Winter is upon us and Christmas is nearly here… and as the fires are stoked and the mulled wine’s being warmed, ice skating rinks in England are starting to open.
Whether you’re a natural on ice, or look more like Bambi, here are the best ice skating rinks in England for this winter, picked by Your-hols.com and VisitEngland.com.
Ice Festival, Liverpool
Children can explore a winter wonderland of frozen fun at Liverpool ONE’s Ice Festival this Christmas. The open-air Ice Rink has been brought to Liverpool by the team behind the world-renowned London Ice Sculpting Festival. Visitors to Liverpool ONE can enjoy a drink in the UK’s first ever pop-up real Ice Bar and experience the UK’s largest real Ice Slide. What’s more, this year smaller inexperienced skaters will have their very own little rink and penguin skate aids will be available. Tickets cost £8.95 for adults and £7.95 for children.
Until Jan 5, www.liverpool-one.com
Winchester Cathedral
If you need a break from Christmas shopping, this open-air ice rink is conveniently situated in the middle of Winchester’s Christmas market, next to the city’s majestic Cathedral. Glide and weave at leisure while the crowds mill about you and Christmas lights sparkle overhead. To mark the opening of the ice rink, a spectacular lantern procession is led from Winchester’s Great Hall to the Cathedral on November 21. Tickets cost £9.50 for adults, £5 for children and £30 for families.
Nov 21 to Jan 5 www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Skate at Somerset House, London
Celebrate the festive season in style at London’s most glamorous ice rink (above). This year, you can enhance your experience with the Skate Extras. Visitors can book add-ons like Champagne and chocolates, dinner at Tom’s Kitchen and even a luxury stay at The Savoy. Glad Tidings Tuesdays bring the spirit of Christmas to Skate, with music, traditional yuletide treats and late night shopping in The Christmas Arcade, a premier pop-up mall with the very best of British brands and independent artisans. Tickets from £7.50.
Nov 14 to Jan 15 www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink
Lakeside Ice Rink at Trentham Estate
Set in a beautiful lakeside location, Trentham’s ice rink runs beside the mile-long Capability Brown-designed Trentham Lake. The ice rink complements the Winter Gardens, Italian Gardens and sweeping parkland of this 725-acre estate. Test your skills on the ice, take a bracing walk through the beautiful wintery scenery and then relax with a hot drink and snacks at the rink side café. Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7.25 for children.
Nov 29 to Feb 23 www.trentham.co.uk
Hampton Court Palace, Richmond-upon-Thames
With open-air ice skating, setting is everything. At Hampton Court Palace you can skate against a picture perfect backdrop and marvel at the famous maze and gardens all silvered with frost. The rink is just outside the West Front of the palace, so you can enjoy stunning panoramic views and an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. Tickets cost £13 for adults, £9.50 for children and £38 for families.
Nov 30 to Jan 12 www.hamptoncourticerink.com
The Ice Factor, York
23 November 2013 – 5 January 2014
The Ice Factor brings the Christmas magic back to York Designer Outlet this season. A giant 30ft Christmas tree will be in the centre of the ice rink as well as an illuminated reindeer forest. In addition, this season there will be an authentic British fun fair offering a variety of traditional fair rides, festive food and drink stalls, as well as the opportunity for children to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Tickets cost £9.95 for adults and £8.95 for children.
Nov 23 to Jan 5 www.theicefactor.co.uk
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The winter ice rink returns to the iconic setting of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion. This beautiful rink allows up to 250 skaters per session, with penguin stabilisers for younger skaters and a learners’ area for the unsure-footed. Whether you’re a skater or not, everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious food and drink by day or night at the stunning rink side Bar & Kitchen, which offers warming snacks, delicious lunches and dinners. Tickets cost £13 for adults, £8.50 for children and £34 for families.
Nov 9 to Jan 19 www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk
Tower of London
Located in the moat and set against the magnificent fortress battlements, the Tower of London ice rink has surely one of the most stunning central London settings and is ideal for lunchtime skating, after-work gatherings, romantic dates and weekend afternoons out. Beautifully illuminated after dark, it makes a spectacular night time destination. Tickets cost £13.50 for adults, £9.50 for children and £38 for families.
Nov 16 to Jan 5 www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk
Bath on Ice
One of England’s UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Bath has something extra to tempt visitors this Christmas, for the second year running… an outdoor ice rink. Set in central Bath against the stunning backdrop of the Georgian Royal Crescent and within walking distance of the city’s Christmas markets, Bath on Ice promises to be a truly magical experience. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £7 for children.
Nov 23 to Jan 5 www.bathonice.com
Natural History Museum, London
Make the move from the museum’s dinosaur skeletons to the ice rink quick enough and it’ll feel like a mini Ice Age! This 950-metre ice-rink is surrounded by some of London’s most iconic museums. Enjoy the Christmas lights above and the lively festive atmosphere of one of city’s most popular Christmas attractions. Tickets cost £13.50 for adults, £9 for children and £38 for families.
Until Jan 5 www.nhm.ac.uk
