Best UK Pop-Up Ice Rinks: Top 10 Christmas Skating Spots
The UK transforms into a winter wonderland every December, with pop-up ice rinks appearing in cities, towns, seafronts and market squares. Whether you want rooftop views, a festive village, or a scenic coastal backdrop, these UK pop-up ice rinks offer magical skating experiences for all ages. Below are 10 of the best places to glide into Christmas this season.
City Skating at Leicester Square, London
London’s Leicester Square has unveiled its first-ever circular ice rink, wrapped around the historic Shakespeare statue at its centre. Skating sessions run every 15 minutes, from morning to late evening, making walk-in visits easy. Surrounding the rink are stalls serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal snacks, alongside a lively Christmas market. A portion of ticket sales goes toward charity through an optional £2 donation.
Tickets: Adults from £14.50, children from £9.50
Runs until: 4 January
Rochdale’s Ice Rink & Festive Dining
Rochdale’s historic town hall square now hosts an affordable family-friendly ice rink. With children’s tickets starting at just £4 and free entry for teachers on school visits, it’s perfect for groups. Visitors can enjoy choral concerts, festive markets, and the Martlet Kitchen’s Christmas dining menus featuring seasonal soups, turkey dishes and indulgent desserts. Seasonal cocktails add to the festive cheer.
Tickets: Adults from £13.50
Runs until: 4 January
Shop & Skate at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Cheshire Oaks combines shopping and skating with its covered ice rink and outdoor ice path looping around the giant Christmas oak tree. Families will love the winter village complete with Santa visits, an alpine lodge cinema, and fairground rides. Adults can unwind with bratwurst, mulled wine or book cosy Christmas huts—two even come with karaoke.
Tickets: Adults from £12.50
Runs until: 4 January
Victorian Market Ice Rink in Preston
Set under a beautifully restored Victorian market canopy, Preston’s new rink offers live music every weekend, a ski-chalet-style food bar and an old-town atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the refurbished Harris Museum and the new Animate entertainment complex with bowling, cinema and street-food stalls—making it an ideal full-day outing.
Tickets: Adults from £12
Runs until: 4 January
Waterfront Skating at Milford, Pembrokeshire
For three festive days, Milford Waterfront hosts a pop-up ice rink overlooking the marina. Visitors can enjoy a Santa trail, Christmas gallery showcases, a lights switch-on event and seasonal performances. The surrounding independent shops and cafés make it a charming winter stopover.
Tickets: Adults £7.50
Dates: 12–14 December
Clydeside Christmas Village, Glasgow
This riverside winter village features a covered ice rink, a heated alpine bar, one of Scotland’s tallest Christmas trees and a funfair. During the day, it’s family-friendly; in the evenings, it transforms into a lively festive hangout. Santa also visits on select December weekends.
Tickets: Adults from £11.25
Runs until: 4 January
Farmyard Skating at White House Farm, Norfolk
White House Farm near Norwich has turned its Great Barn into a magical indoor rink surrounded by decorated trees, craft stalls and festive food. The farm’s converted barns now house studios, cafés and artisan shops, making it an ideal location for Christmas shopping and winter treats. https://www.theguardian.com/profile/racheldixon
Tickets: Adults £15
Runs until: 4 January
Seafront Skating in Torquay, Devon
Torquay’s seafront rink sits beneath a glowing canopy and is part of the Bay of Lights, an expansive illumination trail across the Riviera towns. Expect lantern parades, huge light installations, projection shows and even an illuminated steam train ride linking nearby villages. It’s one of the most visually spectacular UK pop-up ice rinks this season.
Tickets: Adults £12.58
Runs: 6 December – 2 January
Beachside Ice Rink at Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Cornwall’s first beachside rink offers sweeping views of Watergate Bay through its glass-fronted marquee. Skaters can enjoy wood-fired pizza, mulled wine and hot chocolate, or treat themselves to spa passes, festive breaks or après-skate dining across the hotel’s three restaurants.
Tickets: Adults from £17
Runs until: 11 January
London’s Rooftop Rink in Peckham
Peckham’s Bussey Rooftop Bar hosts what it calls London’s highest ice rink, offering panoramic city views. DJs spin Christmas hits on weekend evenings, while the winter lodge serves festive spritzes, pizzas, pigs in blankets and boozy hot chocolate. Special events like bauble-painting workshops and New Year parties add to the atmosphere.
Tickets: Adults from £14
Runs until: 1 January
Why Visit These UK Pop-Up Ice Rinks?
From towering Christmas trees to seaside skylines, each rink delivers a unique winter experience. Whether you’re planning a family day out, festive date night or holiday getaway, these UK pop-up ice rinks offer unforgettable moments and seasonal magic.
