Whether you see yourself as the next Torvill and Dean, or you simply want to see how well you can balance on a blade of metal on ice, then fear not as we’ve put together a list of some of the perfect places you need to visit this winter.
Ice skating rinks, be they permanent venues or pop-ups for Christmas aren’t plentiful and, in previous years, it’s been a struggle to find somewhere you can don your skates and hit the ice. But, this year, we’ve managed to pin down a few hot (or cold) spots for ice skating, in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Weston-super-Mare, and further afield in Bath and Somerset.
How many of these will you be trying out soon?
Planet Ice
Address: Merlin Road, Cribbs Causeway, BS10 7SR
Located in Cribbs Causeway, Planet Ice is not only the home of Bristol ice hockey team, The Bristol Pitbulls, it also boasts public skate sessions, after school skate sessions, and even festive events like a Christmas jumper party, ‘skate and spot Santa’, and more in the run up to Christmas. There’s an online timetable to keep track of what’s on, and a quick and simple ‘quick book’ option on the website too, in case you’re in a rush to get something in the diary.
Tickets range in price from £11.55, and if you’re an avid skater, you can even sign up to an ‘Ice Card’ membership for cheaper tickets. There are also ice skating lessons and even skate camps you can sign up for, to improve your skills, with Planet Ice locations also found in various other parts of the UK.
Avon Valley
Address: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP
Recently opened for 2024, Avon Valley’s festive outdoor ice skating rink will be open on select dates and times between November 30, 2024 and January 5, 2025. Described as a ‘sparkling venue with an atmospheric backdrop’ this rink is suitable for the youngest beginner through to seasoned skaters looking to show off their skills. What’s more, with special lighting effects, evening skate sessions are also an option.
Spanning 300 square metres of glittering real ice, spectators can watch for free, only paying if they fancy a skate. Plus, there are plenty of places to grab a hot drink or seasonal treats, and you can even book a group, school or children’s party on the ice (including hot chocolate or food). Best valued tickets can be purchased online in advance here.
Icescape Tropicana
Address: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1BE
The Icescape Tropicana is an undercover winter ice rink open from November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2024 (though a closure was in place until December 12 due to Storm Darragh). Here you’ll find ice skating aplenty, as well as festive food and drink with a licensed bar and cafe (The Lodge) in its seated viewing area.
The rink is made with real ice, and when you’re not skating you can enjoy everything from hot drinks, refreshing pints, and pizza, while watching other skaters work their magic on the ice. Ticket prices vary, with options including quiet sessions, parent & toddler skating, peak and off-peak times, disco nights, and special events like the festive ‘Santa Skate’.
Bath on Ice
Address: Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
If you fancy venturing out a little further, between November 15, 2024 and January 5, 2025, you can enjoy Bath on Ice. Described as ‘glowing in atmospheric lights’, Bath On Ice is back for its 12th year and boasts wintery music, a cosy bar, and seasonal drinks. With real ice, it’s a haven for both newbies and experts.
What’s more, Bath on Ice also boasts ‘Glow Golf’, a night time game of golf with glow in the dark balls. The Glow Golf course takes around an hour and 20 minutes to complete and is festively decorated with twinkle lights and more decorations. Ticket prices vary, you can book both your ice skating and Glow Golf sessions here.
Clarks Village
Address: Farm Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BB
Another rink further from Bristol can be found at the Clarks Village in Street. Back for 2024, for its third year running, this year’s ice rink is open from November 14, until January 5.
It’s undercover and will even be open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with pre-bookable 45-minute sessions and skate hire included. There’s even a dedicated entrance from the Restaurant Terrace at Clarks Village, so skaters can enjoy a bite to eat or a cosy drink before or after their session.
Plus, if you show your ice skating ticket and/or receipt in certain stores, you’ll get access to some exclusive brand discounts, so you can save money on your Christmas shopping – you can get money off of brands including Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein, French Connection, House of Tweed, Superdry, Sweaty Betty, Vans, and other clothing brands. You can even get money off toiletries, gifts and even food (25 per cent off at Prezzo, anyone?)