Winter wonderlands: snow and ice days out

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Even if the real thing hasn't fallen in your area (yet) there's still plenty of fun to be had with the manmade variety.

Seasonal skating

Wrap up warm and head for one of the country's temporary ice rinks. Great fun for all the family, skating will also burn off a few calories so you can indulge in a warming mug of hot chocolate afterwards.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
Starts 18 November 2011 until 4 January 2012
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
London's largest temporary ice rink opens its door once again this winter in Hyde Park as part of an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Once you've skated under the stars, the German Christmas market, giant observation wheel, Zippo's Christmas Circus and festively themed food hall beckon for the ultimate Christmas precursor. Tickets range from £5-9.50 depending on when you go, or opt for a family ticket from £20-25.

Natural History Museum ice rink, London
From 4 November 2011 until 8 January 2012
www.nhmskating.com
Set in the museum's gardens, this 900-square-metre ice rink offers a striking backdrop for outdoor skating. In addition to the main rink, there'll be a junior rink for younger skaters, the stylish Café Bar and a classic fairground carousel. Surrounded by 76,000 fairy lights in the nearby trees, it's the perfect way to welcome in the winter season with family and friends. Expect to pay £13 for an adult ticket and children are £8 or buy the family combo for £36.

Skate at Somerset House, London
22 November 2011 until 23 January 2012
www.somersethouse.org.uk
If Hyde Park is the largest, then Somerset House's ice rink is the most glamourous of London's rinks. For £7.50 a ticket, you can enjoy the 18th-century courtyard setting all day and into the evening when you can skate to the sounds of London's top DJs or enjoy a winter warmer at Tom's Skate Lounge. Cupcakes, sweets and jewellery are also available at the Tiffany Tuck Shop.

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
Until 8 January 2012
www.mallcribbs.com
Centrally located, Bristol's outdoor rink, the largest in the South West, 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. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and children (under 12) are £5.50.

Skating at the Centre of Life, Newcastle
From 12 November 2011 until 19 February 2012
www.life.org.uk
The Centre of Life in Newcastle hosts the Northeast's most popular ice rink throughout the winter months. Prices vary from £7.95 for adults, £5.95 for under-17s and children under four cost £4.95. By opting for the combo ticket offer (£28.95), families will receive a skating session as well as gaining access to the Science Centre's exhibitions and theatre.

Ice skating at the Eden Project, Cornwall
Until 26 February 2012
www.edenproject.com
Visit The Eden Project and enjoy this year's glacier-themed rink for £5. Skating lessons, parent and toddler play session and two for one offers are available.

Spinningfields ice rink, Manchester
From 18 November 2011 until 2 January 2012
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 and contemporary yuletide decorations. This year, a new log cabin-themed bar, The Lodge, provides the perfect place to relax after a spin on the ice, with an extensive menu provided by award-winning Mark Addy. Tickets are £8.50 for adults and £5-6 for children under 13, depending on their age.

The Ice Factor, York
From 26 November 2011 until 8 January 2012
www.theicefactor.co.uk
York's open-air frozen rink, the Ice Factor, will return to its new location at McArthurGlen's York Designer Outlet. A main attraction at York's Winter Wonderland, there's plenty of Christmas spirit in the air. General admission ranges from £8-9.50 depending on when you go, and parking is free.

Kilkenny On Ice
From 3 December 2011 until 22 January 2012
www.discoverireland.com
Located at Cillin Hill, Kilkenny. The rink (made from real ice) opens daily for Christmas and into the New Year, from 10am to 10pm. Tickets range from €9-14 with light drinks and snacks available inside the marquee.

Winter Wonderland, Nottingham
Until 9 January 2011
www.christmasinnotts.com
Nottingham's Old Market Square's new outdoor ice rink is surrounded by the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market. Illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, skaters can enjoy a whirl on the ice followed by seasonal fayre from the Victorian stalls.

Go for snow

The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
www.thesnowcentre.com
Britain’s newest indoor snowsports destination is designed to deliver the alpine conditions every skier and snowboarder dreams of while children can have fun sliding and gliding in rubber Ringos. There is a 160m main slope as well as the largest indoor lesson slope in the UK. Between December 3 and 24 2011, younger visitors can also visit Santa in his cabin.

Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffordshire
www.snowdome.co.uk
This snow centre is a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders. Real snow, all year round, provides the ultimate Alpine surface to learn and enjoy exciting sports in a fun and progressive environment. The 170-metre main slope and two separate teaching areas offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons and sessions. The professionally qualified instructors cater for all ages and abilities from the complete novice to a seasoned expert.

Snozone, Milton Keynes, Bucks; Castleford, W Yorks; Braehead, Renfrew
www.snozoneuk.com
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 and the kids can also visit Santa on the slopes until Christmas Eve.

The Chill Factor, Trafford Way, Manchester
www.chillfactore.com
Home to the largest indoor slope in the country, Chill Factor^e 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 two to 10. Factor in the year-round alpine village and Santa's Grotto, open until Christmas Eve, and you've got the ideal winter wonderland all under one roof.

The real thing, in the 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.