History
Welcome to The Ice Cream Farm, a family-friendly Cheshire tourist attraction with nearly four decades of history making award-winning ice cream and creating a unique setting for its visitors. Read on for a potted history of one of Cheshire’s best days out…
1980
Tom and Margaret Fell moved to Drumlan Hall Farm in Tattenhall, Cheshire with their two sons Jonathan and Graeme.
1986
Following the introduction of Milk Quotas, Tom and Margaret looked at ways they could add value to the excess milk that was being produced by their dairy cows. The Fells saw a gap in the market for ‘Real Dairy Ice Cream’.
Part of the farm buildings were converted into a production area, with a small parlour for the public to purchase the ice cream straight from the farm. As popularity increased, more and more people visited the farm and businesses started to show interest in stocking Cheshire Farm Ice Cream.
1987 – 2007
During the early years, focus was very much on manufacturing, wholesale and distribution. Constant reinvestment was required to satisfy demand and the business enjoyed significant growth resulting in Cheshire Farm Ice Cream being available throughout the UK.
2008
A major refurbishment was undertaken, including the installation of a soft play area, party rooms and a new ice cream parlour.
2011
Visitor numbers were dramatically increasing so the Fell family decided to look at ways it could improve the visitor experience. The focus turned to family entertainment and play through the introduction of The Adventure Park.
2013
With footfall exceeding 500,000, work began on designing a totally unique family visitor attraction. Could the Fells actually build the largest ice cream parlour in the world?
2015
The £5m redevelopment was completed in July and the Fell family revealed that ice cream really does grow on trees! The Ice Cream Farm was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for being home to the ‘largest ice cream shop in the world’!
2017
The Ice Cream Farm became the most visited ‘free to enter’ rural attraction in the UK, welcoming over 830,000 visitors. Recognising this milestone, Chris Evans invited the family to talk about their achievement on his radio show.
2019
As the business continued to grow, The Ice Cream Farm and Cheshire Farm Ice Cream separated into two companies. Jonathan owns the leisure side of the business ‘The Ice Cream Farm’ and Graeme owns the manufacturing and wholesale side ‘Cheshire Farm Ice Cream’. Although two separate businesses, the two still work together (quite literally in the same office).
2021
As The Ice Cream Farm emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, it was apparent that it needed to change the way it did things to meet the financial challenges it was facing. However, the Management team recognised that these changes might impact people who just wanted to visit to enjoy the ice cream.
Two new brands were developed – The Ice Cream Drive In, a place where people can walk, cycle or drive IN to enjoy fabulous ice cream. And Sticky Paws, a family-friendly restaurant, which is all about ‘eating with kids made easy’.
Present Day
Equipped with innovative new brands and a fresh new approach, The Ice Cream Farm is hugely excited and optimistic about what the future might hold.
