10 Best Family-Friendly Ice Rinks
There’s nothing better than a trip to the ice rink over the Christmas period! Make sure your gang are kitted out with reliable waterproofs 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 our top 10 ice rinks to visit this winter.
1) Skate at Somerset House, London
When: 11th October - 10th January
How much: adults from £13, children from £11
Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Set within our historic 18th-century courtyard, enjoy skating beneath a spectacular 40ft Christmas tree, festive food and drink, and unique seasonal shopping. With tickets from £11, discover one of London’s most iconic festive experiences.
2) Hampton Court Ice Rink, Surrey
When: 21st November - 4th January
How much: adults from £18, children from £13.50
Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is the perfect way to glide into the season. Lace up your skates, bring your loved ones, and get ready for an enchanting experience on the ice.
3) Eden Project Ice Skating Rink, Bodelva, Cornwall
When: 17th October - 21st February
How much: adults from £13.50, children from £10.50
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. 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!
4) Winter Wonderland, Swansea, Wales
When: 19th November - 3rd January
How much: adults from £12, children from £10
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!
5) Ice Skating at Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
When: 21st November - 3rd January
How much: adults and children from £8
The Castle’s east front transforms into a magical skating rink for the ultimate festive experience on the ice. Glide around our ice rink right underneath the majestic Guy’s Tower. As you skate, enjoy the sound of your favourite Christmas classics. With skate aids for the kids, and a handrail around the outside (for those who need it), all levels of skating experience will love to glide around the rink under the Warwick Castle turrets and towers.
6) Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester
When: 6th November - 3rd January
How much: adults from £15, children from £13.75
Skate Manchester is back, transforming Cathedral Gardens into the city’s ultimate winter destination! Rated 4.9 stars from almost 2,000 Google reviews, Skate Manchester has quickly become one of the most-loved winter experiences in the UK. Set in a beautiful covered and weatherproof location in the heart of the city, this premier ice rink guarantees a magical skating experience whatever the weather.
7) Bath on Ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath
When: 20th November - 3rd January
How much: adults from £16.50, children from £14
Nestled in stunning Royal Victoria Park, experience the magic of winter at Bath on Ice. Glide across our spacious, real, ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and music. With toddler sessions, limitless skate sessions and themed days, the 2026 season is set to be a magical one.
8) Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, York
When: 13th November - 3rd Janaury
How much: adults from £18.09, children from £16.99
The multi award-winning Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland offers a magical festive experience for all ages, with open-air skating, a thrilling funfair, cosy Santa’s Cabin and an alpine-style café & bar The Chalet. This year the rink has a landscaped woodland scene as its backdrop, featuring giant trees edged with ever-changing colourful neon ropes bringing them to life, as well as glowing Christmas Bauble trees, creating a stunning setting for skating under winter skies. With the latest ice-making technology, the extra-thick glistening rink is flanked by the après-skate Chalet café and terrace, decorated with vintage alpine posters and photographs and even a cow-bell or two to set the scene.
9) Christmas in Cambridge, Cambridge
When: 13th November - 3rd January
How much: adults from £16.50, children from £14
Taking centre stage at Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece come and join us on Cambridge’s largest outdoor ice rink! Whether you're a Dancing on Ice champion, a total newbie or just about anything in between, you can be sure to find some festive cheer on the surface of our real, genuine ice rink.
10) Winter Funland, Birmingham
When: 5th December - 3rd January
How much: adults and children from £35
Winter Funland has become a tradition for tens of thousands of families and we’re really excited to deliver an even bigger and better Christmas extravaganza at The NEC this year! Featuring the ever popular UNLIMITED funfair rides, ice skating, circus show and a motorbike stunt show too! Our ice rink has a magical feel and is the largest rink in Birmingham this Christmas - so get your Christmas jumpers ready, book your tickets and step into an amazing family Christmas with us at Winter Funland Birmingham!
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!
