Christmas is over and we all feel like we need to get out and about after being at home for a few days! Why not visit a festive ice rink as it’s great exercise for all the family and lots of fun. Here’s a selection of our favourite ice rinks to visit across the country this season.
Swarovski Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum, London, 5th November – 3rd January
With ice rinks in front of the dramatic Alfred History Museum building, this is a personal favourite of mine. The two ice rinks, one for the adults and one for smaller children, are surrounded by trees draped in fairy lights and alongside a magical Christmas tree.
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Derby Christmas Ice Rink, Derbyshire, 30th November – 5th January
For a festive post Christmas treat, head to Derby ice rink – they even offer beginners lessons starting from £25 if you fancy learning how to skate properly!
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Bournemouth Outdoor Ice Rink, 19th November – 3rd January
Set in the beautiful Bournemouth Gardens there’s a delightful ice rink that all the family can enjoy. There are even super cute skate-penguins available for the under 10’s to help with balance!
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At-Bristol Ice Rink, 11th November – 5th January
This ice rink is located on Bristol’s Harbourside which means you can combine a fun skate under a giant bauble with a visit to At-Bristol, a great family day out in itself!
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Royal Pavillion’s Ice Rink, Brighton, 24th November – 17th January
In front of the iconic Royal Pavilion there’s an enchanting family-friendly ice rink. The children can skate around with the help of a penguin skate aid and for the smaller kids there are also dual blade (‘bob skates’).
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Tower of London Ice Rink, 20th November – 3rd January
This ice rink has an absolutely magnificent historical back drop that is the Tower of London! Suitable for all abilities, there are even sessions for wheelchair users.
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Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink, Edinburgh, 20th November – 4th January
Get your skates on and make your way around this glittering ice rink that’s located by the Big Wheel and has the dramatic Edinburgh skyline as a backdrop.
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Eden Project Ice Rink, Cornwall, 28th November – 3rd January
This ice rink is a winter wonderland that’s suitable for all of the family with penguin aid available to hire for the kids. This covered ice rink is great no matter the weather and there’s a range of Christmas activities to be found all around the Eden Project.
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Hampton Court Palace, London, 20th November – 4th January
The family can have lots of fun on this ice rink that’s overlooked by Henry VIII’s sixteenth-century former home. There’s ice guides for the less confident skaters and kids can get ice skating lessons.
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Glasgow On Ice at St George Square, 27th November – 31st December
A glistening ice rink for the family with a festive atmosphere under the twinkling Christmas lights. The rink is next to the fair and big wheel, and there are special sessions for younger skaters!
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Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York, 7th December – 3rd January
‘The Ice Factor’ is the largest outdoor ice rink and forms the heart of the Yorkshire Winter Wonderland. In the centre of the rink there’s a giant illuminated Christmas tree and the rink is surrounded by an enchanted forest. Afterwards you can explore the rest of the Winter Wonderland where you can meet Santa, go for a shop or grab a warming bite to eat.
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Winter Wonderland in Cardiff, County Hall, 19th November – 3rd January
In the centre of Cardiff you will find this large outdoor ice rink that’s part of the Winter Wonderland. Suitable for beginners and seasoned experts all the family will be able to join in the fun. You will also find a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto and alpine style food and drinks.
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Ice Skating at Trentham, Staffordshire, 9th December – 3rd January
The family will have lots of fun on this under cover ice rink! There are aids to help the kids and less experienced skaters so don’t worry if you’re not a Torvill or Dean! 😉
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Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, 2nd December – 3rd January
Get into the Festive spirit and pay a visit to the open-air ice rink at Winchester Cathedral which is suitable for all ages and abilities.
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Ice Rink at Castle Mall Gardens, Norwich, 6th December – 2nd January
If the kids are running riot after Christmas, why not bring them to Norwich for a festive skate to use up some of that excess energy! There is also a giant snowman bouncy castle! Perfect!
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Ice Skating at Centre for Life, Newcastle, 16th November – 21st February
The only outdoor ice rink in Newcastle can be found in Times Square where there’s fun for all the family. You can also visit the Life Science Centre for a great day out.
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Ice Skate Birmingham, 14th November – 10th January
Located in Centenary Square you will find this magical ice skating rink. There are aids to help the smaller kids, and opportunities for disabled visitors so all the family can join in and have fun. Afterwards you can visit The Ice Café for a warming drink.
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Is there a festive ice rink near you that we have missed?
