreo, or Biscoff specials. They even do plant-based versions so no one misses out.

6. Moo Moo’s – Oxford’s Milkshake Royalty

📍 moo-moos.co.uk Nestled in the Covered Market and impossible to miss thanks to its bright pink branding, Moo Moo’s is an Oxford legend. Known for blending up just about any sweet imaginable into a milkshake—yes, that includes Kinder Bueno, Jammie Dodgers, or entire slices of cake—they’ve earned cult status with locals and students alike. It’s fun, chaotic, and utterly irresistible on a hot day. Bonus: they offer dairy-free options too!

7. George & Danver – Big Flavours on Little Clarendon

📍 georgeanddanver.co.uk Part of the iconic G&D’s trio, George & Danver is a student-favourite and neighbourhood staple. Their homemade ice cream flavours change all the time, with favourites like cinnamon swirl, cookie dough, and vegan berry ripple. Want to really mix things up? Have your scoop sandwiched in a freshly toasted bagel. It shouldn’t work—but it does.

10. Snowflake Gelato – Luxe Flavours in Westgate

📍 snowflakegelato.co.uk Sleek and high-end, Snowflake brings proper gelato glamour to Westgate. It’s all about silky textures, intense flavours, and just a hint of drama. The pistachio is deep and nutty, the caramel is addictive, and their vegan options go way beyond basic sorbets. Think high fashion—but frozen.

Oxford’s ice cream scene is as cool as the cones it serves. Whether you're strolling through ancient college quads, shopping in Westgate, or lounging in South Park, there's a dreamy frozen treat waiting just around the corner. And with the sun blazing and summer in full swing, there's no better time to dive into Oxford’s gelato game.

So go on—treat yourself.

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