Get your skates on at Britain’s best ice rinks

Temperatures are dropping, fairy lights are twinkling, and the festive season is just around the corner. It’s finally time to layer up and glide into winter in style with a spot of ice skating. The UK’s best outdoor ice rinks are once again open for action, so what are you waiting for?

Get your skates on and make your festive season magical for the whole family!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
LONDON

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As one of the most popular Winter Wonderland events in the UK, Hyde Park is the number one place to go this festive period. There’s plenty of stalls for last-minute gift ideas and food, a giant Ferris Wheel, but the best attraction by far is the ice rink that surrounds the Victorian Bandstand. Twinkling with fairy lights and accompanied by all the classic Christmas tunes, this ice-skating experience never fails to get everyone in the festive spirit. 

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Somerset House
LONDON

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Outdoor skating is big business in the capital, with London boasting a huge choice of beautiful ice rinks within royal parks, museums and stately homes. Yet the original rink at Somerset House, founded in 2000, still stands tall as the most stunning location to skate in the city. The rink is popular with kids and families during the day and there is a choice of skate schools catering to various ages and abilities. When the sun sets the courtyard is filled with couples gliding arm-in-arm under the stars and enjoying champagne and truffles and other apres-ski delicacies.

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Winter Wonderland
CARDIFF

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Set on the City Hall Lawn against the backdrop of the impressive Edwardian university buildings, Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is a fantastic festive treat for all ages. The outdoor ice rink is open from 9th November to 7th January and will be the focal point of the city’s traditional New Year’s celebrations – Calennig to the locals. Families can hire a Fun Skate penguin to help young skaters under 10 keep their balance as they find their feet on the ice and there are great discounts for larger groups if you’d like to plan a party. 

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The Royal Pavillion Ice Rink
BRIGHTON

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Get that Christmas feel at one of the glitziest skating rinks this festive season. Since 2010, the Royal Pavillion Ice Rink has been open annually around the winter for people of all ages to lace up and have some fun! As well as their beautiful light show around the rink, they also have a rink side bar and kitchen, serving mulled wine, snacks, and hot chocolate. Just make sure to wrap up warm! 

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The Eden Project
CORNWALL

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If you’re a lover of sustainability and want to celebrate the festive season in style, then you’ve come to the right place! The Eden Project is opening the doors to its annual skating rink this year, something you won’t want to miss. As well as public sessions, they also offer private skating lessons for those that want to turn this festive activity into an all-year-round hobby!

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Ice Skate Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM

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As Birmingham’s largest indoor ice rink, this winter special should be on your holiday outing list. Located right in the centre of Birmingham, everything else you need for your stay is easily accessible. As well as their impressive ice rink, they also boast an ice lounge for refreshments and a Ferris Wheel – which gives you an incredible view of the city. Wind, rain, or shine, Ice Skate Birmingham will be open for festive fun!

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Winter Funland
MANCHESTER

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Winter Funland is the largest indoor fairground, with plenty of things for the whole family to do. Including Santa’s grotto, refreshment stalls, and a circus show! But of course – we can’t forget their huge ice rink. Penguin aids are available for little ones as well as instructors skating around to advise and aid customers. Don’t miss out on this incredible day out – and remember to bring your under 3’s as they go free!

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