The 10 Best Christmas ice rinks
It's that time of year again… to get your skates on. Here's our pick of the country's best ice rinks
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Your support makes all the difference.Skate just yards from the Crown Jewels on this rink in the tower's moat. It really comes into its own after dark when illuminated. Off the skates, soak up the historic surroundings from the Ice Bar & Café overlooking the action.
£11.50-£13.50, toweroflondonicerink.com
2. Spinningfields ice rink, Manchester
Skaters will be treated to a light show as they glide round at Spinningfields, the only open air ice rink for Mancunians. The area's having a "snow season" and surrounding venues are serving warming food and drinks for chilly skaters.
£7-£9, spinningfieldsicerink.co.uk
The 18th-century courtyard setting has romance and the cool factor. Their late-night Club Nights feature top club DJs and there's a mixologist on site to provide cocktails. Tom's Skate Lounge – a pop-up extension of Tom Aikens restaurant at the venue – overlooks the rink and keeps visitors well-fed and oiled. Be sure to book the skating as tickets sell fast.
£7.50-£17, somersethouse.org.uk
4. Hampton Court Palace ice rink
This rink at Henry VIII's former home has a bit of a fairy-tale feel and is quite an experience after dark. There's an onsite bar and café providing warming festive fare too.
£9-£13, hamptoncourticerink.com
5. Flybe Winter Wonderland, Cardiff
In Cardiff's Civic Centre, this rink is a festive enclave in the Welsh capital. There's also the 60m tall Star Ride - a high "chairaplane" giving panoramic views of the city.
£6-9, cardiff.gov.uk
The King's Road bar and restaurant has installed a bijou rink in its outside courtyard. Warm up over fondue in the downstairs café. Belvedere are on hand to provide the cocktails. Don't be surprised if you find yourself gliding alongside Made in Chelsea-ites.
£10, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
7. Natural History Museum ice rink
Skating at the iconic South Kensington museum under the glow of 76,000 twinkling fairy lights feels very festive. There's a junior rink for younger visitors and those not tempted onto the ice can hop on the carousel.
£8.00-£13.50, nhm.ac.uk
8. Winter Wonderland skating rink
Hyde Park's giant pop-up festive playground has a rink amid the fairground rides and Christmas market. Visitors can skate until 10pm. There's plenty of food and drink on offer; with live music, bratwurst and beer, the Bavarian Great Hall is the rowdiest option.
£9.50-£14.50, hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
9. Eden Project ice rink, Cornwall
The Cornish tourist attraction hosts an ice rink in the winter. Skate surrounded by winter woodland. There are special sessions for beginners and Fridays in November and December are new late-night disco evenings.
£3-£6, edenproject.com
Glide amid the City's most imposing towers in the heart of Canary Wharf, and avoid the crowds of the central London rinks.
£9.50-£13.50, icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
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