It’s one of the rules of spending the day at the British seaside: you are absolutely compelled to stop off for an ice cream.

Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavours, sumptuous sundaes or just a good old-fashioned Mr Whippy, these are the top-rated ice cream parlours dotted along the Kent coast…

ICE CREAM SUNDAE, Herne Bay

You don’t get much more traditional than a Mr Whippy on the pier, and that’s what’s on offer at Ice Cream Sundae. Tucked away along Herne Bay’s wooden pier in between the arcade stands and sideshows, this kiosk serves everything from ice cream pots and cones to floats, frappes and milkshakes. If the weather is cooler, you can also pick up a hot chocolate.

Details: Open daily from 10am to 4pm at Herne Bay Pier.

LULU’S GELATO, Margate

This ice cream parlour is currently in the middle of upping sticks and moving to a bigger store but, while it sets up shop in a new home, you can still pick up a delicious ice cream from the Little Lulu bike. The portable stand sells lots of different flavours, although we’re expecting the full range to return when they open at the new location.

Details: Open daily from 1pm at the Turner Contemporary Terrace in Margate.

MASSIMO’S ITALIAN ICE CREAM, Folkestone

There’s nothing wrong with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, but every now and then it’s fun to experiment. At Massimo’s in Folkestone, you can choose from some more interesting flavours, including black cherry ripple, raspberry yoghurt, white chocolate, peanut butter, liquorice and tiramisu.

Details: Open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm at Cheriton Place in Folkestone.

MORELLI’S GELATO, Broadstairs

It’s one of the oldest and most-visited ice cream parlours in the county - and Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa recently filmed an advert for her latest tour there. Since starting out in the early 1900s, this busy spot in Broadstairs serves up old-fashioned desserts like banana splits and ice cream sundaes alongside more than 20 different flavours to take away and enjoy on the nearby Viking Bay beach.

Details: Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 8pm at Victoria Parade.

SOLLEY’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR, Deal

You might have picked up a pot of Solley’s when visiting any number of seaside resorts in the county as it’s sold all over Kent. However, if you want to get the real ‘Deal’ then head to the original shop and choose from more than 15 flavours. It’s all made on-site at the farm, less than a mile from the shop, where you can also follow walking and cycling routes, meet the animals and even stay overnight at the campsite.

Details: Open daily from 10am to 4pm at The Dairy in Ripple, near Deal.