From ice skating next to Edinburgh castle to sliding around at London's Somerset House, here's our pick of the best rinks this season.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Best for: Mainlining Christmas spirit
With a vast Christmas market, Santa's Grotto and international street food vans, Winter Wonderland is an unashamed celebration of the cheesier elements of Christmas. But the ice-rink, surrounding the Victorian bandstand, still has stockingfulls of charm, and we know no quicker way to get your fill of the Christmas spirit. When you've slid back into your (amazingly comfortable) shoes post-skate, head to the Carousel Bar, which serves up mulled wine as it gently revolves. Head-spinning stuff.
21 November 2014 - 4 January 2015
St Andrew Square Ice Rink, Edinburgh
Best for: Gothic cityscapes
This brand new circular ice-rink surrounds the Melville Monument in St Andrews Square, allowing you to lap up the views of this elegant historic square bang in the heart of the Scottish capital. Afterwards, walk to the Scottish Christmas Market for comfort carbs and a local brew.
21st Nov 2014 - 4th Jan 2015
Somerset House, London
Best for: Style on skates
Simply one of the prettiest ice-rinks in the UK, filling the courtyard of the elegant landmark building Somerset House, all topped off with a twinkling Christmas tree decorated with mini Fortnum & Mason's hampers. The neoclassical surroundings might be the main draw, but we suggest coming early to make the most of the Fortnum's Lodge, for a bespoke Bees Knees cocktail, a gin-based treat blended with honey from bees housed on Fortnum's Piccadilly rooftop.
11 November 2014 - 11 January 2015
Best for: Rustic kicks on city streets
From the cute chalets of the alpine village to the prettily-list ice-rink, Cardiff's winter land transforms the heart of the city during the winter months. Your best apres-skate bet is the Bierkeller Bar for gluhwein or a locally-brewed beer, along with German bratwurst cooked over the grill.
13th November 2014 - 5th January 2015
The Eden Project, Cornwall
Best for: Feeling Like You're In A Sci-Fi Movie
The Eden Projects vast biosphere domes, and the lush vegetation within, makes for a spectacular, futuristic ice-skating sesh. Lanterns and fairy lights twinkle and add to the glacial theme, choirs sing carols and post-skate carbs are to be found at the Eden Bakery - go for a classic Cornish pasty with warming pumpkin soup.
18 October 2014 - 22 February 2015
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton
Best for: Bollywood-esque Bling
We love the brilliantly barmy Royal Pavilion, built as a decadent seaside retreat for the Prince Regent in 1787 with echoes of the Taj Mahal. This extravagant Regency pleasure palace, domes illuminated by coloured floodlights and strings of fairy lights, makes a thoroughly melodramatic backdrop to any afternoon on the ice.
8th November 2014 - 18th January 2015
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