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 17th till January 3rd! In its 11th year, for this iteration, expect atmospheric lighting, wintery music and seasonal drinks at 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.
Warwick
Make your way to Warwick Castle and experience a fabulous open-air ice rink beneath historic towers and turrets! Open from November 25th to January 7th, 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 a quirky barn conversion sleeping eight and an orchard wagon.
For a magical skate, the Royal Pavilion houses a rink from October 28th until January 7th. 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 informal and eclectic boutique hotel, or head to Una, a funky and super comfortable option.
Edinburgh
Visit Scotland's capital from November 8th until January 6th 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 October 14th until February 2024. 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 this clear roofed rink at Centenary Square! Better yet, it's open until 10pm, from November 2nd till January 7th. For a sleek place to stay, Staying Cool at the Rotunda is a top choice – serviced apartments of rock-star quality within an iconic Grade-II listed building. To celebrate their 15th Birthday, there's a year-long programme of festivities showcasing the city's art, literature and food scenes.
At almost 1,000 metres squared, the rink at Winter Wonderland in Norwich has a brand new clear span cover – open from November 17th until January 3rd, and 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 16th until January 2nd and split across two locations: Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawns. The grounds of the former is where you'll find the ice rink – a unique spot indeed. For a comfy yet
wallet-friendly place to stay, book the YHA, or for a proper pub with stylish rooms, check out Pontcanna Inn. Slightly out of the centre is The Heathcock – a destination for foodies, with two bedrooms upstairs.
Which UK ice rink for Christmas and New Year is your fave?
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.
