Top 10 Outdoor Ice Rinks

Natural History Museum

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum (www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/ice-rink/index.html)

Tower of London

Get your skates on and head to London and one of Britain’s most famous landmarks. Skate beneath the ramparts, towers and battlements of this spectacular Norman fortress, home of the crown jewels, historic arms and armour and nearly 1, 000 years of British history.

Tower of London ice rink (www.toweroflondonicerink.com)

Somerset House, London

One of the most beautiful skating backdrops in Britain, Somerset House is the neoclassical arts venue sitting between the Thames and the Strand in London. The ice rink sits in the courtyard overlooked by the gorgeous Tiffany tree. This year you can enjoy DJ sets, early bird breakfast sessions and spiced mulled wine and snacks from the Tiffany Tuck Shop. There are special slots for children and wheelchair users.

Somerset House (www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice_rink/default.asp)

Edinburgh Castle

Skate on one of Europe’s biggest open-air ice rinks below Edinburgh’s ancient castle and take in Edinburgh’s unique skyline lit up for Christmas. You can also enjoy a whole host of wintry activities including festive music, theatre and seasonal food and drink.

Edinburgh Castle (www.edinburghschristmas.com/content/winterwonderlandicerink&bungydome/2494/)

Eden Project, Cornwall

Warm up in Eden’s mighty biomes before chilling out on the ice at Cornwall’s Eden Project. Eden’s ice rink has a winter forest theme and is part of their ‘Time of Gifts’ celebrations. As well as skating there’ll also be an opportunity to try curling, a kind of bowls on ice.

Eden Project, Cornwall (edenproject.com/visiting-eden/whats-on/kids-and-families/time-of-gifts.php)

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester’s ice rink is set in the atmospheric surrounds of Winchester’s Christmas market next to the 11th-century cathedral. Show off your moves on the ice then enjoy hearty mountain casseroles, sweet and savoury strudels, homemade soups, Black Forest gateaux, mulled wine and hot chocolate at the Ice Rink Café.

Winchester Cathedral (www.visitwinchester.co.uk/site/whats-on/christmas-in-winchester)

Cardiff

Cardiff’s outdoor ice rink is the centrepiece of Cardiff’s Christmas celebrations. And if you’re not keen on the skating you can always take refuge in the heated spectators’ terrace, ride on the Ferris Wheel and fill up on mulled wine from the ice café bar. There’ll also be ice-side entertainment in the cuddly form of Bjorn the life-sized, animated polar bear.

Cardiff Winter Wonderland (www.bmibabycardiffwinterwonderland.com/)

York

Skate around the illuminated oak tree next to the 13th-century Clifford’s tower, the law courts and the castle museum in historic York. It’s a beautiful setting for a skate and you can chill out and warm up in the Ice Bar & Café afterwards.

http://www.theicefactor.co.uk/main.htm

Glasgow

Take to the ice on graceful George Square, the setting for Glasgow’s outdoor ice rink and a whole programme of free, festive entertainment from film nights and live music to community theatre and carol singing.

Glasgow (www.winterfestglasgow.com/glasgow_on_ice/)

Spinningfields, Manchester

Not far from Manchester’s lively centre, the Spinningfields ice rink is the perfect partner to a spot of Christmas shopping. And when you’ve had a spin on the ice, retire to the North Pole bar for a restorative tipple. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the vodka infused Winter Crumble.

Spinningfields, Manchester (www.spinningfieldsonline.net)

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

You won’t find many ice rinks in a more romantic location than Hampton Court Palace. Skate beneath the stars outside Henry VIII’s favourite royal palace and savour the historic flavour at this Thames-side icon.

Hampton Court Palace (www.hamptoncourticerink.com)