Get Your Skates On
November 29, 2010
Book ahead for tot-friendly skating in spectacular settings this Christmas
Get into the festive mood by taking a twirl around one of the outdoor ice rinks that are open for Christmas holiday season. There are stunning rinks all over the country and here we have highlighted the most kid-friendly ones to visit.
Dates: now until 16 January 2011
With a pre-school crèche, penguin skate supports for little ones and allocated kid-friendly skate times, the most tot-friendly ice rink this Christmas is by the seaside in Brighton. Apres-skate warm up with drinks and food from Due South.
Price: from £6.50 for children, £9.50 for adults
London
Dates: Now until 9 January 2011
Combine dinosaurs with skating at the Natural History Museum. Set on the front lawn of the majestic museum there is a dedicated rink for mini skaters, connected to the main rink via an ice bridge. Warm up with hot chocolates and delicious snacks in the Café Bar overlooking the rink.
Price: Children from £8, Adults from £11.50, Family ticket from £31
Glasgow
Dates: Now until 30 December
Why: Skate beneath the stars in Glasgow’s bustling George Square, alongside fairground rides and live ceilidh music.
Parent and toddler session times are available
Price: Adult tickets from £6, children from £5
glasgowloveschristmas.com; 0141-564 4220
London
Dates: Now until 23 January 2011
Set in the spectacular 18th century courtyard of Somerset House this is the ice rink of choice for London’s fashionistas. Tots can take their first steps on the ice with the Penguin Club, which offers special skating tuition for children up to the age of eight. After skating, you can warm up with a hot chocolate from the Tiffany tuck shop under the twinkling Christmas tree.
Price: Adult tickets from £11.80
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland
Surrey
Dates: now until 9 January 2011
The huge ice rink takes centre stage outside the famous palace of Henry VIII. Skate lessons and ice guides are available too.
Price: from adult £10, child £7.50
St Austell, Cornwall
When: Now until 27 February
Set in the stunning Eden Project this is the rink of choice for little eco-warriers. The Eden Project is running special toddler and parent skating sessions for the season. fee for adults
www.edenbookings.com; 01726-811 911
7. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
City Hall Lawn, Cardiff
When: Now until 3 January
Offering a spectacular setting amongst Cardiff’s impressive civic centre, the ‘Winter Wonderland’ combines an open-air rink with a tot-friendly fairground and dazzling Christmas lights. The ice rink has dedicated skating sessions for under 8s with penguin balancing aids available for £1 a session, plus a cosy cafe with baby changing facilities. There’s also a 50+-stall traditional Christmas market on nearby St John Street, filled with hand-made crafts and toys.
www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com
