Ice Skating venues in the UK to explore this Christmas

Can you believe that last winter, most of the UK had a good covering of snow? We were all going mad building snowmen and sledging down the nearest available hill. Sadly for snowy thrill-seekers, this year has been a lot milder for most of us, bringing the grey skies and drizzle that go with it! So if you want to get involved with some icy adventures this Christmas, you’ll have to get yourself to one of the many fantastic ice skating rinks that are dotted around the UK.

There are permanent ice rinks in most larger cities, and at this time of year you’ll also find pop-up rinks alongside Christmas markets in city centres. Here’s our choice of the best ice-skating venues where you can get your skates on and see if you’re more Bambi or Torvil and Dean!

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Now this is something truly unique – skating at a palace! At Hampton Court in Surrey, you can glide around a huge rink (over 1000 square metres) and take in the beautiful Tudor architecture where Henry VIII once lived.

The rink is open every day except Christmas day, and at the moment they have some special offers for family groups to take advantage of.

Manchester Ice Rink

Every winter, Manchester Ice Rink on First Street attracts thousands of visitors keen to test their balance on the ice. Slap bang in the middle of town between Deansgate and Oxford Road stations, this rink is perfectly placed for weekenders and Christmas shoppers.

The surrounding restaurants and bars even have special offers on for people that have visited the rink, so you can make an evening of it!

Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff

The Ice Arena Wales has recently been renamed Viola Arena, and it’s part of a huge sports complex in Cardiff.

As they have a permanent ice rink, this is the place to go for skating courses and lessons. The rink is also available for private hire for birthdays and parties – imaging having the whole place to yourself!

Southampton Ice Rink

If you head to Westquay on the Esplanade in Southampton this Christmas, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Alps! Every year they create a ski resort vibe, with an ice-skating rink and a wooden Alpine bar where you can get hot drinks and watch the world go by. This year the rink is bigger and better, with a larger surface area and more comfortable skates.

Nottingham Ice Centre

Of course, if you’re in the Nottingham area there’s only one place to go – the National Ice Centre! They have an Olympic-sized rink and there’s all sorts going on at Christmas, from ice hockey coaching to private lessons and free entry for kids under 5.

They even have Christmas foam parties on the rink, so even if it doesn’t snow in the UK this year, the white fluffy foam is the next best thing!

Get your skates on

So head to Let's Go Out to find your nearest ice skating rink for some winter fun, plus check out our article for Winter Wonderlands

Plus we also have over 6,000 other adventure and days out for you to find all over the UK

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

The Let's Go Out Team