Get your skates on: top five seasonal ice rinks

There are loads great outdoor ice rinks across the UK, open for the festive season, many of them offering refreshments to enjoy while you take a break from gliding around, so it’s time to strap on your blades and check out these fun attractions.

Cardiff

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Until 6 January
Right in the centre of Cardiff, outside the grand City Hall, you’ll find the Welsh capital’s festive ice rink. Housed under glass, the rink will keep skaters dry come rain or shine. Next door is a fun fair and the Alpine Village, where you can get a bite to eat and a nice cup of warm, spicy wine.
cardiffswinterwonderland.com

London

Natural History Museum
Until 6 January
Every year, one of London’s most popular outdoor ice rinks springs up in the grounds of the iconic Natural History Museum. Situated in a beautiful part of Kensington, and with a café selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and more, this is one of the most pleasing places for you to glide on ice with family and friends.
nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ice-rink

Skate at Somerset House
Until 13 January
Skate at Somerset House is perfectly located in the courtyard of a well-regarded arts venue, less than 15 minutes from Trafalgar Square. The rink can be enjoyed during the day, but we recommend heading there after dark, when the ice and the surrounding Neoclassical buildings are beautifully lit and the Christmas tree is sparkling.
bit.ly/skateonthestrand

Cardiff

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Until 6 January 2019
Right in the centre of Cardiff, outside the grand City Hall, you’ll find the Welsh capital’s festive ice rink. Housed under glass, the rink will keep skaters dry come rain or shine. Next door is a fun fair and the Alpine Village, where you can get a bite to eat and a nice cup of warm, spicy wine.
cardiffswinterwonderland.com

Brighton

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Until 13 January
Outside the suitably extravagant-looking Royal Pavilion, originally built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, the ice rink is an annual gem, perfect for Instagram snaps. There’s also a pleasant rinks-side bar and kitchen, serving hot chocolate, mulled wine and beer to enjoy with your meal.
royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

Cornwall

Eden Project
Until 24 February
Head on down to the Eden Project and enjoy the refurbished covered ice rink. Sessions last 40 minutes and you can choose a slot that best suits your needs, whether you’re a beginner of a skating pro – young kids are welcome too. Once you’re done, grab a hot chocolate and burger and watch while others take to the ice. Book a session by visiting the Eden Project website.
edenproject.com