In recent years, the outdoor ice rink has become as ubiquitous as the panto as part of the Christmas children’s entertainment schedule. Here’s a quick guide to the best places to get your skates on this festive season.
My favourite is, of course, Brighton’s spectacular Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, just down the road (pictured above). Jamie Oliver is doing the food this year and under-8s skate free (when accompanied by a paying adult) at Club Penguin on Thu and Sat mornings between 10 and 11am. Adult, from £10; child, from £7.
If you’re in London, choose from the historic Tower of London (adult, from £11; child, from £8.50) or Natural History Museum (adult, from £11.50; child, from £8) - combine with a visit to the dinosaurs for total child euphoria – to the modern EyeSkate at the London Eye (adult, from £10.50; child, from £7.50) and Westfield Stratford City (adult, from £9, child, from £6) with Olympic Park views. The ever-popular Skate at Somerset House (adult, from £12.50; child, from £8.50) has the added advantage of a luxe shopping arcade for big people this year.
Further south, the picturesque setting of Hampton Court is a truly magical place to practise your figure of eights. Adult, from £11; child, from £8.50. Or there’s Winchester Cathedral‘s thoroughly festive Christmas market-set rink (pictured above). Adult, from £7.60; child, from £4.
Yes, it’s a bit of a trek (unless you live in Cornwall), but The Eden Project‘s rink is the most child-friendly with parent and toddler ice play sessions and Chilly Juniors for 6-12 year olds. It is also open until March. Tickets: £5 (plus admission ticket) and £3 to hire a penguin.
In Wales, head for  Winter Wonderland in Cardiff ( from £6) or Waterfront Winterland in Swansea (from £5.50) for your icy fix. In Scotland, Edinburgh has the East Princes Street Gardens rink (adult, from £9.95; child, from £6.50) and  there’s Glasgow on Ice (adult, from £8; child, from 6).
Up North, Leeds boasts the UK’s largest temporary rink, The Icecube (adult, from £7; child, from £5) and the Snow Slide toboggan run. Or try Manchester’s Spinningfields (adult, from £8.50; child, from £5).
Now, wrap up warm, wear extra padding and take to the ice!
Leave a Reply