Ice skating 2019: The best ice rinks in the UK this Christmas

The winter holiday season is right around the corner bringing with it an array of festive activities for Britons. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by strapping on a pair of skates and hitting the ice. A number of rinks are popping up across the country, with many set to open in the coming weeks, and tickets on sale now. These are 10 of the best set to spring to life soon - which rink will you be getting tickets for?

1. Somerset House, London

This stunning winter haven, dubbed “London’s most beautiful ice rink”, is set to return on 13 November for its 20th year and will run until 12 January 2020. The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court will be transformed into a winter oasis with a 40ft Christmas tree completing the scene. Sponsored by Fortnum and Mason, the event space hosts everything from skating lessons for beginners to exciting late-night “Skate Lates” parties hosted by their own DJ. Plus, adventurous skaters can skate as part of the rink’s first-ever skate all-nighter on 7 December. The Somerset House rink also allows skaters to warm up with some delicious treats at Fortnum’s Lodge after their session. Festive delicacies on offer include apple and cinnamon lattice pastries, chocolate fondue, mushroom cheese fondue and baked camembert, plus a choice of black cherry bellinis, red wine or champagne.

Tickets cost £11 for an adult or £8.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be bought here.

2.Royal Pavilion, Brighton

Set to open on 2 November, skaters are in for an aesthetic dream of colour changing surroundings and sparkling fairy lights. The rink also boasts eco-friendly attributes, powered entirely by wind and solar energy. Set in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, the ice rink has something for everyone, welcoming young and old alike with its family-friendly skating. Prior to opening night, on 1 November, the rink will hold a skate-a-thon in honour of its 10th birthday, with all proceeds going towards the planting of thousands of trees for Sussex Wildlife trust. The rink also boasts its own cosy bar and kitchen, on hand to warm skaters up after their frosty evening. The Royal Pavilion rink will run until 19 January 2019.

Tickets cost £14.00 for an adult of £9.50 for children under 12. Kids five-years-old and younger can skate for free per accompanying paying adult. Tickets can be bought here.

3. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Nestled in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home is this stunning open-air ice rink. Whether skating by day or under the velvet of the twinkling night sky, skaters are in for a festive treat with the promise of spectacular views, festive music and an array of delicious refreshments for post-skate relaxation. Children can rent skating aids, meanwhile, adults can enjoy zipping around and showing off their best moves to the backdrop of this iconic Tudor architecture. The Hampton Court Palace rink opens on 22 November and will welcome skaters up until 5 January.

Tickets cost £15.00 per adult of £1050 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be bought here.

4.Aberdeen Christmas Market, Aberdeen

Aberdeen Christmas market will be welcoming ice kings and queens to take a spin on its rink, which sits in the heart of the Scottish city’s annual festive haven. The rink will return for its third year on 21 November and run up until 31 December. An open-air rink, skaters can take in the views of Marischal College and the surrounding fairground rides and attractions. When visitors have had enough fun on the ice, they can pay a visit to Father Christmas himself at Santa’s Grotto in the market.

Tickets cost between £6 and £4 depending on the time of day. Tickets are available on site.

5. Winter Wonderland, Nottingham

Right at the centre of Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is this beautiful ice rink. Skaters will have the chance to zip around on the “east midland’s largest ice rink” underneath garlands of glistening festive lights. Organisers say this year it is “bigger and better than ever before”, and the rink will become a central feature of the city from 15 November until 31 December. Once done on the ice, visitors can take a stroll through the surrounding winter attractions, with highlights including festive stalls, an array of tasty treats, a toboggan slide and ice bar amongst other highlights.

Tickets cost £13 for adult and £10.50 for under 12s. Tickets can be bought here.

6. City Hall Lawn, Cardiff

Set to unveil its brand new Alpine Ice Trail, Cardiff's ice skating extravaganza is located at the City Hall and will open on 8 November. The trail will give skaters an open-air experience spanning 250 metres making it one of the longest ice trails in Europe. Meanwhile, its main rink will welcome 300 skaters per session to spin and twirl upon the ice. The Welsh Winter Wonderland will be centralised around a stunning Christmas tree, decorated by local primary school, Coed Glas. Thrill-seekers can also take in the view of the skaters below from a massive big wheel, or sit back and relax at the double-storey ‘Sur La Piste’ bar. The rink will welcome visitors until 5 January,

Tickets cost £11.00 for an adult or £9.00 for kids 12 and under. Tickets can be bought here.

7. Eden Project, Cornwall

Cornwall’s famous biomes have transformed themselves into a winter paradise with the addition of a glittering ice rink, which opened its doors to the public earlier this month. The festive offering will be in place until 23 February, offering everything from ice skating lessons to toddler and kid-focused sessions on a Sunday morning. For those who aren’t so savvy on the ice, the rink also boasts a cosy seating area where visitors can snuggle up with a hot chocolate or burger and watch the skaters glide by.

Tickets cost £7 or children can skate for £6. Tickets can be bought here.

8.Tower of London, London

The Tower of London is gearing up for an “unforgettable” winter season, set to welcome its spacious rink on 16 November. The rink will stay open until 5 January, and offer skaters a chance to dance across the ice to the backdrop of the historic fortress and River Thames. By night the space is transformed into a magical winter paradise with the addition of twinkling lights. Themed snacks and refreshments will be served at the Ice Rink Cafe Bar, operated by Miss Polly, including Cornish pastries and hot chocolates thick with marshmallows. Meanwhile, skaters can make a night of it by booking a prosecco and skate session, offering a bottle of bubbly to sip at the end of a memorable session. Winter lovers seeking an extra special experience can even hire out the space for parties and events.

Tickets cost £15.00 for an adult and £10.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be bought here.

9. Manchester Ice Village, Manchester 

The Manchester Ice Village is home to all kinds of ice magic, from astonishing sculptures to the city's Cathedral Gardens. Skaters can whip around on the rink from November 8 right up until 5 January 2020. A roof overhead protects skaters from weather changes, meaning fun can be had on the ice any time. Singles, couples and groups can enjoy the fun, with dedicated packages for large parties. Meanwhile, penguin skate supports are on hand for the little ones. When your skate session is done, head into the wider ice village and visit the "Ice Cavern", "Ice Tiki Bar" or Santa's Grotto. 

Tickets cost £12.20 for an adult, £10.20 for kids aged 3-15. Tickets can be bought here. 

10. Millennium Square, Leeds

Leeds is welcoming back a magical winter attraction known as Ice Cube to the city centre’s Millenium Square. The main ice rink is set beneath a covered canopy decorated with glittering Christmas lights, making for an outdoor skating experience whatever the weather. The family-friendly rink offers individual skating lessons as well as a dedicated “penguin club” for young skaters and accessible sessions for wheelchair users. Meanwhile, off the ice guests seeking added excitement can ride one of three winter attractions - the “Air Maxx” ride which soars 75 feet in the air, the speedy “Ice Jet” bobsleigh ride or the fast-paced “Ice Slide”.

Tickets for the rink cost £8.50 for an adult of £7.00 for children under 13. Tickets can be bought here. 

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