5 Best Family-Friendly Ice Rinks To Visit This Winter
There’s nothing better than a trip to the ice rink over the Christmas period! Make sure you and your gang are kitted out correctly to shield against the cold and enjoy your family ice skating adventure.
As the Christmas season is upon us, we’ve been on the lookout for the best family-friendly ice-skating rinks across the UK – here are out top 5 ice rinks to visit this winter.
When: 25 October - 20 January
How much: adults from £12.65, children from £8.80, families from £39.60
Natural History Museum Ice Rink is the perfect place to spend a family day out. Set just next to the wonderful National History Museum, this ice rink is truly family-friendly. Ask for penguin skate aids or children’s bob skates (twin bladed skates that fit over a child’s shoes) and enjoy London’s most enchanting ice rink. Visit the Café Bar to warm up with a hot drink or enjoy the fairground carousel to finish your visit.
When: 3 November - 13 January
How much: adults £10, children £7, family ticket £39
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is located next to the gorgeous pavilion built for King George IV. It’s perfect for younger skaters and their families and there’s a brilliant beginner’s area for less experienced skaters. Penguin skate aids are available to little skaters 1.2m tall or less. There’s also a rinkside bar and a restaurant if your family gets hungry after having fun on the ice rink.
When: 13 October - 24 February
How much: adults £7, children £6, family ticket £24
Combine your family ice skating session with a visit to this must-visit Cornwall attraction. Eden Project Ice Skating Rink is Cornwall’s only indoor ice rink and is perfect for your little skaters. Penguin skating aids are available to help little skaters to gain confidence on the ice. There are also parent and toddler ice-play sessions for children aged between 18 months and 5 years with lots of toys to play with. Looking for some family fun? Try family fun sessions on Sunday mornings. Wrap up warm (what’s better than toasty accessories to keep your little ones cosy?) and enjoy the ice!
When: 16 November - 6 January
How much: from £7 (cheaper when bought in advance)
Waterfront Winterland, the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Swansea, is back with a great family-friendly ice rink. Located right next to the National Waterfront Museum, the ice rink is ideal for younger children and beginners. Penguin skating aids don’t need to be pre-booked and are available on a first come first served basis. Get your skates on and enjoy that wonderful festive feeling!
When: 17 November - 2 January
How much: adult £11, children from £6.95
Head to Winchester to enjoy rain-free skating at the heart of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market. There’s a roof above the ice rink so you won’t be surprised by a sudden downpour. Skate penguins and polar bears for young skaters are available for hire on a first come first served basis. There are also brilliant “parent and toddler only” available until 20 December.
Our tip: if you and your gang are still a little wobbly, leave the centre of the ice to the more experienced skaters and enjoy the beginner’s area. There’s lots of laughs to be had, have a lovely family skating adventure!