Iceflation hits UK seaside towns
Iceflation hits the seaside as families face £21 bill for four ice creams
With another heatwave potentially on the horizon, thousands of families will soon be heading to beaches, harbours and seaside promenades in search of sunshine, sea air and one of Britain's favourite summer traditions – an ice cream by the coast.
But new research suggests that this simple holiday treat is becoming increasingly expensive, with families in some UK seaside destinations paying more than £21 for four double-scoop cones.
The study, carried out by financial experts Zable, analysed ice cream prices across 33 popular coastal locations and found significant variations depending on where holidaymakers choose to spend the day.
According to the research, the Welsh harbour town of Porthmadog is the UK's most expensive seaside destination for ice cream. A double-scoop cone costs an average of £5.28, meaning a family of four would spend £21.10 before adding extras such as flakes, sauces or sprinkles.
South Devon's fashionable sailing town of Salcombe is not far behind. Known for its picturesque estuary, luxury lifestyle and thriving tourism economy, the town recorded an average price of £5.25 for a double scoop, bringing the cost for a family of four to £21.
Cornwall also features prominently among the country's priciest ice cream hotspots. Padstow ranks third, with a double-scoop cone costing £4.83, while St Ives also makes the top ten at £4.55.
Elsewhere, Tenby in Pembrokeshire and Bournemouth in Dorset were among the destinations where visitors can expect to pay well above the national average for a seaside scoop.
The findings highlight how seemingly small holiday purchases can quickly add up, particularly for families already facing rising costs for travel, parking, food and attractions.
However, the research also revealed that some seaside destinations continue to offer surprisingly good value.
Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire was named the UK's most affordable location for ice cream, with a single scoop costing just £1.95 on average. A family of four can therefore enjoy a traditional seaside treat for less than £8.
Other destinations offering better value include Tynemouth in the North East, Ilfracombe in Devon, Portree on the Isle of Skye and Saltburn in North Yorkshire.
Interestingly, the study found that higher prices are not always linked to larger tourist destinations. In some cases, smaller coastal towns and villages were charging prices comparable with some of the UK's busiest resorts.
James Goforth, Product Manager at Zable, said: "While an ice cream might feel like one of the smaller costs of a family day out, our research shows that prices can vary dramatically depending on where in the UK you choose to visit.
"At the most expensive destinations, a simple treat for a family of four can cost upwards of £15 for a single scoop each, and that's before you factor in travel, parking, food and everything else that comes with a day at the beach.
"What is perhaps most striking is that a higher price tag does not always mean a bigger, busier destination. Some of the smallest seaside villages in the country are charging prices that rival the most visited coastal cities."
With temperatures expected to rise again this summer, many families may be looking for ways to keep costs under control while still enjoying days by the sea.
The message from the research is simple: if you're planning a coastal getaway, it might be worth checking the ice cream prices before joining the queue.
