Britain's 10 best outdoor ice skating rinks

Get your skates on and get to one of these perfect ice skating destinations this winter

THE PAST few years have seen a boom in seasonal outdoor ice rinks, often accompanied by mulled wine and a goodly variety of festive frolics. Here’s our selection.

George Square, Glasgow Cleverly constructed around the Scott monument, and surrounded by glittering Christmas lights, this is city skating at its best.

Adults from £6, children from £5; 0844 477 7700, www.winterfestglasgow.com

East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Not content with just one rink, even if it is huge — it’ll take 300 skaters at once — they’ve built another next door, just for the bairns.

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Adults from £7.50, under-16s from £6.50, under-7s from £5; www.edinburghschristmas.com

Centre for Life, Newcastle Glide for an hour or so, then let the science explainers tell you how Arctic explorers cope with the chill for rather longer, at the Survival on Ice show in the theatre.

Skating only, adults £6.95, children £4.95; combined ticket with centre, adults £10.95, under-16s £8.95, under-4s £4.95; 0191 243 8210, www.life.org.uk

Eye of York, York In a gorgeous setting between the 13th-century Clifford’s tower, the law courts and the castle museum. Toddlers can hang on to their own stabiliser, otherwise known as Bobo the penguin.

Adults £8.95, children £7.95; 0844 847 1523, www.theicefactor.co.uk

The Forum, Norwich The east of England’s biggest and best rink takes over Millennium Plain, outside the landmark Forum building.

Adults £7.50, children £5; 01603 630000, www.theforumnorwich.co.uk

Civic Centre, Cardiff Wales’s best — and, for the indolent, there’s a heated spectators’ terrace so you can watch the skaters.

Adults from £5.50, children £5.50; 02920 230130, www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com

Somerset House, London The classic, held in the 18th-century courtyard and overlooked by a gorgeous Tiffany tree, with mulled wine in the cafe, talent spots, DJ nights and wheelchair sessions. Book well ahead to get a slot.

Adults from £10.50, children from £7.50; www.somersethouse.org.uk

Kew Gardens, London Just outside the gorgeous Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, this rink is arguably the prettiest in London — even more so when the decorations go up on Saturday.

Adults from £10, children from £7.50; www.kewgardensicerink.com

Inner Close, Winchester One to make your spirits soar: the cathedral provides a heavenly backdrop.

Adults from £7.20, children from £5.70; 01962 857276, www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Eden Project, Cornwall After you’ve baked inside the biomes, chill and glide under the outdoor canopy, with a splendid view of the domes.

Skating £5; entrance to Eden from £15 for adults and £5 for children; 01726 811972, www.edenproject.com

- For more outings over the Christmas season, visit www.enjoyengland.com/christmas and www.visitscotland.com/liveit

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