Top 10 Christmas ice rinks

Lace up those ice skates and embrace the brisk winter air; Christmas is the season of ice-skating. Whether you glide in graceful silvery arcs or cling haplessly to the side ice-skating is good fun and great for getting into the festive spirit.

Here’s our pick of the best open-air ice rinks in England...

1. The Ice Cube, Leeds

This is the UK’s largest open air ice-rink. This means if you veer off in some unexpected direction, you’ve plenty of room to recover your composure, or, if it’s crowded, an excellent selection of new friends to clutch at spectacularly. Right at the heart of Leeds city centre, this rink gives you all the shop-and-skate potential you could want.

When: January to March 2012

2. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond upon Thames

With open-air ice skating, setting is everything. Skate amid the winter wonder of Hampton Court Palace and marvel at the maze and gardens all silvered with a layer of frost. The rink is just outside the West Front of the palace, so you can enjoy stunning panoramic views and an enchanting Christmas atmosphere.

When: 26 November 2011 to 8 January 2012

3. Winchester Cathedral

If you need a break from Christmas shopping, this open-air ice rink is conveniently situated right in the centre of Winchester’s Christmas market. Glide and weave at leisure while the crowds mill about you and the Christmas lights sparkle overhead. It’s also just in front of the gorgeous Winchester Cathedral, making for a super-magical experience.

When: 24 November 2011 to 2 January 2012

4. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion rink is right in front of the stunning Indian-style palace at the centre of the city. The location couldn’t be better. Not only is the scene magical in the extreme, with Indian domes and spires reaching up into the winter sky, but you’re nestled right between Brighton’s quirky shopping hotspots, North Laine and The Lanes.

When: 12 November 2011 to 22 January 2012

5. The Ice Factor, York

Skate to your heart’s content in an idyllic medieval setting, in the centre of York. Tucked away between the 13th-century Clifford’s tower and the castle museum, this is a great way to soak up York’s unique beauty and have a little festive fun at the same time.

When: 26 November 2011 to 8 January 2012

6. Somerset House Ice Rink

Here’s a taste of old London elegance., Somerset House’s 18th-century courtyard has the oldest temporary ice rink in London. It’s beautifully lit and overlooked by a huge Christmas tree, and you can even pick up some mulled wine or hot chocolate to chase away the chills.

When: 22 November 2011 to 22 January 2012

7. Eden Project, Cornwall

Cornwall’s Eden Project is a collection of giant geodesic domes, overflowing with tropical gardens and incredible plant life. During the festive season the area outside the domes becomes a wintry Christmas tableau, complete with a spectacular ice rink and an incredible view of the brightly lit domes themselves.

When: 22 October to 23 December 2011

8. Tower of London Ice Rink, London

This ice rink sits just beside The Tower of London, one-time dungeon to conspirators of London’s past. It’s excellently located for a day of shopping and sightseeing; Tower Bridge, the London Dungeons and Southwark Cathedral are all within walking distance. It also has great views of the Thames, and the riverside buildings lit up for Christmas.

When: 19 November 2011 to 8 January 2012

9. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park , London

Hyde Park’s spectacular expanse is the setting for another fabulous year of ice-skating this Christmas. But that’s not all. You’ll find toboggan slides, Christmas markets and cafés all around the rink, so you can hop on and off the ice at your leisure. There’s even a Ferris wheel and a host of fairground rides, ideal for taking in the whole scene from high up.

When: 19 November 2011 to 4 January 20212

10. Natural History Museum, London

With a museum full of dinosaur bones right next door to this ice rink, if you run between the two fast enough it’ll feel like a mini-ice age is happening. Or, you could just enjoy the Christmas lights swirling above and the lively festive atmosphere as you skate in this brilliant location, with a host of other London attractions clustered around you.

When: 4 November 2011 to 8 January 2012