A Family Run Business Since 1927

CADWALADERS

Cadwaladers, a beloved name in Wales, has been delighting generations with its traditional ice cream since 1927.

Known for its rich history and unwavering commitment to quality, Cadwaladers has become a cherished institution, capturing the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Each scoop is a testament to the family-run business’s dedication to using the finest ingredients and time-honoured recipes, ensuring that every bite is a nostalgic journey into the past.

From its picturesque locations in Criccieth, Porthmadog, and Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, Cardiff Bay and Porthcawl in South Wales, and Trentham Gardens in England, Cadwaladers continues to be a beacon of sweetness and tradition, offering not just ice cream, but a taste of Welsh heritage.

What sets Cadwaladers apart isn’t just our storied history but our dedication to innovation and culinary excellence. While our roots may lie in the nostalgia of yesteryear, we continue to evolve with the times, offering modern twists on timeless classics that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

So, whether you’re craving a scoop of our legendary ice cream, a steaming cup of our signature coffee, or a savory snack to satisfy your hunger, Cadwaladers invites you to indulge in a culinary experience like no other. Come join us and discover why Cadwaladers has been a cherished institution for nearly a century.

6lbs of ‘’shan’t tell you’’ and ‘’a great deal of love and care’’

The Cadwaladers Ice Cream story began in 1927. The Cadwalader family lived in Criccieth in Gwynedd, North Wales. There they made and sold their closely guarded secret recipe, vanilla ice cream, from the window of their Criccieth general store.

Cadwaladers Vanilla Ice Cream has a unique taste and it enticed customers from miles around. Childhood memories from Criccieth holidays continue to bring customers back year after year for a taste of those special memories. The list of ingredients in the original handwritten copy of Hannah Cadwalader’s secret recipe include; 6lbs of ‘’shan’t tell you’’ and ‘’a great deal of love and care’’.

Holding on to tradition whilst embracing Change

The Company, including the secret recipe and the actual Criccieth store, originally changed hands in the 1980’s. Improvements in food safety laws (such as no more raw egg!) meant that a slight adaptation to the secret recipe was necessary.

To ensure that the unique flavour remains, the recipe is regularly and continuously taste tested by loyal customers, including some who started enjoying Cadwaladers vanilla ice cream in the 1930’s.

Cadwaladers became a huge part of the culture on the Llyn Peninsula and the reputation of the Ice Cream spread far and wide.

A New Family but the same core values

In addition to the original Criccieth store, Cadwaladers can now be found in Porthmadog and Betws Y Coed in North Wales, Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, Porthcawl in South Wales, and at Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire.

Cadwaladers is now owned by the Brierley family who, together with our team of more than one hundred, operate the six stores. Cadwaladers famous vanilla ice cream is always available in our stores as well as a wide choice of other ice cream flavours. Always popular in the summer, but also popular in the colder months, Cadwaladers provides a warm, comfortable and cosy setting for our customers to enjoy.

Something for everyone, including your dog

Besides being specialist ice cream stores, we also serve our exclusive and specially developed blend of coffee in a range of bespoke hot drinks, a delicious and unique hot chocolate blend and our speciality teas together with a wide range of cold beverages, including smoothies, frappes and fresh ice cream milk shakes.

We also have an exciting and delicious expansive range of ice cream sundaes and, in most stores, a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon food menu. Our “dog friendly policy” means we love to welcome our customers well behaved dogs. Cadwaladers truly caters for all tastes for all seasons.

Cadwaladers Ice Cream & Coffee

Cadwaladers Vanilla Ice Cream

Our Original Welsh Vanilla ice cream recipe is still used today, and continues to command a growing loyalty from customers who appreciate the very best in ice cream.

Our delicious secret Welsh Vanilla recipe has a wonderfully soft and rich flavour, is stocked in all our stores, is available in all of our cones and tubs, and it is used in our delicious cold drinks and indulgent sundaes.

Cadwaladers 28/3 Espresso Blend

Specially created for our customers, our 28/3 Bespoke Espresso blend was introduced in 2012 and has grown a following of devotees that appreciate the finer quality of hand crafted hot drinks.

Our 28/3 Espresso is made from a blend of the finest Central American, Ethiopian and Indian beans which when roasted creates a dark and smooth espresso with a slightly sweet and fruity balanced flavour.

More Than Just Ice Cream & Coffee

Cadwaladers stores offer a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks.

Take a look at our menu.

Where To Find Our Stores

CRICCIETH

Cadwaladers in Criccieth enjoys a prime location overlooking the stunning Cardigan Bay, offering breathtaking views that complement our delightful range of treats.

Situated in this historic coastal town, our store provides a welcoming and cosy atmosphere where visitors can indulge in our renowned ice creams, delicious cakes, hot & cold snacks, cold drinks, and freshly brewed coffees & teas.

Whether you’re strolling along the picturesque beaches, exploring Criccieth Castle, or simply enjoying the serene seaside ambience, Cadwaladers is the perfect spot to relax and savour the flavours of North Wales.

PORTHMADOG

Cadwaladers in Porthmadog enjoys a prime location in this harbour town, known for its rich maritime heritage and scenic beauty.

Close to the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, our store offers a welcoming retreat for both locals and visitors. Guests can indulge in our renowned ice creams, delectable cakes, and freshly brewed coffees while taking in the charming views of the town and its bustling harbour.

Whether you’re exploring the nearby sandy beaches or embarking on a scenic train journey, Cadwaladers in Porthmadog is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a sweet treat amidst the captivating allure of North Wales.

BETWS-Y-COED

Cadwaladers in Betws-y-Coed is nestled in the heart of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, providing a picturesque and inviting spot for visitors to relax and enjoy a delightful range of treats.

Located in this charming village, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, our store offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after exploring the local area.

With a menu featuring our famous ice creams, indulgent cakes, and freshly brewed coffees, Cadwaladers is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a sweet escape in North Wales.

MERMAID QUAY

Cadwaladers in Mermaid Quay is situated in the vibrant heart of Cardiff Bay, offering a delightful spot for visitors to unwind and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.

Surrounded by the bustling activity of this popular leisure destination, our store provides a welcoming space to savour our famous ice creams, delicious cakes, and freshly brewed coffees.

With stunning views of the marina and proximity to attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre and Techniquest, Cadwaladers in Mermaid Quay is the perfect place to relax and indulge in a sweet treat while soaking in the lively and scenic ambience of Cardiff’s waterfront.

PORTHCAWL

Cadwaladers in Porthcawl is situated along the beautiful South Wales coast, offering a delightful haven for visitors to this vibrant seaside town.

Known for its sandy beaches, bustling promenade, and the renowned Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl is a popular destination. Our store provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can savour our signature ice creams, delicious cakes, hot & cold snacks, cold drinks, and freshly brewed coffees & teas.

Cadwaladers in Porthcawl is the ideal spot to unwind and indulge in a sweet treat, after exploring or simply taking in the coastal views.

TRENTHAM

Cadwaladers in Trentham is located in the Trentham Estate & Gardens, a destination renowned for its stunning gardens, serene lake, and unique shopping village.

Our store offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can relax and enjoy our ice creams, delicious cakes, hot & cold snacks, cold drinks, and freshly brewed coffees & teas.

Whether you’re exploring the scenic trails of the Italian Gardens and the tranquillity of the Monkey Forest, shopping for unique finds in the shopping village, or simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings, our store is a delightful retreat in the heart of Staffordshire.