Esther
One of our favourite things to do in winter is to dress up warmly and head to our nearest ice rink for some serious skating. If you and the kids love ice skating, we have the best selection of ice rinks you can go to in London and across the UK.
Ice Skating in London…
Top on our list is the Somerset House Ice Rink. This beautiful ice rink is one of the best known places for London families to enjoy a good old fashioned ice skating afternoon as a family. If you or your children would like skating lessons, Skate School normally offers lessons in January so if you want to show off your new skills, now’s the time! You could also attend the Big Ice Dance Lunchtime Workout in the new year or dance to music on a Club Night. Skating here guarantees good family fun. It is very popular and families are strongly advised to book tickets in advance.
Click here to book tickets for a skating session at Somerset House
London Eye Ice Skating Rink
Next is the EyeSkate, at the base of the iconic London Eye, one of the top visitor attractions in the world. Ice skating with your family on the South Bank is an absolute must this winter for any London mums and dads, and for visitors to our beautiful city. Tickets include 10% online discount, 45 minutes’ skating and stabilising seats for children and must be picked up from the London Eye. You will enjoy this rink for its beautiful festive lights in the evening and breathtaking views. Nearest tube: Waterloo.
Book tickets for ice skating at the London Eye
Winter Wonderland and Ice Skating at Hyde Park (London)
This is another winner, with a magical Winter Wonderland to explore and the largest outdoor ice skating rink in London. The whole of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is buggy friendly, so you can wander around the Christmas markets with the baby while Dad takes the older kids ice skating. Kids can also visit Santa Land and Santa himself, enjoy the best rides in the capital and the whole family can attend Zippos Christmas Circus. There are lots of child friendly restaurants dotted around the site too, and some nice spots to stop for a warming hot chocolate. Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner. Tickets sell out quickly and we’d strongly advise booking in advance.
Book Tickets for Winter Wonderland’s Ice Skating Rink
Natural History Museum Ice Skating Rink (London)
Set on the grounds of the world famous Natural History Museum in London, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is a must for families visiting London… and a must for local mums and dads too! There is a children’s ice rink especially for the littlest visitors, a fairground carousel, and a nice cafe bar where you can warm up! Go to their events, such as cocktail night, acoustic night or even better, New Year’s Eve. Nearest tube: South Kensington. As with the other ice rinks recommended on this page, the NHM ice skating rink is very popular with visitors to London and you might be disappointed if you don’t book in advance.
Book Tickets for the Natural History Museum Ice Skating Rink
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink (London)
As far as indoor ice skating goes, this North London ice rink has got to the be the best. The building itself is inspiring, as are the views across London.There are drop-in public skating sessions for families, ice skating lessons, and a disco skating night for older kids. Best of all, however, are the Toddlers on Ice coffee mornings, and don’t miss the Family Brunch on New Year’s Day!
Click here for What’s On at Alexandra Palace ice rink
Not in London?
There are more fantastic ice skating rinks below if you’re in the North or West of England, or even Wales and Scotland.
The Ice Factor (York)
Next up is the beautiful Ice Factor in York, conveniently located on the A64/A19 interchange. The ice rink is a Winter Wonderland village square, surrounded by log cabins, an illuminated forest with reindeer, and a giant Christmas tree in the centre of the rink. With a public viewing area, heated skate hire marquee and the heated Ice Bar & Café for rink-side spectator comfort, the fun doesn’t stop there. Kids can see Santa in his grotto and enjoy the rides at the funfair, whilst you shop in the Christmas market. The Ice Factor at York Designer Outlet offers free parking and over 120 shops offering up to 60% discount right next door.
Book tickets for ice skating at The Ice Factor
Spinningsfields Open Air Ice Rink in Manchester
Set in the heart of Manchester is Moose Bar and Ice Rink, a Canadian log cabin and ice rink to create a wintery, Christmassy spirit. The Moose Bar is perfect for parties and lunches, offering seasonal bites, mulled wine and hot drinks for everyone. There’s plenty for children here too: hot chocolate, juice, sweets and more! Whether you are here for a skate or a bite to eat, it will warm you up nicely after shopping or a hard day’s work.
Click here to book tickets for Spinningsfields Open Air Ice Rink in Manchester
Edinburgh’s Ice Rink at East Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh is famous for Hogomanay but its Christmas celebrations are just as intense so if you’re based in this magical city, get your skates on and head to one of the largest ice rinks in Europe. This year, Edinburgh’s Ice Rink comes from Scotland’s theme park, M&D’s and offers fun for the whole family, such as bowling with Santa and his elves, and a wide range of festive food and mulled wine.
Eden Project Ice Skating Rink (Cornwall)
There is a stunning new glacial theme and there are skating sessions designed to suit the skater in terms of age and experience. The Chilly Penguins offer support to 6-12 year olds and superskate sessions cater for experienced skaters. Better still, you could have fun in the parent and toddler ice-play session. Under 5s are admitted free but they need to pay to skate. There is a limited capacity for sessions so book early to avoid disappointment.
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland and Ice Skating Rink
This Winter Wonderland is based at the Civic Centre Hall in the city. Come and enjoy the fabulous scenery and colours when you skate under the starry sky, regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced skater. If you’re not skating, take the kids to the children’s carousel and fair, or you could have a bite to eat at the ice cafe. Don’t miss out on this gorgeous scenery – book now!
Tickets to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland and ice skating rink
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