Ice skating is like gift shopping or eating brussels sprouts, something many of us do only once a year. Yet it’s an enjoyable activity that offers entertainment, a little exercise, a bit of romance and a few thrills and spills.
If you’re wintering or spending Christmas in a holiday cottage, why not see if one of these Christmas outdoor ice rinks is nearby? It’s a great way to spend a few hours and is much more fun than it might look!
Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland is one of two outdoor ice rinks we feature in central London. This ice rink surrounds a Victorian bandstand which is in turn surrounded by a Christmas market, activities and more. After dark, the rink is lit by lights and Christmas music will play. There are also plenty of cafes to keep you warm!
Ice Skate Vauxhall – London
Ice Skate Vauxhall is held at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London. The ice rink is huge and is open until 4th January. Once you’re too tired to skate, there is a Christmas tree maze to solve, a fair, street performances and a Christmas market to enjoy.
Royal Pavilion – Brighton
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a lovely place to spend time anyway, but add an ice rink to proceedings and it gets even more interesting. As it’s only a few steps away from the city centre, it’s a great thing to try when you’re bored of Christmas shopping. There is a rinkside bar and kitchen too to keep you fuelled for skating.
Winter Wonderland – Cardiff
We have spoken about Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland before and will unashamedly plug it again as it is good. This time, the outdoor ice rink takes centre stage. It’s a good size, surrounded by fairground rides and is only a short walk from the city and the castle, both of which have their own Christmas activities going on.
Selfridges – Manchester
Selfridges in the Trafford Centre Manchester has its own ice rink too. While technically outside, it is covered. The rink is themed to match the store’s Christmas theme, so expect woodland creatures, elves and so on around the ice. It’s a great opportunity to mix a little retail therapy with ice skating.
Winchester Cathedral – Winchester
The Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral has been transformed into an ice rink for Christmas and is open to the public until 4th January. The rink itself is managed by the Cathedral and is surrounded by a Christmas market. It’s a lower key setup than say, Selfridges, but it is still eminently enjoyable.
Those are just six of the many Winter ice rinks featured around the UK. If you’re looking for something to do while staying in one of our holiday cottages, or just want a day out doing something new, all of these deliver.