Cumbrian Cow Ice Cream to close after 11 seasons
A popular family-run ice cream parlour near Ulverston has announced that the 2026 season will be its last.
The team behind Cumbrian Cow Ice Cream said they had made the decision to retire after 11 seasons in business.
In a message shared with customers, the family said the decision had been made “with heavy hearts”. They confirmed that the business would continue trading during the current season before serving its final scoops later in 2026.
Ice cream made using milk from the family herd
Cumbrian Cow operates from Edge Hill Farm on Mountbarrow Road, near Ulverston.
The seasonal ice cream parlour makes fresh gelato using milk from the farm’s Holstein herd. It has also become known for its drive-through service, allowing customers to collect ice cream without leaving their cars.
Its menu has included cones, tubs, milkshakes, waffles and sundaes, with a wide range of flavours offered throughout each season.
Business opened in 2016
Cumbrian Cow Ice Cream opened in May 2016 after the Stable family decided to diversify their dairy farming business.
The family had expanded into Edge Hill Farm several years earlier, but a fall in milk prices led them to look for another source of income.
Mike and Denise Stable initially invested around £60,000 to turn part of the dairy into an ice cream parlour, shop and small café. Denise then completed specialist ice cream-making and food hygiene training before the business opened.
The venture quickly grew in popularity. By 2019, the family estimated that it was attracting around 80,000 customers a year and producing dozens of different flavours.
Final season under way
The parlour is currently advertised as opening from Thursday to Sunday, between 11am and 5pm, although visitors should check the business’s social media pages before travelling.
The family has not yet announced the exact date of its final day.
News of the retirement has prompted messages from customers who said the business and its ice cream would be greatly missed.
Cumbrian Cow said it hopes customers will visit during the remainder of the season for one final scoop before the family calls time on the business.
