This winter UK outdoor ice rinks are open late, extra glittery and several have skating lessons for kids, crowd-free family skate sessions and skate-aids for little first-time skaters. Plus there’s big ice rink news from the Natural History Museum in London. Take a look.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park: the biggest of all UK outdoor ice rinks
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland outdoor ice rink is open from now until 3 January 2022. It’s the largest in the UK and skating sessions last 50 minutes. The rink’s open from 10am to 10pm daily and last sessions are at 9pm. Skate hire is included in the ticket price. Go in the evening for extra twinkly fairy light magic.
Find out more about ice skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this winter
Natural History Museum, London: one of the most famous UK outdoor ice rinks
After 16 years, this lovely ice rink is skating its last this winter. The museum’s five-acre gardens are being transformed into an urban wildlife space next year. But don’t worry, you can skate right up until 16 January 2022, the rink’s open from 11am to 10pm daily. And if you want to warm up, the Café Bar overlooking the rink is open now too.
Take a closer look at the Natural History Museum ice rink for family days out
Somerset House, London: Kids Skate Club and Skate School this winter
Possibly the loveliest outdoor ice rink in London, any winter, Somerset House is back for 2021. Skate Late and DJ Sessions are the big after dark draws. But families might be more interested in the Kids Skate Club for 6 to 10 year olds and Skate School for over eights. Or if you’re all ice-proficient already, the rink’s open for skating most days from 9.30am to 9.30pm right up until 16 January 2022.
Find out more about family skating at Somerset House in London this winter
Eden Project, Cornwall: Family Fun Skate is back until February 2022
Not really one of the UK outdoor ice rinks, the Eden Project’s world of biodomes is the next best thing to the open air. Plus it’s a good excuse to experience Christmas at the Eden Project. And Family Fun Skate is back this winter giving parents and under 12s crowd-free time on the ice, great for confidence building. Skating lessons are available too and the rink’s open until February 2022.
Take a look at times and dates for the Eden Project ice rink this winter
Hampton Court Palace, Richmond: one of the best UK outdoor ice rinks for evening skating
The country’s oldest surviving Tudor palace, Hampton Court is spectacular and open between 10am and 8.45pm from now until 9 January. For the full fairy tale effect go after-dark when the palace is lit up and you can skate under a star filled winter sky. Book ahead and reserve cute penguin skate aids for younger kids.
Book skating sessions at Hampton Court Palace from now until January
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York: home of The Ice Factor skating rink
Visit Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland in York and take a spin round The Ice Factor with kids. It’s the north of England’s largest outdoor rink and comes with a rink-side café, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto and a 30ft high Christmas Tree. The rink’s open daily from 9.30am to 9.30pm until 9 January 2022.