ADVENTURE BLOG

Ice-skating: it’s romantic, it’s nostalgic, there’s a bit of fantasy and glamour involved, and there’s even an element of risk (the combination of steel blades and exposed fingers always gives me the shivers — wear mittens). It’s also an ideal family day out and the perfect way to perk up a gloomy winter’s day.

And although the temperature rarely falls low enough to provide us with natural skating rinks, Britain does have a brilliant selection of artificial arenas, from the Eden Project, with its surreal bio dome backdrop in Cornwall, to Europe’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Glasgow’s George Square.

Festive cheer is guaranteed and some rinks even boast an in-house Father Christmas (he really gets around). Here are our top five options for perfecting your toe loops:

London
Skate at Somerset House
Until 24 January 2010
Erected in the 18th century courtyard of Somerset House this is arguably the most magnificent ice rink in the UK. somersethouse.org.uk/ice_rink/default.asp

York
York’s Christmas Ice Rink
Until Sunday 3rd January 2010
Show your support for this picturesque rink - it is threatened with closure next year. Booking is recommended. theicefactor.co.uk/main.htm

Cornwall
Eden Project, Boldeva, St Austell
Until 21 February 2010
Find mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and even Cornish choirs in this Winter Wonderland. edenproject.com/

Winchester
Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink
3 January 2010
After a whirl on the ice, pop in to the nearby Christmas Market and sort out your stocking fillers. winchester-cathedral.org.uk/icerink/

Glasgow
Glasgow on Ice
Until 3 January 2009
Skate beneath the giant Christmas tree and enjoy some free live ring-side entertainment at the same time. winterfestglasgow.com/glasgow_on_ice/