12 brilliant ice rinks you won’t want to miss for Christmas 2018

Christmas 2018 is fast approaching and as we draw closer to the festive season, a host of ice rinks are already starting to open their doors.

And this year, there’s ample opportunity to don your skates, whether you’re after views of UK landmarks, a night out skating to Christmas classics, or even just looking for something to keep the kids entertained in the lead-up to the big event.

Not to mention there are plenty right by some of the UK’s best Christmas markets.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve searched out the top 15 best ice rinks across the UK not to be missed.

Check out our favourites below…

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1. Brighton

Right in front of the spectacular Royal Pavilion, the 880m ice rink on the East Lawn is guaranteed to get you in a spin.

First-time skaters can totter over to the beginners’ area, complete with penguin skate aids. And if you’d rather take a back seat, the rink-side Bar & Kitchen serves up festive treats and drinks.

How much? Tickets from £10 per adult, £7 per child. Family rickets from £39. Open from 3rd November 2018 to 13th January 2019. For more information visit royalpavilionicerink.co.uk .

2. Nottingham

In the city that gave us skating legends Torvill and Dean you can glide beneath the stars on the outdoor ice rink in the Old Market Square.

The neo-baroque Council House, with its 60m high dome, is the splendid backdrop to Winter Wonderland. After a twirl round the 18m Christmas tree, cool down in the UK’s largest ice bar.

How much? Tickets from £12 per adult, £9.50 per child, or £36 per family. Open until 31st December. For more information head to visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/christmas .

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3. Somerset House, London

For a little night music on ice, rock up at Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason.

The capital’s most beautiful ice rink has launched Skate Lates, a new curated programme of music nights, where the coolest DJs will be spinning tunes for you to spin to.

How much? Tickets from £11 per person. Open from the 14th November through to the 13th January. For more information visit somersethouse.org.uk .

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4. Canary Wharf, London

Flanked by the financial district’s gleaming skyscrapers, this 1,300 sq m rink offers a serene session on ice whatever the weather, thanks to the clear roof cover. If you fancy some outdoor action, trace the glittery route beneath the Skate Path’s trees.

How much? Tickets from £16.95 per adult, £10.95 per child, or £46.50 per family. Open until 16th February. For more information visit icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk .

5. Hampton Court Palace

Before you even tie up your skates, you’ll be swept away by the spectacular Tudor facade of Henry VIII’s ‘pleasure palace’. Twirl round the huge 1,040 sq m rink and, as darkness falls, see the palace light up with beautiful colours.

How much? Tickets from £14.50 per adult, from £10.50 per child, or from £43 per family. Open from 23rd November 2018 to 6th January 2019 . For more information visit hrp.org.uk .

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6. Cardiff

Set on City Hall Lawn, the Welsh capital’s iconic civic centre has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the sparkling Admiral Ice Rink at the heart of the action.

Enjoy some ‘après skate’ at the AlpineVillage, sampling warming gluhwein or tucking into tasty German bratwurst.

How much? Tickets from £8.50 per adult, £7 per child or £27 per family (when booked online). Open from 15th November until 6th January. For more information visit cardiffwinterwonderland.com .

7. Edinburgh

Skating fans can head to the elliptical outdoor ice rink in St Andrew Square for a bracing turn around the Melville Monument.

Off the ice, expect plenty more fun including a Christmas tree maze, interactive musical shows for families and magical carousels.

How much? Tickets from £5pp. Open from 16th November until 5th January. For more information visit edinburghschristmas.com.

8. Liverpool

Against the famous waterfront backdrop, the city’s Ice Festival at the Pier Head is bigger than ever this year in the covered outdoor ice rink – and try the super-sized triple-lane ice slide.

Cool down in the Ice Bar or warm up with a hot choc in the Apres Lodge.

How much? Tickets from £12 per adult, £10 per child or £38 per family. Open from 10th November until 7th January. For more information visit icefestivalliverpool.co.uk .

9. Manchester

Skate under the stars at First Street, near Deansgate Locks, the new home for the city’s 21m x 15m ice rink.

The first three sessions of the day are family focused when the trusty skating penguins are on the ice. First Street’s bars and restaurants offer plenty of places for an après-skate meal or drink.

How much? Tickets from £14 per adult, £12 per child (includes booking fees). Open from the 16th November until 6th January. For more information visit manchestericerink.co.uk .

10. Eden Project

Cornwall’s only indoor ice rink, in the home of the famous Biomes, is geared up for all the family with lessons for nervous novices, ‘Chilly Juniors’ skating races and games on selected Sundays along with parent and toddler (18 months to 5 years) sessions. Eden admission ticket is required.

How much? Ice rink tickets from £7 per adult, £6 per child or £24 per family. Open until 24th February. For more information visit edenproject.com.

11. Tower of London

Take to the ice in the shadow of the 1,000-year-old land-mark beside the Thames.

The ice rink is in the country’s most famous dry moat – evening sessions are a treat with hundreds of snow-flake lights sparkling on the walls of the castle.

How much? Tickets from £14.50 per adult, £10.50 per child or £42 per family. Open from 23rd November until 6th January. For more information visit toweroflondonicerink.co.uk .

12. Birmingham

Get your blades on at Eastside Green, near Millennium Point, the venue for the city’s swish ice rink. If you’d rather be a spectator, watch the action from the viewing platform of the rink-side bar with a festive mulled wine, Prosecco or cider.

How much? Tickets from £9.50 per adult, £7.50 per child. Open from the 15th November through to the 6th January. For more information visit iceskatebirmingham.co.uk .

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