Skip to content

Busy week for ice cream sales thanks to sunshine

Zhara Simpson
BBC News, South West
BBC Sarah McKeich stood inside an ice cream van. She is smiling at the camera, and is wearing a striped top with badges on it. There are pictures of ice creams on the windows.BBC
Sarah McKeich said it had been a busy week with the sunshine

People have flocked to Plymouth Hoe to enjoy the sunshine this week, giving a boost to ice-cream sellers.

At Mrs Whippy, an ice cream van along the front, the owner Sara McKeich said it has been "very busy", adding it had been a good week.

Temperatures in Plymouth reached highs of 25C (77F) on Thursday, according to the Met Office.

"It has been very busy, even with the children back at school," Ms McKeich said.

Rebecca Mugford and Veronica Estrada sat on the Plymouth Hoe Promenade. They are sat on the grass and there are five tall flags behind them, as well as a monument.
Rebecca Mugford and Veronica Estrada said they decided to revise in the sun ahead of exams

She said: "I love the sunshine, and it makes everyone smile."

University of Plymouth students, Rebecca Mugford and Veronica Estrada, said they were studying in the sunshine ahead of their psychology exams.

"Rather than sitting in a library and being stuck in a dark room, we thought why not combine the two, revise and sit out in the sun and make the most of it," Miss Mugford said.

A general view of Plymouth Hoe. There is a large grass area, with a lighthouse in the distance. People are sat in groups on the grass and in the distance is the sea and land.
Rebecca Mugford said the sunshine had boosted their mood

She said their mood was "so much better" for being in the sunshine.

"It's great, we are thriving here," Miss Estrada added.

Bob and Rita Micek with their dogs Chico and Rolo sat on a bench on Plymouth Hoe. Rita is wearing a blue floral dress, and Bob is wearing a red t-shirt with blue shorts. One dog is sat on his lap, while the other one is sat beside him.
Bob and Rita Micek, with their dogs Chico and Rolo, said they travelled from Bodmin to Plymouth

Bob and Rita Micek travelled from Bodmin, Cornwall to enjoy the sunshine on the Plymouth Promenade.

Catching a train with their two dogs, Chico and Rolo, Mr Micek said they originally popped in to collect something from the city centre.

"Then we thought we would pop up here to sit in the sun," he said.

Ash Hall stood by a wall with the sea in the distance. He has long hair and is wearing a black t-shirt and rucksack.
Ash Hall, who lives in London, said he will be moving to Plymouth for University

Ash Hall, from London, said he was viewing properties in Plymouth before starting university in September.

"I'm just checking out the area, seeing some beaches and enjoying the sunshine," he said.

"Plymouth is a kind city and there are beautiful beaches.

"London is too big for me, too many people and here it is quieter and nicer."

Lindsay Soper sat on a grass area. She is wearing a black top and is smiling at the camera.
Lindsay Soper said she was having day out with the family

Lindsay Soper, who is from Plymouth, said she was taking a trip down memory lane whilst embracing the sunshine with her family.

She said her grandson had been playing on the bouncy castle, as well on the train, which he loved.

"All my eldest children did as well, so it is quite nostalgic for me," she said.

"This afternoon I will probably go and sit in my grandson's garden to enjoy the sun while it's still out."

Jude Harris sat on a red towel, on the grass, smiling at the camera. Beside him is a brown rucksack.
Jude Harris, University of Plymouth student, said he was making the most of the sunshine

Jude Harris, a University of Plymouth student, said he was making the most of the sun with his peers.

"It is a good university, and we are privileged it is by the sea.

"It makes sense to make the most of the sun."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

More on this story
Related internet links