Winter wonderlands

Liven up chilly days with our round-up of the UK’s best ice rinks, indoor snow domes and magical winter landscapes. By Natalie Glock

 

Whatever the weather decides to do, there are a host of winter wonderlands popping up across the country, crying out for that re-enactment from It's a Wonderful Life that has evaded you for so long.

 

GO FOR SNOW

Snozone, Milton Keynes, Bucks; Castleford, W Yorks; Braehead, Renfrew

www.snozone.co.uk

Indoor snow domes don't come more equipped than Snozone's three sites in Milton Keynes, Castleford and Braehead, Scotland. The real snow slopes are a favourite with skiing and snowboard aficionados and are perfect for beginner's lessons, but the equally enjoyable tobogganing and ice slides will add that little extra Christmas fun after the kids have visited Santa on the slopes.

 

The Chill Factor, Trafford Way, Manchester

www.chillfactore.com

Home to the largest indoor slope in the country, Chill Factor in Manchester has something for everyone thanks to their family friendly luge and tube runs, not to mention the cute Snowplay centre for kids aged from two to 10. Factor in the year-round alpine village and you've got the perfect winter wonderland all under one roof.

 

Bluestone Park, Pembrokeshire

www.bluestonewales.com

In the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the holiday village of Bluestone Park is making its own snow this Christmas. As part of its Christmas celebration Snow Magic, December 5th sees the opening of a 90-metre real snow slope, complete with inflatable tubing rings to fly down in. There will also be a snow play area where you can have snowball fights, make snow angels and revel in the snowy fun!

 

The real thing, Scottish Highlands

For lovers of the great outdoors and when only the real deal will do, the Scottish Highlands have countless perfect winter landscapes, and skiing and snowboard fans flock each winter to the five main ski resorts of Cairngorm, Glenshee, Nevis range, Glencoe and the Lecht. For up-to-the-minute snow reports and information on accommodation go to the Visit Scotland ski website.

 

 

ON ICE

Christmas lights can only go so far in marking the Christmas countdown, but the arrival of the country's temporary ice rinks means there's a reason to get your skates on and indulge in some wintry fun.

 

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
22 November - 4 January, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

London's largest temporary ice rink opens its door once again this year in Hyde Park as part of an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Once you've skated under the stars, the German Christmas market, ice palace, Snowball bungee and festively themed food hall beckon for the ultimate Christmas precursor.

 

Skate at Somerset House, London
19 November - 18 January, www.somersethouse.org.uk

If Hyde Park is the largest, then Somerset House's ice rink is the most glamourous of London's rinks. Set in the 18th-century courtyard and overlooked by the Tiffany tree, the beautiful outdoor rink is open all day into the evening, and promises chic extras such as screenings of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' during Saturday morning sessions and the comforting hot drinks supplied in The Skate Café and Bar.

 

Natural History Museum's ice rink and Christmas fair, London
6 November - 18 January, www.nhmskating.com

Set in the museum's gardens, this 900-square-metre ice rink offers a striking backdrop for outdoor skating. For younger skaters there is also a smaller 100-square-metre rink linked to the main rink via an ice bridge. In addition from 25 November a Christmas fair will be running, selling unique gifts and delicious festive food.

 

Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland
27 November - 4 January, www.gildedballoon.co.uk/winterwonderland

Could there be a more idyllic backdrop to an outdoor ice rink, than Edinburgh Castle illuminated by the lights in the surrounding trees? We think not, and this year's Winter Wonderland promises an additional rink for the under-sevens as well as snow slides and snowball cars and warming mulled wine and mince pies for the grown-ups to indulge in.

 

Ice skating at the Eden Project, Cornwall
25 October - 29 March, www.edenproject.com

For a more surreal but no less beautiful setting for outdoor skating, why not try the rink set amid the greenhouse biomes of Cornwall's Eden Project. The rink is surrounded by fir trees and silver birches filled with lights, as part of the Christmas Winter Wonderland that promises Cornish choirs, delicious festive food and the unavoidable shopping.

 

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
13 November - 9 January, www.visitbristol.co.uk 

Centrally located, Bristol's outdoor rink is the perfect antidote to stressed-out Christmas shopping. Relax and have fun with your skates on, visit Santa's castle with the kids and swap the stores for a traditional Christmas market.

 

 

Skating at the Centre of Life, Newcastle
8 November - 22 February, www.life.org.uk 

The Centre of Life in Newcastle plays host to the Northeast's most popular ice rink throughout the winter months. By opting for the combo ticket offer, families will receive a skating session as well as access to the centre's exhibitions and theatre.

 

Spinningfields ice rink, Manchester
20 November - 4 January, www.spinningfieldsicerink.co.uk 

Hardman Boulevard at Spinningfields will be transformed into the ultimate winter fun from the middle of November complete with ice rink, sparkling Christmas trees, contemporary yuletide decorations and plenty of quality eateries in the vicinity.

 

Ice rink at The Forum, Norwich
3 - 14 December, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Spin around this beautiful ice rink under the twinkle of fairy lights for the perfect frosty, fun family winter day out. The rink is open daily and there will be special sessions for parents with toddlers.

 

The Ice Factor, York
15 November - 2 January, www.theicefactor.co.uk

Back for its fourth consecutive year, York's open-air ice rink, the Ice Factor, offers certainly one of the country's most picturesque outdoor rinks. Skaters glide around an illuminated oak tree in the centre of the 600 sq m rink, overlooked by the spectacular facades of the 13th-century Clifford's Tower, the Law Courts and the Castle Museum, right in the centre of historic York.

 

Kilkenny Castle ice rink
28 November - 11 January, www.discoverireland.com

Skate under the stars this Christmas at one of Ireland's oldest castles as this beautiful outdoor rink will be open until midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays. Taking inspiration from the festive fabulousness that is New York's Central Park rink, Kilkenny Castle promises a magical winter night complete with a heated terrace and The Arctic Café.

 

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