See yourself as the next Torvill and Dean? Or maybe you’re more of a Bambi on ice? No matter your skill level, ice skating in Bristol can be a thrill all year round. But there’s no better time to grab your skates than during the Christmas period. Whether you want to polish up your Axel jump, or just aim to stay upright as you grip to the edge, these are the best places to ice skating in Bristol this Christmas.
1. Planet Ice
Planet Ice near Cribbs Causeway opened two years ago and has filled a massive hole in Bristol’s ice skating facilities since the closure of the Bristol Ice Rink in 2012. The 45,000 sq ft rink provides international standard skating facilities that can accommodate any ice activities, such as ice skating or ice hockey.
A range of sessions is available, including two-hour standard sessions, while Friday nights see the disco lights come out. It’s even going to be open on Christmas Day for all those desperate for a post-Sunday lunch skate! Tickets range depends on time and day, with a range of packages available too.
Merlin Road, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7SR
2. Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Ice skating at Avon Valley returns this Christmas from December 1 to January 1, offering 300 square metres of real ice suitable for Bambi-like beginners and seasoned skaters alike. Spin into the night with special lighting effects, as a glittering, atmospheric backdrop adds some real Christmas magic. When you’re not skating, follow Avon Valley’s Christmas light trail around the park and lake, or head to the bar and enjoy festive treats. Tickets for a 45-minute session start at £8.50 per person.
Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1TP
3. Icescape Tropicana
After four years, the UK’s largest undercover winter ice rink returns.Icescape Tropicana is back in Weston-super-Mare hosting up to 400 skaters every day. Skate sessions are 45 minutes long, with tickets starting at £11.50 for adults – but you can enjoy a skate half-price with a friend on 2-4-1 Tuesdays.
Not only that, but Icescape is home to a range of festive food and drink – like Yorkshire pudding wraps, mulled wine and hot chocolate – and rides like a Christmas roller coaster and bungee trampolines for the little ones.
Tropicana, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1BE
4. Bath On Ice
With a huge 1,000 sq m ice rink, Bath on Ice returns to Royal Victoria Park on November 17. It’ll be open late too, perfect if your popping over in the evening for the Bath Christmas Market too. The ice rink will be open from 11.45am to 10pm, then 10.30am – 10pm from December 11, ending on January 3. Bath on Ice also sees the return of the Moguls Alpine Bar will also serve festive cocktails, mulled wine and cider, and hot chocolates. Don’t fancy skating? Check out Glow Golf instead. A glow-in-the-dark adventure golf course decked out with fairy lights.
Royal Pavilion, Royal Ave, Royal Victoria Park, Bath BA1 2NR