Winstone’s Ice Cream Rodborough
A historic family-run ice cream parlour on Rodborough Common, offering artisan flavors with breathtaking countryside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for enjoying ice cream outdoors
Winstone’s Ice Cream Rodborough
Best Time
Perfect for enjoying ice cream outdoors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic family-run ice cream parlour on Rodborough Common, offering artisan flavors with breathtaking countryside views.
"A special place with delicious ice cream and stunning views, a true Cotswold gem!"
🎯 Beat the Queue
Lines move fast! Staff are efficient, so don't be deterred by a queue on sunny days.
🍦 Flavor Adventure
Try unique seasonal flavors like rhubarb crumble or honey & ginger alongside classics.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rodborough Common Views
Rodborough Common
Savor artisanal ice cream with breathtaking panoramic views of the Gloucestershire countryside.
Artisan Ice Cream Flavors
Takeaway hatch
Indulge in a rotating selection of classic and inventive flavors, including dairy-free sorbets.
Family-Run Heritage
Winstone's Ice Cream Parlour
Experience nearly a century of tradition at this charming, family-run Cotswold gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views & the Queue
A Taste of Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Queue
Lines move fast! Staff are efficient, so don't be deterred by a queue on sunny days.
🍦 Flavor Adventure
Try unique seasonal flavors like rhubarb crumble or honey & ginger alongside classics.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Treat
Bring your furry friend! They offer special dog ice cream.
🚴 Cyclist's Pitstop
Perfect refuel spot on popular Cotswold cycling routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Queue
Lines move fast! Staff are efficient, so don't be deterred by a queue on sunny days.
🍦 Flavor Adventure
Try unique seasonal flavors like rhubarb crumble or honey & ginger alongside classics.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Treat
Bring your furry friend! They offer special dog ice cream.
🚴 Cyclist's Pitstop
Perfect refuel spot on popular Cotswold cycling routes.
📸 Scenic Spot
Enjoy your cone with stunning countryside views. Perfect for photos!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Winstone's Ice Cream for its delicious, artisan flavors and the absolutely stunning setting atop Rodborough Common. The family-run heritage adds to its charm, and the efficient service ensures queues move quickly. While it's a takeaway spot, the beautiful views and quality ice cream make it a highly recommended destination for locals and tourists alike.
"Delicious & so satisfying when the sun is shining to just chill with a lovely ice cream from here! The cute shop, views & setting makes you feel you've travelled back in time. The only thing that that brings you back to 2025 is the choice of flavours of ice cream & wafers! A special place."
Alan
"Winstone’s Ice Cream – A Sweet Slice of Cotswold Tradition
Nestled atop Rodborough Common just outside Stroud, Winstone’s Ice Cream is a Cotswolds gem that has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1925. Still family-run and now into its fourth generation, Winstone’s combines nearly a century of tradition with a passion for small-batch artisan production – and it shows in every scoop.
The first thing that strikes you is the setting. With sweeping views of the Gloucestershire countryside, the parlour itself is simple – more a takeaway hatch than a sit-in café – but its charm lies in its surroundings. Benches and grassy knolls make it the perfect place for a sunny stroll, cycle break or family outing, with plenty of space to enjoy your cone in peace.
Speaking of cones, the ice cream is everything you’d hope for and more. With a generous rotation of flavours including indulgent classics like salted caramel, rum & raisin, and strawberries & cream, to more inventive seasonal offerings like rhubarb crumble and honey & ginger, there’s something for everyone. They also cater thoughtfully to dietary needs with a selection of dairy-free sorbets – the mango is especially refreshing.
Prices are reasonable for the quality and portions: £2.00 for a single scoop, £4.00 for a double, and just 50p more for a waffle cone. Hot drinks are also on offer, with coffees and teas priced between £1.70 and £2.50 – ideal if you're stopping off during a walk or cycle across the common.
For cyclists, it’s a particularly welcome pitstop. Right on popular cycling routes through the Cotswolds, Winstone’s is perfectly positioned for a break with a view and a treat to refuel.
Winstone’s Ice Cream is more than just a place to grab a cone – it’s a nostalgic experience, a celebration of heritage, and a reminder of the simple joys of countryside life. Whether you’re on two wheels, four wheels, or just two feet, it’s well worth the trip."
Mark Johnson
"Definitely worth a visit.
Excellent ice cream.
Even if you see a big waiting line, don’t worry, the staff work extremely efficiently and the line moves quickly."
Chrysanthos George Makariou (Chris)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Winstone's is located on Rodborough Common, just outside Stroud. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors also arrive by bike or on foot, as it's a popular spot for walks and cycling routes through the Cotswolds.
While there isn't direct public transport to the exact spot on the common, you can take a bus or train to Stroud and then arrange a taxi or enjoy a longer walk/cycle to reach Winstone's.
There is parking available on Rodborough Common, though it can get busy during peak times. Be prepared for a short walk from the parking area to the ice cream parlour.
Absolutely! Winstone's is a well-known pitstop for cyclists exploring the Cotswolds. There are usually places to secure bikes nearby.
Yes, the drive to Rodborough Common offers lovely countryside views, making it a pleasant journey for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Winstone's Ice Cream. It's a free-to-access location on Rodborough Common. You only pay for the ice cream and any drinks you purchase.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, especially during winter. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information, but they are typically open during daylight hours, particularly on weekends and during warmer months.
Rodborough Common is a public space managed by the National Trust, and there is no entry fee to access it. You can freely roam the common and enjoy the views.
Winstone's operates as a takeaway counter, not a sit-in restaurant. There are benches and grassy areas on the common to enjoy your ice cream, but no tables to book.
They typically accept card payments, which is convenient for most visitors. It's always a good idea to have some cash as a backup, though card is widely preferred.
🎫 🍦 Onsite Experience
Winstone's boasts a wide variety of flavors, from classic favorites like salted caramel and strawberries & cream to more adventurous seasonal options such as rhubarb crumble and honey & ginger. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
Yes, Winstone's offers a selection of delicious dairy-free sorbets, with mango being a popular choice.
You can purchase your ice cream in either a standard cone or a tub. Waffle cones are also available for a small additional charge.
Winstone's is primarily a takeaway establishment. While there are no indoor seating facilities, there are numerous benches and ample grassy areas on Rodborough Common perfect for picnicking and enjoying your ice cream with a view.
Yes, dogs are very welcome! Winstone's even offers a special dog-friendly ice cream, making it a great stop for pet owners.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Besides their extensive range of ice creams and sorbets, Winstone's also offers hot drinks like coffees and teas, perfect for a cooler day or to accompany your treat.
Prices are very reasonable for the quality. A single scoop is around £2.00, a double scoop is about £4.00, and waffle cones are an extra 50p. Hot drinks range from £1.70 to £2.50.
Yes, you can purchase ice cream in tubs to take away and enjoy later. This is a great option if you want to stock up on your favorite flavors.
Rodborough Common itself is an ideal spot for a picnic. You can purchase your ice cream and drinks from Winstone's and find a scenic spot on the common to enjoy them.
While flavors rotate, classics like salted caramel, rum & raisin, and strawberries & cream are perennial favorites. Seasonal specials also draw a lot of attention.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from Rodborough Common are spectacular, offering fantastic backdrops for photos with your ice cream. The charming ice cream parlour itself also makes for a picturesque shot.
Yes, Rodborough Common is known for its beautiful sunsets. Capturing the golden hour light over the countryside with a cone of Winstone's ice cream would make for a memorable photo.
Absolutely! The vibrant colors and unique presentation of the ice cream flavors are very photogenic. Don't hesitate to snap pictures of your chosen scoops.
The rolling hills and expansive views of the Cotswolds from Rodborough Common are the main photographic draw. You might also find interesting trees or natural features on the common itself.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good light for close-ups of the ice cream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic blanket and make an afternoon of it. The takeaway nature of the parlour means you can easily find a scenic spot on the common to relax. It's a simple, joyful experience that creates lasting memories for children and adults alike.
🚴 Cyclists & Hikers
Whether you're on a strenuous bike ride or a leisurely hike, a stop at Winstone's offers the perfect blend of refreshment and scenic beauty. The availability of hot drinks also makes it a welcoming stop on cooler days.
🐶 Dog Owners
It's a great place to stop after a long walk with your dog, allowing both of you to cool down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The friendly atmosphere extends to our canine companions, making it a stress-free visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Sweetness: The Winstone's Story
The secret to their enduring success lies in their dedication to small-batch artisan production. Unlike mass-produced ice creams, Winstone's focuses on crafting each flavor with care, using high-quality ingredients. This meticulous approach ensures a rich, creamy texture and intense flavor in every scoop. The rotating selection of flavors, from comforting classics to innovative seasonal creations, reflects this ongoing commitment to culinary excellence and customer delight.
Beyond the ice cream itself, Winstone's offers a complete countryside experience. The setting atop Rodborough Common provides not just a picturesque backdrop but also an opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you're arriving by car, bike, or on foot, the journey to Winstone's is part of the adventure, culminating in a delicious reward enjoyed amidst stunning natural beauty. It’s this blend of heritage, quality, and location that makes Winstone's a truly special destination.
Cycling Paradise: Winstone's as a Cyclist's Haven
The convenience of Winstone's for cyclists is undeniable. After navigating the rolling hills and picturesque lanes of the Cotswolds, a refreshing scoop of artisan ice cream is the perfect reward. The availability of both classic and unique flavors ensures there's something to satisfy every palate. Furthermore, the outdoor setting on the common means cyclists can easily park their bikes nearby and enjoy their treats without the hassle of indoor dining.
Many reviews highlight Winstone's as a welcome break for those on two wheels. The opportunity to relax, enjoy the views, and replenish energy levels makes it a crucial part of the cycling experience in the area. It’s a place where cyclists can connect, share stories, and simply enjoy the simple pleasure of good ice cream in a beautiful setting.
A Feast for the Senses: Flavors and Views
The taste experience at Winstone's is equally impressive. The ice cream is crafted with care, offering a delightful array of flavors. From the comforting familiarity of classics like salted caramel and strawberries & cream to the intriguing notes of seasonal specials such as rhubarb crumble and honey & ginger, there's a flavor to excite every taste bud. The availability of dairy-free sorbets also ensures that a wider audience can partake in the delicious offerings.
Even the sounds and smells contribute to the overall ambiance. The gentle breeze rustling through the grass, the distant sounds of nature, and the sweet aroma of ice cream create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. For those with canine companions, the added delight of dog-friendly ice cream adds another layer of joy, making it a truly inclusive and sensory-rich destination.
Social
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