As the cold weather kicks in, some of England's most attractive settings are being converted into ice rinks for the open-air skating season. Whether you’re a natural on the ice or admittedly more of a Bambi, there’s plenty of fun to be had by all – so lace up your skates and slide on.
VisitEngland picks ten top spots to to skate:
Bath on Ice
22 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £8.50 adults/£7 children
One of England’s UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Bath has something extra to tempt visitors this Christmas… an outdoor ice rink. Set in central Bath against the stunning backdrop of the Georgian Royal Crescent and within walking distance of the city’s Christmas markets, Bath on Ice promises to be a truly magical experience.
Ice Festival, Liverpool
7 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £8.95 adults/£7.95 children
Explore a winter wonderland of frozen fun at Liverpool ONE’s Ice Festival this Christmas. Combining a stunning setting, spectacular scenery and seasonal skating, the open-air Ice Rink epitomises the glamour of the urban ice experience. Visitors to Liverpool ONE can enjoy a drink in the UK’s first ever pop-up real Ice Bar and experience the UK’s largest real Ice Slide. What’s more, this year smaller inexperienced skaters will have their very own little rink and penguin skate aids will be available.
Winchester Cathedral
21 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £9.50 adults/£5 children/£30 families
This open-air ice rink is conveniently situated in the middle of Winchester’s Christmas market, next to the city’s majestic Cathedral. To mark the opening of the ice rink, a spectacular lantern procession is led from Winchester’s Great Hall to the Cathedral on 21 November. The colourful paper lanterns, made from willow and coloured tissue paper, are lovingly made by families in workshops during the preceding weeks.
Skate at Somerset House, London
14 November 2013 to 15 January 2014 – tickets from £7.50
Celebrate the festive season in style at London’s most glamorous ice rink and enhance your experience with the Stake Extras. Visitors can book add-ons like Champagne and chocolates, dinner at Tom’s Kitchen and even a luxury stay at The Savoy. Glad Tidings Tuesdays bring the spirit of Christmas to Skate, with music, traditional yuletide treats and late night shopping in The Christmas Arcade, a premier pop-up mall with the very best of British brands and independent artisans. After dark, skate to a live soundtrack spun by some of the top DJs around with Club Nights. Finally, find your feet on the ice with Skate School and give children their first glide on the ice with Penguin Club, or simply soak up the atmosphere at the rink-side bar.
Lakeside Ice Rink at Trentham Estate
29 November 2013 to 23 February 2014 – £9 adults/£7.25 children
Set in a beautiful lakeside location, Trentham’s ice rink runs beside the mile-long Capability Brown-designed Trentham Lake. The ice rink complements the Winter Gardens, Italian Gardens and sweeping parkland of this 725-acre estate. Test your skills on the ice, take a bracing walk through the beautiful wintery scenery and then relax with a hot drink and snacks at the rink side café.
Hampton Court Palace, Richmond-upon-Thames
30 November 2013 to 12 January 2014 – £13 adults/£9.50 children/£38 families
With open-air ice skating, setting is everything. At Hampton Court Palace you can skate against a picture perfect backdrop and marvel at the famous maze and gardens all silvered with frost. The rink is just outside the West Front of the palace, so you can enjoy stunning panoramic views and an enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
The Ice Factor, York
23 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £9.95 adults/£8.95 children
The Ice Factor brings the Christmas magic back to York Designer Outlet becoming the centrepiece for Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland’s magical transformation. A giant 30ft Christmas tree will be in the centre of the ice rink as well as an illuminated reindeer forest. In addition, this season there will be an authentic British fun fair offering a variety of traditional rides, festive food and drink stalls, as well as the opportunity for children to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
9 November 2013 to 19 January 2014 – £13 adults/£8.50 children/£34 families
Following the huge success of previous years, the winter ice rink returns to the iconic setting of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion. This beautiful rink allows up to 250 skaters per session, with penguin stabilisers for younger skaters and a learners’ area for the unsure-footed. Whether you’re a skater or not, everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious food and drink by day or night at the stunning rink side Bar & Kitchen, which offers warming snacks, delicious lunches and dinners.
Tower of London
16 November 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £13.50 adults/£9.50 children/£38 families
Located in the moat and set against the magnificent fortress battlements, the Tower of London ice rink has surely one of the most stunning central London settings and is ideal for lunchtime skating, after-work gatherings, romantic dates and weekend afternoons out. Beautifully illuminated after dark, it makes a spectacular night time destination. Beside the ice rink, the Ice Bar & Cafe provides a welcome place to warm up after your skate, serving a selection of winter drinks and festive snacks.
Natural History Museum, London
31 October 2013 to 5 January 2014 – £13.50 adults/£9 children/£38 families
Make the move from the museum’s dinosaur skeletons to the ice rink quick enough and it’ll feel like a mini Ice Age! This 950-metre ice-rink is surrounded by some of London’s most iconic museums. Enjoy the Christmas lights above and the lively festive atmosphere of one of city’s most popular Christmas attractions.
For more festive ideas, visit VisitEngland