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Ice Cream Vans for Hire in the UK

We’ve found the best ice cream vans in the UK to offer a fantastic array of ice cream for weddings, parties and corporate events. Our ice cream vans cater for all event types and budgets, including artisan gelato and classic British, and more.Read more

Best Ice Cream Vans in the UK

Satisfy your sweet tooth with our incredible selection of the UK's best ice cream vans for hire! Whether you're after classic Mr. Whippy, gourmet gelato, or vegan soft serve, we have 73 fantastic vans ready to roll up to your wedding, corporate event, or garden party. Discover the perfect chilly treat to delight your guests and make your event truly memorable, no matter the occasion or location across the country.

  • Every ice cream van on this list has been personally vetted by the Poptop team, ensuring top-notch hygiene, professional service, and a proven track record of delighting guests at events nationwide.
  • The average price for an ice cream van is £6 per guest or £536 per event, with the final cost depending on factors like guest numbers, duration of service, and your chosen menu and toppings.
  • Our fantastic UK-wide ice cream van suppliers have catered for 491 events in total, earning 145 verified reviews with an excellent average rating of 4.90* out of 5*.

Traditional Vintage-Style Ice Cream & Gelato Trike
5.0(14 reviews)
• 25 bookings

Traditional Vintage-Style Ice Cream & Gelato Trike

This traditional ice cream trike is a fantastic addition to any event, treat your guests to a delicious, ice-cold treat!

from £480 / event

Why event planners love Poptop

Reviews for Best Ice Cream Vans in the UK

Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK

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Narinder Singh2 Aug 2025
The ice cream cart looked perfect in this stately venue. Everything we asked for was made available. The service was so friendly and outstanding. All our guests really enjoyed this treat and even the wedding organisers were very impressed with the professionalism, the setting up and the overall look of the ice cream cart. We could not have asked anything more from the team, who made the entire booking process effortless and they were so accommodating. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you Tracey!!
S
Sophie Hitchcox19 May 2025
My sister recently passed and her request for her celebration of life was a create your own icecream sunday bar. They guys were amazing, I cannot fault them in anyway. They were so lovely and helpfull. The icecream was delicious, went down well with the kids and adults a like 😋 every part of the service was perfect from set up to clean down. I highly recommend for your event ❤️
R
Ryan Moore1 Jul 2024
Lovely looking setup at our wedding venue at Helmingham Hall. The ice cream tasted amazing and it was very much needed in the sun. Staff was friendly, quick to set up and collapse. Perfect for the kids as they have plenty of choice with the extra addition of sprinkles and other accompaniments to have on their ice cream. Thank you very much
A
Anna Baldursdottir7 Jul 2024
We enjoyed the Gelato by Little Spoon at your daughter´s birthday. The guests were very complementary of the ice cream and I loved the taste myself. Happy to reccomend!
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Nick mead30 Aug 2021
Justin delivered an exceptional service from the first point of contact to the event itself. Asked a week before what flavour ice creams we would like and then supplied additional topping, flakes, Oreos and sauces on top. His bike was immaculately presented and he set up with no fuss and within 15 minutes. He was polite, fun and fully engaged throughout the party. It did not go unnoticed that he actually stayed an extra 30 mins to accommodate late guests. A perfect service and you will not find better value for money. Good luck Justin and we will be seeing you again.
N
Nikitia Chilkuri-Murphy17 Jul 2021
Dan recently did our garden party for my husband’s birthday. He & his partner were brilliant! They made an effort to learn every guest by name and spoke to everyone while making his ice cream blends which were highly customised to each person. It was a pleasure having him there, & everyone loved his ice creams. So much so that a few people took his contact to hire him for their upcoming events. He made the event even more special when he took a slice of birthday cake my mother in law made and turned it into an ice cream for people which was a nice touch. Dan was extremely communicative & helpful through the planning process too - which helped me & my party-planning jitter. 10/10, couldn’t recommend them enough & will definitely be going back to them for more events in the future.

We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies

We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.

Poptop Event Management/
Caterers/
Ice Cream Vans

Ice Cream Vans in UK counties

Bedfordshire(87)
Northamptonshire(87)
Oxfordshire(87)
Hertfordshire(84)
Essex(80)
London(80)

The Ultimate UK Guide to Hiring an Ice Cream Van

From the rugged coasts of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, there is one sound that signals the official start of a British summer: the cheerful, slightly off-key jingle of an ice cream van. It's a sound that transcends postcodes, a nostalgic call-to-arms for anyone with a sweet tooth.

It’s a part of our shared culture, a simple pleasure that never fails to raise a smile. So, if you're planning an event anywhere in the UK, why not bring that universal joy directly to your guests? Hiring an ice cream van is a brilliantly simple way to add a scoop of happiness to any occasion, and we're here to guide you through it.

A Truly British Delight: Why Hire an Ice Cream Van?

In a world of ever-changing trends, the appeal of the ice cream van is timeless. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that connects with every generation. There’s a certain magic in queuing up, choosing your toppings, and being handed a freshly made cone. It’s an experience, not just a dessert.

For event planners, it’s a dream. The van is a self-contained unit that requires minimal fuss. There’s no complex setup, no need for extra staff, and best of all, absolutely no washing up. It’s an efficient, effective, and wonderfully fun way to cater for your guests, leaving you free to enjoy the celebration. It’s a classic for a reason.

The Perfect Occasion for a Scoop, Wherever You Are

The beauty of hiring an ice cream van is its incredible versatility. It brings a relaxed, festival atmosphere that can elevate almost any event, anywhere in the country. We’ve seen them become the highlight of countless classic British get-togethers.

  • Village Shows & Country Fetes: An ice cream van is as essential to a village fete as a tombola or a cake stand. It’s the heart of the event, a natural gathering point for families and a welcome treat for everyone involved.
  • Barn Weddings: For a rustic barn wedding, an ice cream van is the perfect, unpretentious dessert. It’s a charming surprise for guests after the ceremony and a fantastic photo opportunity against a beautiful countryside backdrop.
  • Team Away-Days: Taking the team out of the office for a day in the country? Arranging for an ice cream van to arrive mid-afternoon is a legendary move. It’s a brilliant morale booster and a great way to break up the day with a bit of fun.

Finding a Pitch: Perfect UK Venues for Your Van

One of the best things about the UK is its incredible variety of stunning event locations, especially in the countryside. An ice cream van can park up almost anywhere, provided there’s reasonable access. You’ll just need to check the practicalities with your venue and supplier.

Rolled Ice Cream To Add That Fresh Touch To Your Event
5.0(11 reviews)
• 36 bookings

Rolled Ice Cream To Add That Fresh Touch To Your Event

We offer a huge variety of flavours to choose from including Oreo,Biscoff, Pistachio, Mango, Strawberry, mint and anything else you can think of !

from £400 / event
Vintage Ice Cream Cart 🍦
5.0(13 reviews)
• 25 bookings

Vintage Ice Cream Cart 🍦

We are offering a 2 hour service which is a very unique vintage ice cream cart, not only does it look amazing but our ice cream tastes more delicious too.

from £550 / event
A Phenomenal Ice Roll Experience
5.0(13 reviews)
• 25 bookings

A Phenomenal Ice Roll Experience

We always use the highest quality ingredients. Delicious ice rolls for your guests where they can even have a go at creating the ice rolls themselves!

from £450 / event
Swirled to Perfection: The Creamiest Soft Serve Whipy Ice Cream
5.0(3 reviews)
• 9 bookings

Swirled to Perfection: The Creamiest Soft Serve Whipy Ice Cream

Premium Soft-Serve Ice Cream Service! Add a delicious touch to your event with our creamy soft-serve ice cream, served fresh in cones or tubs.

from £400 / event
Ice Cream Serving In Style From Our Original Vintage Cart
4.86(49 reviews)
• 206 bookings

Ice Cream Serving In Style From Our Original Vintage Cart

Treat yourself and your guests to a nice, ice-cold treat at your next special event! Everyone loves ice cream.

from £4 / person
Unlimited Ice Cream from a Fun Bright Red Mr Whippy
5.0(4 reviews)
• 16 bookings

Unlimited Ice Cream from a Fun Bright Red Mr Whippy

We would love to attend your special day, to surprise and delight your guests with a delicious treat/dessert arriving in one of our Mr. Whippy Ice-Cream Vans, playing the tunes.

from £339 / event
Beautiful Vintage Tricycle Serving Up Local Ice Cream
5.0(44 reviews)
• 105 bookings

Beautiful Vintage Tricycle Serving Up Local Ice Cream

Give you and your guests a yummy day to remember with this delicious, local Ice Cream straight from the farm!

from £315 / event
Deliciously Creamy Soft Scoop Ice Cream Station
5.0(6 reviews)
• 6 bookings

Deliciously Creamy Soft Scoop Ice Cream Station

Delicious scoops of ice cream served with luxury toppings by our friendly team! Creamy, Refreshing and Interactive!

from £299 / event
Vintage Ice Cream Van Serving Handcrafted Scooped Ice Cream & Mr Whippy
5.0(2 reviews)
• 6 bookings

Vintage Ice Cream Van Serving Handcrafted Scooped Ice Cream & Mr Whippy

Make your event unforgettable with Milk Blossom – our vintage ice cream van serving smiles, nostalgia, and delicious scoops for all ages.

from £450 / event
Luxury Soft Serve Ice Cream Cart
5.0(6 reviews)
• 8 bookings

Luxury Soft Serve Ice Cream Cart

Add a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing touch to your event with our soft serve ice cream. Perfectly swirled, super creamy, and always served with a smile – it’s the ultimate treat for guests.

from £5 / person
Luxury Gelato with a Range of Flavours & Tempting Toppings
5.0(8 reviews)
• 6 bookings

Luxury Gelato with a Range of Flavours & Tempting Toppings

We offer a bespoke and personalised service for you and your guests. We can edit our menu to suit your dietary needs and will always go the extra mile to offer you a five star service

from £9 / person
Waffle On A Stick Featuring Up To 6 Melted Belgian Chocolates
5.0(3 reviews)
• 3 bookings

Waffle On A Stick Featuring Up To 6 Melted Belgian Chocolates

Serving fresh waffle sticks with premium ingredients, we bring 7+ years of expert catering. Our fun, seamless service is perfect for any event, ensuring top quality and attention to detail.

from £550 / event
Soft Serve Ice Cream Station
5.0(3 reviews)
• 3 bookings

Soft Serve Ice Cream Station

We serve our ice creams in either a waffle cone or popular viral trays, with a wide selection of sauces and toppings to choose from. This service is perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat!

from £550 / event
Prestige Ice Cream Cabinet For Any Event
4.9(10 reviews)
• 50 bookings

Prestige Ice Cream Cabinet For Any Event

Contact us today and let us bring the magic of ice cream to your next event. Trust us, your guests will thank you for creating a truly unforgettable experience.

from £350 / event
Luxury Soft Serve Ice-Cream For Your Event
4.9(10 reviews)
• 50 bookings

Luxury Soft Serve Ice-Cream For Your Event

Just imagine unlimited ice cream on demand for the duration of your hire be it a wedding, corporate party or a birthday celebration. This hire truly is a special addition to any event.

from £399 / event
Vintage Ice Cream Trike Serving Delicious Local Ice Cream
5.0(7 reviews)
• 14 bookings

Vintage Ice Cream Trike Serving Delicious Local Ice Cream

Delicious ice cream served on a vintage 3-wheel trike. We are proud of the local ice cream we serve here at Darling Days on our ice cream trike with 5-star-rated ice cream.

from £6 / person
Live Ice Pan Station
4.93(14 reviews)
• 48 bookings

Live Ice Pan Station

Want to wow your guests with live dessert stations? Something that will leave a lasting expression and have your guests coming back for more? Then be sure to add our Ice Pan station.

from £500 / event
Vintage Cart Serving Ice Cream with Sprinkles, Sauces & Flakes
Vintage Cart Serving Ice Cream with Sprinkles, Sauces & Flakes
Vintage Cart Serving Ice Cream with Sprinkles, Sauces & Flakes
Vintage Cart Serving Ice Cream with Sprinkles, Sauces & Flakes

Ice Cream Vans spotlight 🌟

Vintage Cart Serving Ice Cream with Sprinkles, Sauces & Flakes

4.8(83 reviews)
• 292 bookings

Each of your guests can treat themselves to one serving of our ice cream as well as extra toppings like sprinkles, sauces, and flakes! Treat your guests to an extra special sweet treat that they're guaranteed to enjoy at your special event! Your guests will love this cool sweet treat! 3 hours of service on our ice cream cart.

About supplier

A leading supplier in the midlands for parties, corporate events, and any special occasions. We cater from small children's parties to large Indian/Asian weddings and corporate events. Our services are second to none.

from £4 / person

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Surrey
(78)
Suffolk(77)
Kent(72)
West Sussex(71)
Hampshire(69)
Nottingham(65)
Gloucestershire(62)
West Midlands(62)
Staffordshire(60)
Lincolnshire(57)
Bristol(51)
Manchester(50)
Liverpool(47)
Norfolk(46)
Lancashire(44)
Devon(36)

Ice Cream Vans in UK cities

Northampton(87)
Cambridge(83)
London(80)
Nottingham(65)
Leicester(64)
Birmingham(62)
Sheffield(59)
Bristol(51)
Manchester(50)
Liverpool(47)
Leeds(45)
Newcastle Upon Tyne(33)
Edinburgh(27)
Glasgow(25)

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Here are just a few of the classic British settings where an ice cream van is a perfect fit:

  • Open Fields: For a festival-style wedding or a large community event, an ice cream van can easily set up in the corner of a field, adding to the laid-back, open-air atmosphere.
  • Farmyards: The rustic charm of a farmyard is a brilliant backdrop for a party or wedding reception. An ice cream van parked next to a converted barn looks fantastic.
  • Stately-Home Drives: Add a touch of playful contrast to an elegant setting. An ice cream van parked at the end of a sweeping gravel drive of a stately home is an unexpected and delightful touch for guests.
  • Marquee Sites: If you’re putting up a marquee for a big celebration, an ice cream van is an easy and brilliant addition. It can park right alongside, extending the party space and offering a fun alternative to a formal dessert table.

Crafting a Crowd-Pleasing Menu

The modern ice cream van menu is a wonderful blend of nostalgia and quality. You can offer something to please everyone, from the traditionalists to the foodies.

A popular approach is to combine the best of both worlds. You can’t go wrong with classic Mr Whippy style soft-serve, complete with a Flake and a choice of colourful sauces. It’s the taste of childhood and an absolute must-have.

Alongside this, you can offer a selection of high-quality artisan tubs. This allows for a greater variety of flavours and caters for different tastes. Think rich Belgian chocolate, salted caramel, or Eton mess.

To make it extra special, many suppliers pride themselves on using locally sourced toppings. This could be anything from fresh berries from a nearby farm to crumbly fudge from a village sweet shop or honeycomb from a local producer. It’s a lovely touch that champions local businesses and adds a unique, high-quality finish to your desserts.

The Bottom Line: Ice Cream Van Hire Costs Across the UK

Bringing this iconic treat to your event is excellent value for money. The cost of hiring an ice cream van is transparent and affordable, especially when you consider the memorable experience it provides for your guests.

Across the UK, you’ll generally find that suppliers operate with a minimum hire fee. This fee covers their travel, setup, and service for a set period (usually between 1-2 hours) and for a pre-agreed number of guests. As a nationwide average, this fee typically falls between £450 and £850.

For very large events, a per-head cost might be used instead, which could range from £3.25 to £5.75 per person.

The final quote will be tailored to your specific event, based on:

  • The total number of guests.
  • The length of the service time.
  • Your event’s location (remote locations may incur higher travel costs).
  • The menu you choose.

Why Poptop is Your Nationwide Partner for Event Planning

Finding a reliable, high-quality ice cream van, no matter where you are in the UK, should be simple. That’s the Poptop promise. We’ve created a platform that connects you with the best local suppliers, taking the stress and guesswork out of event planning.

We help you discover everything in one convenient place. Our platform is a curated marketplace of the UK’s finest event suppliers. It saves you the endless task of searching multiple websites, bringing all your needs together in one easy-to-use space.

We believe your time is valuable, which is why we help you plan your party in minutes, not days. You’ll find instant, all-inclusive pricing for thousands of services, so you can make decisions quickly and without the hassle of waiting for quotes.

We ensure you can relax and plan without the anxiety. With clear communication and updates at every stage, you’ll always know exactly what’s happening. You can feel confident that everything is on track, allowing you to simply look forward to your celebration.

Most importantly, you can book with confidence and complete security. We vet every single supplier on our platform for their professionalism and quality. Plus, every booking is protected by our money-back guarantee, so you can trust that your event is in the safest of hands. It’s how we help you host a party that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Ready to Roll?

The ice cream van is a true British institution, a simple pleasure that brings people together and creates a sense of pure, uncomplicated joy. It’s a guaranteed way to make your event a hit and leave your guests with a sweet, lasting memory.

So, are you ready to find the perfect van for your celebration, wherever you are in the UK? Take a look at the fantastic selection of ice cream van suppliers available right here on Poptop. With clear pricing and direct booking, your perfect treat is just a few clicks away.