Best UK Christmas Ice Skating Rinks Winter 2026
Image Credit: noorda
Visiting an Christmas ice skating rink is fast becoming part of the Christmas festivities - the popularity of Christmas skating just seems to keep growing every year.
This winter there are more temporary Christmas ice rinks than ever. You can skate next to some of the UK's most historic buildings, glide by an iconic landmark, salchow in a shopping centre or even pivot by a Pavillion.
But many if these pop up ice skating rinks offer much, much more than just ice. They offer lots of other fun things to go with the skating - many of the outdoor ice rinks include a Christmas Market as well as cafes, bars and restaurants.
You can warm up after your session on the ice with a snack, a meal, a hot drink or maybe something stronger...
Here are the best festive skating rinks around the UK. There is bound to be one of these temporary skating rinks near you. So wrap up warm and get your skates on!
Just remember that most rinks will be closed on Christmas Day
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Christmas Ice Rinks In England 2026
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Skate Manchester
Get your skates on and head down to Manchester Cathedral Gardens which hosts Skate Manchester. Glide through the ice path and admire the glorious Christmas tree right on the rink.
The covered ice rink allows you to enjoy your skating experience whatever the weather, so you can skate without the (distinct) possibility of getting soaked!
It opens on 6 November 2026 until 3 January 2027.
- Winter Funland Birmingham
- Bath on Ice
- Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
- Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink Derby
- Somerset House London
- Parker's Piece Cambridge
- Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland York
- Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent
- Reading Winter Wonderland
- Hampton Court Palace East Molesey Surrey
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland boasts the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink in the heart of London’s Hyde Park, set under a picturesque canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand.
From thrilling rides and immersive icy attractions to carnival games and enchanting shows, accompanied by a cornucopia of festive food and drink to feast on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Opens from 19th November 2026 until 3rd January 2027.
Winter Funland Birmingham can be found at Birmingham's NEC and includes funfair rides, traditional carousels, helter skelters, a circus show, Santa's Grotto. Plus there are some more adventurous rides than at the sister site im Manchester. and plenty of places to get food and drinks - and not forgetting the ever popular Dodgems.
The is ice skating rink of course, with Penguin skate aids for younger kids and skate instructors are around to advise. It runs from 5th December – 2nd January 2026.
Head down to Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park for Bath on Ice. Non-skaters can play Glow Golf or visit the Moguls bar which will be serving delicious food, spicy mulled wine and hot chocolate.
New for Christmas 2026 is the magic of our Christmas Tree Maze, a cosy labyrinth of twinkling evergreens.
With wintery music, a cosy bar, and seasonal drinks, you can enjoy this outdoor rink day or night. It's opening in November 2026.
As part of Christmas at the Castle, the castle's majestic east front transforms into a magical skating rink for the ultimate festive experience on the ice.
Glide around underneath the majestic Guy’s Tower and as you skate, you can enjoy the sound of your favourite Christmas classics.
It's open from 21st November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
Right in the centre of Derby is the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink where you can skate in a covered real ice rink with views of the river, Museum of Making and Cathedral. Sitting and standing skate aids are available.
So join in the Festive Derby fun by relaxing amongst the twinkling lights and listening to the festive playlist. and afterwards you can grab a hot chocolate or a mulled wine.
Opening from Saturday 28 November - Thursday 31 December 2026
Somerset House Ice Rink lets you skate beneath the stars as Somerset House ice rink returns in November 2026.
Skate, London's premier winter experience returns to Somerset House this winter, welcoming visitors for an unparalleled skating experience in the heart of the capital, against the magical backdrop of our iconic courtyard.
Visit from 11 Nov 2026 to 10 Jan 2027.
The North Pole at Parker's Piece is a contemporary ice rink on Parker's Piece in the centre of Cambridge, with a clear polygon roof and surrounded by bars and stalls.
This year they are taking festive fun to a whole new level. If you need to warm up, head to the heated stretch tent and enjoy classic games like free to play shuffleboard and table football.
York Ice Rink - The Ice Factor returns this year to York Designer Outlet. The ice rink is just the centre piece of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland surrounded by a festive market and traditional fair rides.
With its 975 sq m of real ice and 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece, the rink is Yorkshire's largest outdoor ice rink and there is a bar and cafe where you can warm up after you have skated.
Open from 13th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027.
Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink this year returns to Calvery Grounds next to the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.
Skate in an open-air real ice rink with a bar & cafe where you can warm up and refuel after a skating.
There is a programme of events at this ice rink including music, story telling and Christmas wreath-making workshops. Opens 5th December 2026 and runs until 4th January 2026.
Reading Winter Wonderland can be found at Hills Meadow in Reading. As well as a covered ice rink you can visit the Apres Ski bar, Santa’s grotto and try a wide variety of festive food and drinks to keep you full of festive joy.
Plus there is a fairground for all the family and The Bavarian Slide - an exciting slide where you ride down in a rubber ring!
Get down there from Saturday 8th November 2026 - Sunday 4th January 2026.
At the historic Hampton Court Palace you can skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth – Henry VIII's home, Hampton Court Palace which boasts one of the longest established open-air ice rinks.
The rink epitomises the very best in festive fun with skate aids available and a cafe bar on site too. Be transported to one of the country's most scenic skating settings, with spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace.
It opens on 20th November 2026 until 3rd January 2027.
Christmas Ice Rinks In Scotland 2026
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There are no listings for Scotland at the moment.
Christmas Ice Rinks In Wales 2026
- The Great SKATE at ICC Wales
Newport South Wales is the home of The Great SKATE, and indoor, synthetic ice rink which returns for Christmas 2026. Then you can eat, drink and be merry at the festive food and drink stalls.
Journey through magical illuminated light tunnels and falling ‘snow’. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or beginner, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Looking for the perfect gift? Visit the Christmas gift stalls which will have a wide variety of unique and festive items. Visit from Friday 11th December 2026 to Saturday 2nd January 2027.
Christmas Ice Rinks In Northern Ireland 2026
There are no Christmas Ice Rinks listed for Northern Ireland at present. If you know of one near you, let us know!
Last updated 7th September 2026