The South East's most beautiful winter ice rink is open for its sixth year, now until January 17 2016, on the Royal Pavilion's Eastern lawns in Brighton. With the former Royal pleasure palace as the backdrop, huge rink side bar and restaurant with a 40 metre terrace, this hidden gem of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those wanting to skate in a beautiful setting as well as sit down to eat après ice. With all of Brighton's gorgeous independent shops on its doorstep and just 50 minutes from Victoria by train, you can get a little Christmas shopping in too.
The 880 square metre rink has a beginners' area, penguin skate aids and skate sizes from 'just walking' to adult. There's no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The stunning rink side Bar & Kitchen offers mouth-watering patisserie snacks; festive toffee apples for a Christmas treat; a quick drink with the best view in the City or a full three-course meal with family and friends.
Ice skating tickets cost from £10 for adults (aged 12 and over), £7 for juniors (children under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily) offers children under five the chance to skate for free when accompanied on the ice by an adult paying full price. There are also season tickets for those who want to learn to skate (check website for details) and great concessions for students. The box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
