They're back! Chill out with some winter skating fun at these ice skating rinks around Hampshire, Isle of Wight and a bit beyond.

HAMPSHIRE

Portsmouth on Ice, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth. Sat 27 Nov 2021 – Sun 9 Jan 2022.

Locals turn out in force for this pop-up ice rink outside The Guildhall – from littlies on push-along penguins to panto stars, the Mayor and Santa! Look out too for show-stopping turns from the team’s talented skate marshalls. There’s family and season tickets to book now, as well as quieter SEND sessions.

Ice skating at The Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield, near Odiham. Sat 18 Dec 2021 – Mon 3 Jan 2022

Back for 2021, the fire’s lit and there’s hot chocolates, mulled wine and mince pies aplenty for guests at the luxe Four Seasons to warm up with after a skate around the hotel’s own ice rink. Muddy’s also contemplating the full festive princess experience with a ride on a traditional horse drawn carriage around the estate…

BERKSHIRE

Windsor On Ice, Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, Sat 20 Nov – Sun 2 Jan

Windsor On Ice is back for the winter and whether you’re Olympic standard or a ‘cling on’ (guilt), it’s great for a family day out, or a fun slippy-slidey Christmas party. This year they’ll be putting up the big screen for super-cool pop-up cinema, plus fun fair, food and bar. Sessions are for 45 mins. See you in A&E, I mean on the ice.

Winter Wonderland, Hills Meadow Reading, Sat 13 Nov – Mon 3 Jan

Reading’s Winter Wonderland is popping up in Hills Meadow Car Park. Expect more festive fun than a Mariah Carey video. There’s an ice rink, fun fair, Aprés bar, Santa’s grotto, German sausage and lots and lots of mulled wine. It’s free to enter, but you can buy tickets now for Santa’s Grotto, Ice Skating and an unlimited ride pass.

SURREY

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Richmond, Sat 13 Nov – Sun 9 Jan

Frolic in Henry VIII’s front yard in this large outdoor rink. Frankly, a bit of historic splendour is what’s been missing in our previous skate trips! There are plenty of festive refreshments also available. Pre-booking essential.

SUSSEX

Steyne Gardens, Worthing, West Sussex, Sat 13 Nov – Sun 27 Feb 

We love that this one is on well beyond Christmas for a prolonged bit of winter fun! Situated in Steyne Gardens, all ages over four years are welcome to skate whatever your level of ability. Warm up in the coffee shop afterwards, too. 

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton, now – Sun 9 Jan

Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly…and powered entirely by green energy! Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open now until after Christmas so you can get your festive feels in the shadow of the magnificent palace.

DORSET

Skate Bournemouth, Lower Gardens, Bournemouth. Thurs 18 Nov – Mon 3 Jan

Skate amongst the trees of the Lower Gardens, alongside the giant walk-through the Bournemouth Wonderland Tree, other festive illuminations and a Christmas market. Mulled wine, cocktails and marshmallow-topped hot choc in the Alpine-themed covered bar, with cosy seating and VIP booths, will keep you going.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Yarmouth on Ice, The Square, Yarmouth. Sat 11 Dec – Wed 22 Dec

Brand new for 2021, Yarmouth’s inaugural ice rink will open on Saturday 11 Dec in the town’s festive marquee in pier square. Expect music, lights, a snow machine and festive food and drink, all under the twinkly lights. Look out too for Mother and Father Christmas in their secret weekend hideaway and carols in the square with the Salvation Army.

CHRISTMAS ICE RINKS IN THE CITY

Natural History Museum, London, until 16 Jan

If you’re in the big smoke, the ice rink at the Natural History Museum is already open for Christmassy business — and it’s the final ever one! After sixteen years of ice, the Natural History Museum will be converting its garden into a haven for wildlife instead from next year. Noble stuff. Better book fast while you can!

Skylight Ice Rink, London, 5 Nov – 16 Jan

Ice skating on the ground is so basic — we’re all about that rooftop skating, baby! And it’ll have to be this one, because Skylight’s ice rink is the only rooftop rink in Europe. Throw in some heated après-skate bars, cosy igloos, and plenty of (post-skate!) cocktails, and you’ve got a winner of an evening. Ice skating can only be booked on the day.

Somerset House, London, 17 Nov – 16 Jan

There are ice rinks without swanky Moet & Chandon partnerships, and then there are ice rinks with. Head along to some festive fun at the neoclassical Somerset House, this year featuring plenty of bubbles along with the ice.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Hyde Park, 19 Nov – 3 Jan

Get your skate on at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, built around the iconic Victorian bandstand and open until 10pm daily — did someone say romantic evening skate? All welcome, including wheelchairs. From £10.50 for an adult and £7.50 for a child.