IF this week’s hot weather is all too much for you, what better way to cool off than with a refreshing ice cream?

Last year we asked readers for their favourite places to get an ice cream or sundae in Dorset and the New Forest.

We've unearthed the story to bring you the top five places to get ice cream during the heatwave. 

If you have any new suggestions, just fill out the form below!

The Ice Chef

You may not be familiar with it, but The Ice Chef in Charminster has quite the following. Readers raved about their ice rolls while one said their Oreo and fresh strawberry ice cream was the best they'd ever had. The Daim Bar version also came highly recommended.

And if going out for ice cream sounds too much like hard work, you can get it delivered to your home through Deliveroo.

One reader said: “Amazing Ice Rolls from THE ICE CHEF. They deliver direct to your door. All you have to do is add your flavours and topping they make it fresh every time. Got to be had.”

Burley Ice Creams

Who says you have to go to the beach to enjoy an ice cream? Burley is the place to head for an ice cream in the New Forest, according to our readers.

Burley Ice Creams on Ringwood Road serves "speciality soft ice cream with a tantalising assortment of sauces and toppings”.

Marianne Thomas said: “Has to be Burley Ice Creams! The best by far. Delicious vanilla ice cream with a choice of various sauces and toppings.”

While Mandy Frampton said on the Bournemouth Echo Facebook page: “Burley has the best Whippy ice cream around.”

Barford Farmhouse Ice Cream

Barford Farmhouse in Cowgrove Road, Wimborne, makes its own ice creams and sorbets on its premises on the Kingston Lacy Estate and describes itself as a “hidden Dorset gem”.

It even has its own Ice Cream Garden where you can sit and enjoy your sweet treat and serves children's size cones, gluten free cones and diabetic ice cream, so everyone is catered for.

One reader said: “(They) Make their own ice creams. You can take your picnic and sit in their lovely gardens and make an outing of it. Chairs, parking and toilets provided.”

Giggi Gelateria

This Italian-run ice cream parlour in the Burlington Arcade will satisfy your sweet cravings with its ice cream, sorbets and milkshakes.

Flavours range from classics such as vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous offerings such as pistachio, banoffee pie and peanut butter to Amaretto cherry.

The ice cream or Gelato is made fresh on the premises using a family recipe passed down through the generations.

One reader said: "Most unknown is their range, yes range of Vegan ice creams, Chocolate and Coffee being the most popular and happen to be sugar free too for customers who are diabetic."

Lollipop Gelato Lab

If you're in Bournemouth and in need of an ice cream fix, Lollipop Gelato LAB has got you covered. Located in The Triangle, it promises to bring the "finest gelateria and cafeteria from Sicily to Bournemouth."

Flavours include Nutella, M&M, honeycomb, cherry dream, cheesecake, banana, mango, chocolate and even Kinder Bueno.

Lollipop Gelato Lab has 30 years of experience in gelato and you can even get their delights delivered to your door via Deliveroo.