When you think of the festive season, what springs to mind? Wandering around Christmas markets, sipping on a glass of mulled wine, chilling in front of a roaring fire in a cosy pub? And ice skating too of course! Not just for children, it's an activity all ages can enjoy: sliding across the glittering ice, attempting a little spin, maybe even going backwards... Across the UK, there are a number of fantastic UK ice rinks for Christmas and New Year, where you can don a pair of boots and get gliding – some more gracefully than others!
Below is a selection of ice rinks around the country where you can practice your skills, plus great places to stay nearby for a night or two if the feeling takes you, from luxe self-catering properties and city hotels to a boat! Go on, get your skates on...
Bath On Ice is back from November 15th till January 5th. In its 12th year, for this iteration, expect atmospheric lighting, wintery music and seasonal drinks at Moguls, the on-site alpine bar. There's also glow-in-the-dark mini golf to get stuck into. If you're making a weekend of it and looking for five-star accommodation, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is just the ticket. Elsewhere, book into Brooks Guesthouse, a contemporary and welcoming place to stay.
Cumbria
This December, 'Skate By The Lake' is launching at Another Place, The Lake – Ullswater’s first-ever rink. The 200-square-metre sweep of ice will turn the hotel's grounds into a festive wintry scene. Open seven days a week for guests, visitors, community groups and schools, there will be a marquee to shelter under in case it rains. After a session, de-boot and head to The Glasshouse for a hot chocolate or mulled wine. If you're staying over, make the most of their 'Stay and Skate' breaks.
Warwick
Make your way to Warwick Castle and experience a fabulous open-air ice rink beneath historic towers and turrets! Open from November 23rd to January 5th, if you fancy visiting the castle too, they're offering combined tickets. For somewhere to rest your head, head southwards 20 minutes to Talton House, where you'll discover a variety of accommodation, including Talton Lodge Glamping and Barn, the ideal spot for family and friends.
For a magical skate, the Royal Pavilion houses a rink from October 26th until January 5th. The added bonus? The ice is 100% powered by green energy! There's also a rinkside
bar and kitchen for those feeling peckish and thirsty afterwards. Fancy spending the night by the coast? Check into Artist Residence for an eclectic boutique hotel, or for a self-catering getaway, check out properties by Simple Getaway: close to the beach you'll find Bristol Gardens and Regency Stables.
Edinburgh
Visit Scotland's capital from November 2nd until January 4th and glide up and down George Street ice rink, taking in the glorious architecture. Accommodation-wise, it's all about the Four Sisters Boatel – a unique option in the heart of the city centre housing six (and a pet) in real comfort, plus two more guests, if they're happy on a sofa bed. Or, opt for Camillia, moored next to Four Sisters and also sleeping up to eight.
Lace up at the Eden Project near St Austell, where their shimmering ice rink is open from November 22nd until February 23rd. Make your own way around the rink, or why not book a lesson? If you're looking for a place to stay, Trewhiddle Village is a collection of luxurious self-catering hideaways housing four to nine, while Bosinver Farm Cottages is home to 20 stylish properties sleeping between four and 12.
The weather can't ruin the clear roofed rink at Centenary Square! Better yet, it's open until 10pm, from November 1st till January 5th. This year, you can warm up with a festive drink after your session at the Ice Lounge and Bar. For a comfy place to lay your end, check in to dog-friendly Edgbaston Park Hotel on the city’s southern side, just two miles from the centre.
At over 1,000 square metres, the rink at Winter Wonderland in Norwich has a giant transparent cover. Open from November 22nd until January 5th, it's ideal for all-weather gliding across the ice. Afterwards, make your way to the city centre and the Maids Head, a characterful spot that claims to be the oldest hotel in the country! Also first-rate is The Georgian Townhouse, a modern inn with boutique rooms – part of the City Pub Company collection.
Another dazzling Winter Wonderland, this one is open from November 14th until January 5th and split across two locations: Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawns. The grounds of the former is where you'll find the undercover ice rink – a unique spot indeed. For a proper pub with stylish rooms, check out Pontcanna Inn. Slightly out of the centre is The Heathcock – a destination for foodies, with bedrooms upstairs.
Which UK ice rink for Christmas and New Year is your fave?
For places to glide in London, have a read of our post. For more accommodation tips, head to our guides, ranging from dog-friendly cottages and eco-retreats to romantic hotels. And for general inspiration, check out our blog. We've also created a winter deals guide, with tons of deals and value-for-money packages.
