It’s that time of year again. You’ve hung up your Halloween costume and the final firework of Bonfire Night has been lit so that can only mean one thing, Christmas is coming. With the lead up to Christmas comes a lot of Christmas traditions and one of our favourites is ice skating, and the choice of pop-up, festive outdoor ice skating rinks across the country continues to grow every year. So we’ve rounded up our top picks of outdoor ice rinks to get you in the festive spirit.
1.Natural History Museum, London.
The Natural History Museum is hosting a magical ice rink this year. There are fairy lights galore, Christmas trees and the Alfred Waterson building makes for a beautiful back drop. If you aren’t a keen skater, that’s okay, Hotel Chocolat will be there serving delicious hot chocolates which you can sip from the viewing balcony. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Open now until the 7th January 2018.
@natural_history_museum
Returning for another year but in a different location is Manchester’s winter ice rink. This year the rink will be making Cathedral Gardens its home. Nestled beside Manchester Cathedral, The Corn Exchange and Victoria Railway Station the rink will be easy to find, as will restaurants/bars for an after skate refreshment! A part of Manchester’s much loved yearly Christmas markets which decorate the City Centre with Christmas cheer, this ice rink is a must visit. Open now until the 23rd December 2017.
@manchester_icerink
This year, Ice Skate Birmingham, will be adding a roof over their rink so you will be able to enjoy your ice skating experience whatever the weather. The Ice Lounge next door is the perfect place to recharge after you’ve been zipping around the rink. An ice skate followed by Christmas dinner and a Bailey’s hot chocolate? Yes please! Open now until the 7th January 2018.
@iceskate_bham
4.Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
York Designer Outlet will be treating us again this year to the fantastic and award winning festive event, the Yorkshire Winter Wonderland. Surrounded by a starry forest and featuring a 30ft Christmas tree in the centre, the Ice Factor is the largest ice rink in the north of England. As well as ice skating there are lots of activities to get involved with including live entertainment, log cabin bars and vintage funfair rides, not to forget you are surrounded by shops! Ice skating and a spot of Christmas shopping at Mountain Warehouse, what more can we ask for? Open now until the 7th January 2018.
@yorkshireswinterwonderland
5. Edinburgh’s Christmas
Edinburgh does not do Christmas by halves. This year there will be Christmas markets, a Christmas tree maze, helter-skelter and of course the ice skating rink, just to mention a few of the attractions to be found at Edinburgh’s Christmas. The ice rink will be in the iconic St. Andrews Square and we would advise you to make sure you allow plenty of time for this ice rink as distraction is inevitable! Open now until the 6th January 2018.
@edxmas
6.Swansea’s Waterfront Wonderland
Located beside Swansea Castle and Swansea Museum on the waterfront, this ice rink will be truly magical. A Santa’s grotto, funfair and festive food will contribute to your magical day in Swansea.
@enjoySwansea
7. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton
Within the grounds of the magnificent Royal Pavilion, this ice rink will take centre stage in Brighton this festive season. Beautifully decorated with fairy lights, this rink and Winter Wonderland will really get you in the festive spirit. The ice rink’s café will be offering an ‘after school kids menu’, so why not take the little ones as a weekday treat! Open now until 14th January 2018.
@PavilionIceRink
A much loved family destination, The Eden Project will be adding something a little different this winter. Set within a tropical wilderness this rink ticks all the boxes. A café will be open for refreshments along with a viewing area and if ice skating gets too chilly, head into the Eden Project to warm up and admire its botanical wonders. Open now until the 18th February 2018.
@edenproject
