A beloved part of seaside tradition has once again found its way to the shores of Sandbanks, as a historic ice cream cart makes its triumphant return after being stored away for decades. This cherished cart, recognised by many longtime residents, once served generations of beachgoers before fading from sight. Its reappearance is being celebrated as both a culinary revival and a living piece of local heritage.
The vintage cart, with its distinctive blue and cream paintwork, dates back to the early 1950s—a golden era for British seaside holidays. For years, it was a fixture at Sandbanks, pushing out scoops of hand-churned vanilla and chocolate to children and adults alike. Its disappearance in the late 1980s left many recalling fond memories of summers past, complete with dripping cones and laughter-filled afternoons.
The restoration of the cart was spearheaded by local historian Claire Montague, who discovered it in a storage warehouse outside Poole. 'I stumbled across it covered in dust and cobwebs, and instantly recognised its iconic shape,' Montague recounted. 'It was far too precious a relic to remain hidden. We knew we had to bring it back to life for everyone to enjoy.'
A crowdfunding campaign, launched last year, attracted support from over 400 donors, ultimately raising £7,500 for the cart’s restoration. Specialist craftsmen were enlisted to carefully refurbish its wooden panels and original brass fixtures while ensuring modern health and safety standards were met. The authentic hand-painted signage and classic bell were meticulously recreated to match historical photographs.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with long-time residents sharing anecdotal stories of buying ice cream from the cart in their youth. Helen Price, a Sandbanks local for more than sixty years, shared, 'Seeing the cart again brought back so many memories of summer holidays and family outings. It's wonderful that the younger generation can experience a slice of our past.'
Local businesses have also welcomed the cart’s return, noting that the buzz it has created is bringing more visitors to Sandbanks this summer. Nick Foster, owner of a nearby café, commented, 'People love nostalgia, and this cart offers a talking point that’s uniquely tied to our beach. We’ve definitely noticed an uptick in foot traffic since the launch.'
What sets the historic cart apart from modern counterparts isn't just its appearance—it’s also the flavours on offer. Using original recipes uncovered in family archives, the operators now serve classic treats like traditional clotted cream ice cream, raspberry ripple, and homemade lemonade lollies. For many, these flavours evoke a bygone era when simple pleasures took centre stage.
Younger visitors, many encountering the cart for the first time, are delighted by the novelty and charm. Ten-year-old Lily Harper said, 'I’ve never seen an ice cream cart like this before! The ice cream tastes different from the tubs in the shops—it's creamier, and the cones are really crunchy.' This generational crossover has brought families together in new ways on the beach.
Tourists, too, have been swept up in the nostalgia wave. Social media has seen an uptick in posts featuring the brightly restored cart, with hashtags like #SandbanksIceCream and #SeasideNostalgia trending locally. International visitors are intrigued by the tradition, with many Europeans noting the cart’s similarity to continental gelato wagons but with a distinctly British touch.
Neil Thompson, chair of the Sandbanks Heritage Committee, believes the cart's return is about more than sweet treats. 'It’s a living, moving piece of Sandbanks history,' Thompson stated. 'We’re seeing people connect to the past in a tangible way. The simple act of buying an ice cream links generations, reminding us of our shared stories and culture.'
From a commercial perspective, the cart’s popularity has had a measurable impact on Sandbanks’ seasonal economy. Local tourism officials estimate that visitor numbers on peak weekends are up by as much as 15% since the cart’s return. This influx is benefiting not only food vendors but also nearby hotels, souvenir shops, and tour operators who have capitalised on the renewed interest in traditional seaside attractions.
To maintain the cart's appeal, operators are planning a series of themed weekends, including a retro dress-up day and an old-fashioned ice cream making demonstration. There are also talks of introducing limited-edition flavours inspired by community suggestions. These events aim to further cement the cart’s role as a centrepiece of Sandbanks’ summer festivities and a catalyst for continued community engagement.
As the sun sets on another busy day at Sandbanks, the gentle chime of the cart’s bell rings out across the sand—much as it did decades ago. Children dash toward it with pocket money, parents smile knowingly, and the community gathers to share one of life’s simple pleasures. In doing so, they’re not just enjoying ice cream; they’re tasting a cherished slice of Sandbanks history reborn for a new generation.