Skip to main content

Advertisement

10 Great Festive Places to Go Ice Skating by Train

Find an ice rink near you and get your skates on for a cool Christmas treat!

Ice skating is a great fun way to spend time outdoors in the festive season. From November, all through the Christmas holidays and into the New Year, you can get your skates on all over the UK.

Many ice rinks also have wonderful Christmas markets and villages, funfairs, Christmas trees and lights, bars and food to enjoy before or after your time on the ice, so you can really make a day of it. Mulled wine and mince pies, here we come!

Find an ice rink near you below, and get ready to show off your skating skills. If you travel with a Railcard(external link, opens in a new tab) you can get 1/3 off most train tickets. Depending on your Railcard, you might be able to get discounts or free travel for kids too.

1. Skate Manchester

Have an unforgettable winter experience at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre. The rink is covered, so you can enjoy a magical skating experience no matter the weather.

2. The Ice Rink at Westfield London

Enjoy the ultimate seasonal experience. Glide around Europe’s tallest Christmas tree on an ice rink, then have a delicious treat, before doing some Christmas shopping.

3. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

For Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland(external link, opens in a new tab), Cardiff Castle is transformed into a breathtaking winter escape, with both an undercover ice rink for a cosy indoor skate, and an open-air ice trail if you’re feeling more adventurous.

4. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Get ready for a magical winter experience with the return of Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. Glide into the festive season, surrounded by over 500 years of history and architectural splendour. You can also get 2FOR1 entry to Hampton Court Palace(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (doesn’t include ice skating).

5. The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

Have a greener Christmas with The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink(external link, opens in a new tab), which has its ice powered exclusively by renewable energy. Whether you are looking for a romantic date or something to do with the kids, this stunning rink is sure to please. You can get 2FOR1 entry to the Royal Pavilion Brighton(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (doesn’t include ice skating).

  • Opening dates: Until Sunday 5 January 2025

  • Nearest station to Royal Pavilion Ice Rink: Brighton

6. Ice Skate Birmingham

Visit Centenary Square in Birmingham’s city centre for a session at Ice Skate Birmingham(external link, opens in a new tab). The rink’s new clear roof means you can skate in comfort, come rain, shine (or snow!).

7. Edinburgh’s Christmas – Ice Skating

Celebrate Edinburgh’s Christmas(external link, opens in a new tab) by gliding along George Street, right in the heart of the city, on the alpine ice rink. There’s also a Christmas Tree maze, markets and tons of entertainment on offer, as part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival.

  • Opening dates: Friday 22 November 2024 to Saturday 4 January 2025

  • Nearest station to Edinburgh’s Christmas – Ice Skating: Edinburgh

8. Warwick Castle Ice Skating

The east front of the castle, underneath the majestic Guy’s Tower, is transformed into a magical skating rink for Warwick Castle Ice Skating(external link, opens in a new tab). Your skating will be soundtracked by a selection of Christmas classics. You can get 1/3 OFF entry to Warwick Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (doesn’t include ice skating).

  • Opening dates: Saturday 23 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

  • Nearest station to Warwick Castle Ice Skating: Warwick

9. Dundee’s Christmas Ice Rink

Dundee’s Christmas Ice Rink(external link, opens in a new tab) is a huge 20 by 10 metre real ice rink, where you can enjoy a traditional ice skating experience and feel the real ice under your skates.

  • Opening dates: Thursday 21 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

  • Nearest station to Dundee’s Christmas Ice Rink: Dundee

10. Winter Wonderland Nottingham – Ice Rink and Sky Skate

The centrepiece of Winter Wonderland Nottingham is the Ice Rink and Sky Skate(external link, opens in a new tab). Choose from the ice rink at ground level, a dedicated kids rink, and the Sky Skate Ice Path high above the city centre!

  • Opening dates: Until New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 31 December) 2024

  • Closest station to Winter Wonderland Nottingham: Nottingham

Plan Your Journey

Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard

  • Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard

  • From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you

  • Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink image credit: © Chris Gorman / Big Ladder

Advertisement