More and more outdoor ice rinks have sprung up around the country in recent years, especially over the Christmas period, and a skating session burns off a surprising number of calories (up to 375 calories an hour) making it a great way to counterbalance all those mince pies!

Some rinks are also set in stunning outdoor locations, and I’ve done a round up of some of my favourites. Do let me know if I’ve missed any good ones!

In a rainforest…

Skate under the greenhouse biomes of the Eden Project. If all those tropical plants don’t seem Christmassy enough, the lantern processions, mulled wine and carols sung by local Cornish choirs should get you in the mood. Open throughout the winter.

In the grounds of a stately home…

Pretend you’re in a Jane Austen novel by skating at this lakeside ice rink at Trentham Estate in Stoke-on-Trent. Or if that’s all far too sedate, they’ve also got a high rope adventure course and a monkey forest populated with 140 monkeys living free. Better take a few bananas along then.

Skate with a clear conscience…

Bristol’s new outdoor ice rink is also eco friendly, made from synthetic ice and uses less power than conventional ice rinks. Set against the historic scenery of Quakers Friars, the Cabot Circus skating rink is open until 8th January.

Or for something completely different… Fen skating

In 2010, competitors were able to race on the frozen Cambridge fens for the first time in 13 years and last winter’s cold weather allowed fen skaters to return the ice once again. The shallow waters of the Fens make for perfect ice rinks when they are frozen over, being only a flooded meadow that is about 18 inches deep. The sport has more in common with in-line roller blading than regular ice skating, and conditions can change quickly, so check www.fenskating.co.uk for regular updates.
photo credit: RachelH_

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