With Christmas, New Year and flurries of snow just around the corner, we’re really getting in to the swing of winter. So, what better way to embrace the coldest months of the year than to enjoy the kind of stuff you can’t do in summer – like outdoor ice-skating?
We’ve rounded up the five best outdoor ice rinks in Europe all set in stunning locations, so you can spend your winter city break skating in style…
Vienna Ice Dream
From January 19th 2012 to March 4th 2012
A skaters’ paradise, the Vienna Ice Dream will comprise of one huge rink outside the beautifully illuminated City Hall, with a special skaters’ pathway winding through City Hall Park.
Red Square Ice Rink, Moscow
From November 14th 2011 to February 2012
Red Square’s huge ice rink means you can twirl and glide to a backdrop of Russia’s most iconic buildings, from colourful St Basil’s Cathedral to the Kremlin.
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton
From November 12th 2011 to January 22nd 2012
This rink in the gardens of the Royal Pavilion, an eccentric, Rajasthani-inspired former royal palace, is the perfect place for a skate in quirky and cool Brighton.
Eiffel Tower Ice Rink, Paris
From December 15th 2011 to January 31st 2012
The ice rink on the Eiffel Tower’s first floor means you skate from a cool 311ft in the air, with wintry views of Paris all spread out before you.
Tower of London Ice Rink
From November 19th 2011 to January 8th 2012
The Tower of London’s ice rink is set in its moat, so you skate with the medieval castle’s turreted towers looming up before you.
Want more ideas for winter travel? See our cool and cheap ski destinations plus a roundup of UK and Eurostar Christmas markets
Words: Isabel Clift
