HAMPSHIRE

WestQuay on Ice, on now until Sun 5 Jan, West Quay, Southampton

Returning undercover this year, close to the Christmas market and shops, Southampton’s family-friendly ice rink has plenty of reindeer and penguins for wobbly skaters (and mini racers). Open daily (except Christmas Day), skate against the backdrop of the historic city walls then retire to the Après Bar beside it for mulled wine, self-toasted marshmallows and hot choccies.

Portsmouth on Ice, until Sun 5 Jan, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth

Locals turn out in force for this pop-up ice rink outside The Guildhall – from littlies on push-along penguins to the occasional local panto star and Santa. Look out for show-stopping turns from talented skate marshalls and Live DJ nights on Sat 2 and Fri 8 December.

SURREY

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, until Sun 5 Jan, Richmond

Frolic in Henry VIII’s front yard in this huge outdoor rink. Frankly, a bit of historic splendour is what’s been missing in our previous skate trips! After you’ve finished sliding around the back drop of the brightly-lit palace and 26-foot Christmas tree, head for the café where there are plenty of festive refreshments to enjoy.

SUSSEX

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, until Sun 5 Jan, Brighton

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 and warm up after in the rink side bar and café.

DORSET

Skate Bournemouth, until Sun 5 Jan, Lower Gardens, Bournemouth

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.

BERKSHIRE

Reading Winter Wonderland, now until Sun 5 Jan, Hills Meadow, Reading

Back at Hills Meadow, Reading’s Winter Wonderland combines a newly-enlarged covered ice rink with a 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 for Santa’s Grotto, Ice Skating and an unlimited ride pass.

Windsor On Ice, now until – Sun 5 Jan, Alexandra Gardens, Windsor

Whether you’re Olympic standard or a bump-around-the-sides kinda skater, Windsor on Ice is a great for a family day out. Located at the historic Alexandra Gardens by the River Thames, non-skaters can watch from the covered spectator area. There’s also dodgems, a fun fair, Santa’s grotto, food and a bar.

LONDON

Skate at Somerset House, until Sun 12 Jan

Heading up town? The classic festive skate destination in the gorgeous neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House is an absolute winner. Find lots of festive fun including skating lessons with Skate School, Chilled Out sessions for mellow skaters, DJs on rink-side decks, and a vintage clothes pop-up for a spot of Christmas shopping. Feeling peckish after all that skating? (hey, it still counts even if its belly up across the ice!). Grab a seat at Chalet Suisse, Jimmy Garcia’s pop-up Alpine themed restaurant – we’re already salivating over the traditional alpine Swiss cheese fondue.

Glide at Battersea Power Station, now until Sun 5 Jan

Book a skate session at this Thames-side rink with the stunning backdrop of the iconic Battersea Power Station and a 30ft Christmas tree to glide round. Team it with an afternoon spent shopping followed by a rewarding cocktail(s) and dinner in the many riverside eateries to choose from and you have yourself one hell of a fabulous festive day out.

MORE FESTIVE FUN THIS WAY

Cracking Christmas markets around Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Celebs, panto and Christmas shows in Hampshire and beyond

Fabulous Festive afternoon teas serving now in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight